Selection Sunday-- there's no other day like it in the world of sports. College basketball's field of 68 is announced with plenty at play: Are you in? What seed? What's the draw? And what's the road to the Final Four? Each question is as critical as the previous one...as matchups take precedence over actual talent in March.
Georgetown-- the Hoyas are figured as a #4 seed by the Washington Post and CBS Sportsline... and a #3 by ESPN. Despite a disappointing finish against Cincinnati in the Big East Quarterfinals... coach John Thompson III's team has displayed a defense that's been downright dominating at times. The question is, where will they be shipped to?
Alma Mater Update-- the bubble (well, not THE BUBBLE, but a bubble nonetheless) burst Friday night in the Big East Semifinals against Cincinnati as the Orange fell behind 28-15 before making a game of it... slipping 71-68. On the road to 31 wins SU has had more than its share of nailbiters-- six of their last eleven games have been decided by three points or less. I'd rather have that now than next weekend. The Orange should get a #1 seed in the East bracket-- with a first round trip to Pittsburgh.
End of season ACCounting-- Maryland saw its stay in Atlanta end with an 85-69 loss to North Carolina. The 17-15 finish about the best one could hope for...given the injuries... Defections and ineligibilities. A five player class is expected to make a major impact next season-- and another year to get used to coach Mark Turgeon's system. Virginia (22-9) awaits the Selection Committee's decision on where they'll be seeded... Various websites have the Cavaliers anywhere from a #9 to an 11. What amazed me this week is how long the Cavaliers have gone without reaching the ACC Semifinals-- they're last trip to Saturday came in 1995. Everybody- even the expansion schools, even Clemson (?)- has reached an ACC semi since. Virginia Tech (16-17) ended the season pretty much the way they began conference play-- losing a tough one to a luckier team. Against conference competition the Hokies finish 4-10 in games decided by five points or less. Nice to see Florida State break Duke and North Carolina's stranglehold on the conference tournament.
George Mason and American wrap up successful seasons by losing in their conference semifinals. The Patriots (24-9) seemingly peaked the night they beat VCU by one at home... as coach Paul Hewitt's team dropped three of their last five games-- including a pair to the Rams. Coach Shaka Smart's team is ticketed back to the big dance--instead of as one of the last four in, VCU goes as CAA champ to a likely 11th or 12th seed. AU (20-11) couldn't contain Patriot league MVP CJ McCollum (27 points and 10 rebounds) in an 85-66 loss at eventual champ Lehigh. Both schools are bubble NIT teams... although either would be a good fit one of the other postseason affairs.
George Washington and Howard wrapped up 10-win seasons looking forward to the future. While the Colonials finished the year on a 2-10 skid, the Bison won 6 of their final 10 games.
The Maryland women's basketball team wrapped up its first ACC Tournament title since 2009 by beating Georgia Tech in 68-65 in the finals. The Terps benefited from a busted bracket-- as top seed Duke and #2 Miami both fell in the quarterfinals. But a window of opportunity is only a window-- you have to jump through. Now coach Brenda Frese's team is a borderline 1/2 seed...can they leapfrog Notre Dame after the Fighting Irish fell in the Big East Tournament?
The Clock Ticks-- An era doesn't end but it's definitely winding down. Syracuse's days in the Big East are numbered... and one wonders where the best league in the 1980's went wrong. For a conference that did things so right for so long--I have a few pivot points...:
1-- Not admitting Penn State. Undercut the league from a football standpoint... as the Nittany Lions would abandon longstanding rivalries with Pitt and Syracuse for... Minnesota? I think they play Michigan State every fall for the "Land Grant Trophy". Bad deal for everybody, as the Big East could have used PSU's stability and reputation (the last year notwithstanding).
2-- Going to the experimental "six foul" rule in 1990. Ruined the rhythm of an already physical league-- switching back to five fouls was awkward at best and disastrous at worst. Final Fours in the 80's: eight. Final Fours in the 90's: two.
3-- Allowing Notre Dame as a "partial member"... aka sharing everything but football-- not only did it give the league the oh so divisible 13 team membership (NOT UNWIELDY AT ALL!), it created a second tier feel: how can you be considered an equal on the big stage when it's obvious you're not in the eyes of one of your own members?
4-- Not convincing Chaney-- Temple would have been a great boost basketball wise... and would have provided the league with a football team in the Philly market (yeah, Villanova-- thanks for participating). But for whatever reason they couldn't get John Chaney and his hoops program in the league... and wound up with another "partial member". We know how that works.
5-- Losing brand identity-- Say what you will about the ACC being Duke and UNC's private little lake... but at least the league recognizes the pecking order and has the Blue Devils wrap up the regular season with the Tar Heels. Syracuse-Georgetown? The two schools met just once this winter... and the two haven't wrapped up the regular season like they did in the 80's for some time.
6-- Losing the East... and the Big-- to maintain its membership after being robbed of arguably its three strongest football programs by the ACC... the Big East had to get creative on what "East" meant. Hello, Louisville and Cincinnati. The league figured, why stop there? Hiya, DePaul and Marquette. Sixteen schools! So easy to keep the rivarlies alive with just three home-and-homes for each school. Now with Pitt and Syracuse departing for the ACC... the red carpet is out for San Diego State and Boise State. So like a Holy Roman Empire that was neither Holy, Roman nor an Empire...the Big East Conference is no longer Big, East or a Conference.
It first upset me when I learned my alma mater would be leaving a league I loved. But when viewing what's left of what was absolutely awesome-- departing is the best decision. Thanks for the memories, BIG EAST. I'll always think of you fondly and cherish the next twelve months.
Showing posts with label ACC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ACC. Show all posts
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Beltway Basketball Bonanza-- Meet the New Boss...
The ACC for better or worse has always revolved around tobacco road. The Tournament never even thought about leaving the state until the mid-70's... and from the conference's inception it was all about North Carolina, Duke and NC State. There was "one brief shining moment" when it appeared as if anybody could win-- from 1984 to 96 six schools won postseason tournaments and even Clemson was able to win the regular season title once. But since 1997 a Blue Curtain has fallen over the ACC-- even sending Wake Forest and NC State back to business class. Duke and North Carolina have won 14 of the last 15 ACC Tournaments (Maryland 2004 the exception) and one of the two schools has had the top seed every year since 2003 (thank you Wake Forest). This year it appeared as though Florida State might make its way to the grownups' table with victories in Chapel Hill and at Cameron-- but back to back losses have the Seminoles safely in the second-tier. Miami won in Durham only to fall in College Park the same month. NC State was once 7-3 in the league and had a 20 point lead at Duke-- before a four game losing streak punctuated by a loss to Clemson. Virginia and Virginia Tech came oh-so-close to beating North Carolina and Duke last Saturday-- only to remind us that close isn't an operative word come March. Pax Duke-Heel-ica.
#11 Georgetown (22-6, 12-5) solidified its status as a #3 seed in both CBS and ESPN's bracket models... although a loss at #8 Marquette plus a quick exit from the Big East Tournament may pull them back one line. The Hoyas' 59-41 thumping of Notre Dame was the team's sixth Big East win where they held their opponent in the 40's... and Coach John Thompson III's team also held Rutgers to 50. If they can keep the defensive intensity... this is a team that will be very dangerous in the coming weeks. Likely Big East Seed: after a loss at Marquette and a Notre Dame victory over Providence... the Hoyas are a #4... with potential quarterfinal opponents ranging from South Florida to Louisville-- or if there's an upset; Rutgers or Pitt. Take the under in all circumstances.
Alma Mater Update-- another game where the Orange looked great in stretches and head-scratching in others. Another game that looked like a potential blowout but wound up being a one-possession nailbiter. For a team that's ranked #2 in the nation, the Orange haven't had back to back double digit wins since mid-January... and while that's largely a byproduct of a tough Big East schedule, it's not reassuring when you're looking for a Tournament team on a roll. A number one seed is all but assured-- the 2010 team lost its regular season finale and Big East Quarterfinal game and stayed a #1-- West Virginia and UConn appear to be the dangerous first opponent in Madison Square Garden. Double down on the Sign of the Whale Wings-- it's going to be a bumpy ride.
Maryland (16-12, 6-8) had their dreams of a .500 ACC season take a major hit with a 63-61 loss at Georgia Tech. While the second half fade wasn't as bad as it was the previous weekend in Charlottesville... shooting 7 for 30 is no way to win -- even against a Yellowjacket team that scored 37 points against Clemson the previous week. It isn't helpful when you rank 324th in assists and point guard PeShon Howard's done for the year. Can they upset North Carolina in Chapel Hill and stun Virginia to wrap up the season? Reality says a split is the best case scenario and a #8 seed in the ACCs-- with Virginia Tech or Wake Forest the likely first round opponent.
Cruising the Commonwealth-- Two chances to put the dominion on the map... two tough losses for Virginia and Virginia Tech. The Cavaliers' 54-51 loss to North Carolina puts a winning league mark in doubt-- with Florida State coming to Charlottesville and a trip to College Park wrapping up the regular season. Still- ESPN and CBS have the Cavaliers as a #8 seed in the NCAAs. In Mike Scott we trust. The Hokies' 70-65 overtime loss to Duke was the perfect snapshot of a disappointing season: 12 of Virginia Tech's 14 league games have been decided by five points or less, and unfortunately VT is 4-8 in those games.
George Mason (23-8, 14-4) moved itself off the at-large bubble with an 89-77 loss at VCU. The Patriots actually shot 53 percent from the field but 20 turnovers proved costly. As the #3 seed in the CAA coach Paul Hewitt's team will play the winner of Georgia State and Hofstra in the quarterfinals. They beat Georgia State by 3 at home and swept Hofstra (10 point win at home, 5 point win away). Even if they beat VCU in the semifinals, it appears as though GMU needs to win the conference tournament to make the big dance.
George Washington (10-18, 5-9) inched closer to an Atlantic Ten tournament berth with a 56-51 win over Duquesne... David Pellom continuing his February frenzy with a third straight double-double (11 points and 10 rebounds). In order to lock up the #12 seed, the Colonials need a victory over 18 game winners LaSalle or Dayton... or the winner of Rhode Island-Fordham to lose their regular season finale. Backing in never seemed so good.
Maryland Womens' Window-- the Terps head to Greensboro and the ACC Tournament as the #3 seed thanks to a 65-50 thumping of North Carolina State. Alyssa Thomas takes first team all ACC honors... Tianna Hawkins is named second team while Laurin Mincy and Lynetta Kizer receive honorable mention. They'll face #6 Virginia or 11th seed Boston College in Friday's Quarterfinals-- with a couple of keys in order to be successful this weekend: 1-Hawkins and Alicia DeVaughn need to stay out of foul trouble... the Terrapin bigs can't be productive on the pine-- and the seven player rotation is easily exposed when they are. 2-possessions must be productive... the offense can't be turning the ball over or taking bad shots against the ACC's elite. That might fly against BC or Virginia, but not against Miami or Duke.
American (19-10, 10-4) wrapped up the regular season with a 76-69 win over Lafayette. A nice bounceback game from Charles Hinkle (25 points after being held to 3 by Bucknell) secures the #3 seed and a Patriot League Quarterfinal meeting with Army. The Eagles swept the Black Knights, taking the most recent meeting 74-50 at West Point (shooting 60% from the field).
Howard (9-20, 6-10) saw their regular season wrap up with a 63-46 loss at Delaware State... a rough offensive effort where the Bison hit 33% of their shots and 1-of-12 three pointers while turning the ball over 16 times. Pending Florida A&M's final game, the Bison enter next week's MEAC Tournament as either the 9th or 10th seed. While a first round win wouldn't be out of the question, competing with #1 Savannah State or 2nd seed Norfolk State (both 20 game winners this winter) appears to be a much taller task.
#11 Georgetown (22-6, 12-5) solidified its status as a #3 seed in both CBS and ESPN's bracket models... although a loss at #8 Marquette plus a quick exit from the Big East Tournament may pull them back one line. The Hoyas' 59-41 thumping of Notre Dame was the team's sixth Big East win where they held their opponent in the 40's... and Coach John Thompson III's team also held Rutgers to 50. If they can keep the defensive intensity... this is a team that will be very dangerous in the coming weeks. Likely Big East Seed: after a loss at Marquette and a Notre Dame victory over Providence... the Hoyas are a #4... with potential quarterfinal opponents ranging from South Florida to Louisville-- or if there's an upset; Rutgers or Pitt. Take the under in all circumstances.
Alma Mater Update-- another game where the Orange looked great in stretches and head-scratching in others. Another game that looked like a potential blowout but wound up being a one-possession nailbiter. For a team that's ranked #2 in the nation, the Orange haven't had back to back double digit wins since mid-January... and while that's largely a byproduct of a tough Big East schedule, it's not reassuring when you're looking for a Tournament team on a roll. A number one seed is all but assured-- the 2010 team lost its regular season finale and Big East Quarterfinal game and stayed a #1-- West Virginia and UConn appear to be the dangerous first opponent in Madison Square Garden. Double down on the Sign of the Whale Wings-- it's going to be a bumpy ride.
Maryland (16-12, 6-8) had their dreams of a .500 ACC season take a major hit with a 63-61 loss at Georgia Tech. While the second half fade wasn't as bad as it was the previous weekend in Charlottesville... shooting 7 for 30 is no way to win -- even against a Yellowjacket team that scored 37 points against Clemson the previous week. It isn't helpful when you rank 324th in assists and point guard PeShon Howard's done for the year. Can they upset North Carolina in Chapel Hill and stun Virginia to wrap up the season? Reality says a split is the best case scenario and a #8 seed in the ACCs-- with Virginia Tech or Wake Forest the likely first round opponent.
Cruising the Commonwealth-- Two chances to put the dominion on the map... two tough losses for Virginia and Virginia Tech. The Cavaliers' 54-51 loss to North Carolina puts a winning league mark in doubt-- with Florida State coming to Charlottesville and a trip to College Park wrapping up the regular season. Still- ESPN and CBS have the Cavaliers as a #8 seed in the NCAAs. In Mike Scott we trust. The Hokies' 70-65 overtime loss to Duke was the perfect snapshot of a disappointing season: 12 of Virginia Tech's 14 league games have been decided by five points or less, and unfortunately VT is 4-8 in those games.
George Mason (23-8, 14-4) moved itself off the at-large bubble with an 89-77 loss at VCU. The Patriots actually shot 53 percent from the field but 20 turnovers proved costly. As the #3 seed in the CAA coach Paul Hewitt's team will play the winner of Georgia State and Hofstra in the quarterfinals. They beat Georgia State by 3 at home and swept Hofstra (10 point win at home, 5 point win away). Even if they beat VCU in the semifinals, it appears as though GMU needs to win the conference tournament to make the big dance.
George Washington (10-18, 5-9) inched closer to an Atlantic Ten tournament berth with a 56-51 win over Duquesne... David Pellom continuing his February frenzy with a third straight double-double (11 points and 10 rebounds). In order to lock up the #12 seed, the Colonials need a victory over 18 game winners LaSalle or Dayton... or the winner of Rhode Island-Fordham to lose their regular season finale. Backing in never seemed so good.
Maryland Womens' Window-- the Terps head to Greensboro and the ACC Tournament as the #3 seed thanks to a 65-50 thumping of North Carolina State. Alyssa Thomas takes first team all ACC honors... Tianna Hawkins is named second team while Laurin Mincy and Lynetta Kizer receive honorable mention. They'll face #6 Virginia or 11th seed Boston College in Friday's Quarterfinals-- with a couple of keys in order to be successful this weekend: 1-Hawkins and Alicia DeVaughn need to stay out of foul trouble... the Terrapin bigs can't be productive on the pine-- and the seven player rotation is easily exposed when they are. 2-possessions must be productive... the offense can't be turning the ball over or taking bad shots against the ACC's elite. That might fly against BC or Virginia, but not against Miami or Duke.
American (19-10, 10-4) wrapped up the regular season with a 76-69 win over Lafayette. A nice bounceback game from Charles Hinkle (25 points after being held to 3 by Bucknell) secures the #3 seed and a Patriot League Quarterfinal meeting with Army. The Eagles swept the Black Knights, taking the most recent meeting 74-50 at West Point (shooting 60% from the field).
Howard (9-20, 6-10) saw their regular season wrap up with a 63-46 loss at Delaware State... a rough offensive effort where the Bison hit 33% of their shots and 1-of-12 three pointers while turning the ball over 16 times. Pending Florida A&M's final game, the Bison enter next week's MEAC Tournament as either the 9th or 10th seed. While a first round win wouldn't be out of the question, competing with #1 Savannah State or 2nd seed Norfolk State (both 20 game winners this winter) appears to be a much taller task.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Beltway Basketball Bonanza-- Shakeup in the Standings...
The final weeks of college basketball's regular season mean a handful of things... but most importantly the arrival of the Shamrock Shake. McDonald's minty green goodness is here for a limited time-- and isn't available at all locations. You pick your sports correctly, and you've got yourself a winning month (or longer). You make the wrong move-- and find yourself shaking your head going home shakeless. Somewhere there's a parallel between a peppermint milkshake and the local college basketball scene, right?
Georgetown was ambushed by an incredible shooting display Tuesday... as Seton Hall senior Jordan Theodore torched the Hoyas for 29 points on 8 of 11 shooting (5-5 from three point range). Cause for concern: while one player can go off every so often, the entire Pirate team hit 61% from the field. The The Hoyas face a difficult final week with games against #20 Notre Dame and #10 Marquette.
Alma Mater Update-- the Orange remain atop the Big East and at 28-1 are off to the best start in school history. While SU owns an eight game winning streak, each game has felt like somewhat of a struggle-- the most recent a 56-48 win over South Florida (before ACC aficionados rail about the sloppy play, lets talk about how more than one of their games has finished in the 40's this winter). So I continue to watch and buy into this team and wonder when or if the other shoe will drop. Sadly it often does... whether it's Rhode Island in 1988... Villanova in the 1991 Big East quarters, or Georgetown in 2000 and 2009... things often end in the most harrowing manner. Regardless, I'm off to enjoy a 44- Wing Salute at Sign of the Whale with the usual cast of characters in place.
Maryland owns the tiebreaker with Clemson for 7th in the ACC after its most impressive win of the season-- a 75-70 come from behind victory over Miami was a nice bounce-back from their 71-44 loss at Virginia. Life without Pe'Shon Howard continues with natural shooting guard Terrell Stoglin and freshman Nick Faust sharing point guard responsibilities... and while nobody will confuse the pair for Steve Blake, they managed things much better against the Hurricanes than against the Cavaliers. Can the Terps get to .500 in the ACC? They need to beat Georgia Tech (2-11 in conference play)... and then defeat either North Carolina (in Chapel Hill-- next) or Virginia (at Comcast...hmm...).
Cruising the Commonwealth-- Virginia has another chance at a statement game... will they be loud or silent against #7 North Carolina? The Cavaliers led the Tarheels in the secnod half before allowing a 22-6 run. Right now UVa has the #4 spot... meaning a first round bye is within their reach. Virginia Tech's 9th after their loss to Virginia... and how heartbreaking has this season been? Eleven of their thirteen ACC games have been decided by less than five points... and the Hokies going 4-7 instead of 7-4 removes any bubble talk.
George Mason-- well, the streak couldn't last forever. The Patriots fell 85-82 at Northeastern thanks to 21 turnovers and a less than stellar night by Ryan Pearson (after consecutive double doubles, the senior was held to 3 of 12 shooting by the Huskies). Saturday's game with VCU determines the Patriots' CAA seed-- win and they're #2... lose and they slip to 3rd. Did they bring Doc Nix down to Richmond?
George Washington tries to end a 1-7 slide when Duquesne drops by the Smith Center... a victory plus losses by Fordham and Rhode Island wrap up a berth in the Atlantic Ten tournament. Once again, GW is led by Tony Taylor and how the senior guard plays dictates how well the Colonials fare. The expanding middle class of the conference means the potential #5 seed could be just about anybody from UMass to Dayton-- as one game separates 3rd from 8th place.
Maryland Womens' Window-- right or wrong, North Carolina and Duke are the signature programs of the ACC. And beating both in the same week the way this team did remains huge. Fans at Comcast Center had a thriller in a 63-61 win over the Blue Devils-- thanks to Alyssa Thomas' game-sealing block as time expired--as the Terps rallied from 12 points down in the first half. Senior night saw a smackdown in the form of an 84-64 rout of the Tarheels... as the Terrapins jumped out to a 32-10 lead behind the play of Anjale Barrett, Lynetta Kizer and Kim Rodgers in their final regular season home game. Now the Terps have a tight turnaround on their hands with a Sunday visit to North Carolina State. A win or a Georgia Tech loss wraps up the #3 seed in the ACC Tournament.
American missed a chance to move into a tie for the Patriot League lead... falling 55-50 at home to Bucknell. Offensive rebounds hurt the Eagles-- as did just three points from Charles Hinkle. AU wraps up the #3 seed with a win over Lafayette in its regular season finale.
Howard has caught a little February fire-- defeating Maryland-Eastern Shore 53-51 Monday... the team's fifth win in seven games after winning four of its first 21. The Bison visit Delaware State Saturday-- a win keeps them in contention for 7th place in the MEAC while a loss could eventually slide them down to 11th.
Georgetown was ambushed by an incredible shooting display Tuesday... as Seton Hall senior Jordan Theodore torched the Hoyas for 29 points on 8 of 11 shooting (5-5 from three point range). Cause for concern: while one player can go off every so often, the entire Pirate team hit 61% from the field. The The Hoyas face a difficult final week with games against #20 Notre Dame and #10 Marquette.
Alma Mater Update-- the Orange remain atop the Big East and at 28-1 are off to the best start in school history. While SU owns an eight game winning streak, each game has felt like somewhat of a struggle-- the most recent a 56-48 win over South Florida (before ACC aficionados rail about the sloppy play, lets talk about how more than one of their games has finished in the 40's this winter). So I continue to watch and buy into this team and wonder when or if the other shoe will drop. Sadly it often does... whether it's Rhode Island in 1988... Villanova in the 1991 Big East quarters, or Georgetown in 2000 and 2009... things often end in the most harrowing manner. Regardless, I'm off to enjoy a 44- Wing Salute at Sign of the Whale with the usual cast of characters in place.
Maryland owns the tiebreaker with Clemson for 7th in the ACC after its most impressive win of the season-- a 75-70 come from behind victory over Miami was a nice bounce-back from their 71-44 loss at Virginia. Life without Pe'Shon Howard continues with natural shooting guard Terrell Stoglin and freshman Nick Faust sharing point guard responsibilities... and while nobody will confuse the pair for Steve Blake, they managed things much better against the Hurricanes than against the Cavaliers. Can the Terps get to .500 in the ACC? They need to beat Georgia Tech (2-11 in conference play)... and then defeat either North Carolina (in Chapel Hill-- next) or Virginia (at Comcast...hmm...).
Cruising the Commonwealth-- Virginia has another chance at a statement game... will they be loud or silent against #7 North Carolina? The Cavaliers led the Tarheels in the secnod half before allowing a 22-6 run. Right now UVa has the #4 spot... meaning a first round bye is within their reach. Virginia Tech's 9th after their loss to Virginia... and how heartbreaking has this season been? Eleven of their thirteen ACC games have been decided by less than five points... and the Hokies going 4-7 instead of 7-4 removes any bubble talk.
George Mason-- well, the streak couldn't last forever. The Patriots fell 85-82 at Northeastern thanks to 21 turnovers and a less than stellar night by Ryan Pearson (after consecutive double doubles, the senior was held to 3 of 12 shooting by the Huskies). Saturday's game with VCU determines the Patriots' CAA seed-- win and they're #2... lose and they slip to 3rd. Did they bring Doc Nix down to Richmond?
George Washington tries to end a 1-7 slide when Duquesne drops by the Smith Center... a victory plus losses by Fordham and Rhode Island wrap up a berth in the Atlantic Ten tournament. Once again, GW is led by Tony Taylor and how the senior guard plays dictates how well the Colonials fare. The expanding middle class of the conference means the potential #5 seed could be just about anybody from UMass to Dayton-- as one game separates 3rd from 8th place.
Maryland Womens' Window-- right or wrong, North Carolina and Duke are the signature programs of the ACC. And beating both in the same week the way this team did remains huge. Fans at Comcast Center had a thriller in a 63-61 win over the Blue Devils-- thanks to Alyssa Thomas' game-sealing block as time expired--as the Terps rallied from 12 points down in the first half. Senior night saw a smackdown in the form of an 84-64 rout of the Tarheels... as the Terrapins jumped out to a 32-10 lead behind the play of Anjale Barrett, Lynetta Kizer and Kim Rodgers in their final regular season home game. Now the Terps have a tight turnaround on their hands with a Sunday visit to North Carolina State. A win or a Georgia Tech loss wraps up the #3 seed in the ACC Tournament.
American missed a chance to move into a tie for the Patriot League lead... falling 55-50 at home to Bucknell. Offensive rebounds hurt the Eagles-- as did just three points from Charles Hinkle. AU wraps up the #3 seed with a win over Lafayette in its regular season finale.
Howard has caught a little February fire-- defeating Maryland-Eastern Shore 53-51 Monday... the team's fifth win in seven games after winning four of its first 21. The Bison visit Delaware State Saturday-- a win keeps them in contention for 7th place in the MEAC while a loss could eventually slide them down to 11th.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Beltway Basketball Bonanza-- scoring ends at 40?
While college hoops heats up into "February Frenzy", aka "Moving Month", aka "Cliched Alliterative Phrase Here"... I've been wondering what has happened with the preponderance of 40-somethings. Now, I have more than a few friends in their forties... and I have no issue about reaching 40-- but when a Division I college basketball team from a major conference can't get to 50 points in the shot-clock era there's something wrong. I thought getting to 50 was like the SAT's-- sign your name... roll out the balls and get a half century. Maybe college basketball is converting to the ACT. Damn that test! Even the ACC isn't immune-- witness Virginia Tech's 47-45 win over Virginia a few Sunday's ago. I want to think "Doug Flutie to Gerald Phelan" when I hear 47-45, not "1 for 14 from three point range". The Big Ten had a 37-33 game recently-- and sadly with Nebraska in the league we could see more depressed scores (technically it would be a recession though).
Georgetown (18-4, 8-3) has held consecutive opponents to less than 50 points... limiting South Florida to 20% shooting in the first half (although the game began at 11am-- even the kids on HANG TIME! had issues shooting on Saturday mornings). The Hoyas have a nice 8-man rotation that features a rebounding bulldog in Otto Porter (four double digit efforts in league play)... a clutch shooter in Hollis Thompson (last second baskets his specialty) and a center who can pass (Henry Sims leads the team in assists). Lost in the shuffle may be Jason Clark- who leads the team in scoring and rebounds well for a guard. With this bunch they head to Syracuse to face the #2 team in the nation.
Alma Mater Update-- while the Orange have Fab Melo back and I answered more than a few "somebody finally weaved the basket for him" texts... many questions come about entering Wednesday's war with the hated Hoyas (not me-- I am super objective as always about everything... the exception being Ray Pruitt's singing). Can the vaunted 2-3 zone contain the Princeton Offense (I remember raining threes at Verizon a few years ago)? Will the Orange be able to run a semi-cognizant halfcourt offense (not the one featuring two passes, bad one on one moves and a last second off-balance jumper that misses)? And where will I watch the game? I've been enlisted as a helmsman in the SU Alumni Group of DC's gatherings at Sign of Whale. I even have my "Ishmael Card" for discounts (sadly, no such card actually exists. Major missing the boat there SOTW) and have tried to get the bar to put a "44 Wing Salute" on the menu. But this week a few friends (one of which has been named "Nice Guy of the Year" three times in the last decade) are organizing a gamewatching event down the street from where I live. No car. No metro. I've been asking both places to send bleu cheese dressing samples for comparison.
Maryland (13-8, 3-5) had a chance to upset then #5 North Carolina... and actually led the Tarheels by nine in the second half before foul trouble handcuffed coach Mark Turgeon's rotation... UNC started to own the offensive glass and Harrison Barnes knocked down enough long-range jumpers to bury the Terps 83-74. Lost in the loss was improved play by Nick Faust off the bench (taking the ball to the rim instead of shooting bad jumpers) as well as the fine effort from Alex Len (holding his own against fellow 7-footer Tyler Zeller) off the pine. Halfway through the ACC season, Terps fans are wondering if they can get to .500 in the conference; they can, but have little margin for error. Home games against Georgia Tech and Boston College have to be slam-dunks. They have to steal one away from Virginia (who lost at home to Va. Tech) and if they beat Clemson Tuesday night (Tigers are tied with the Terps at 3-5 in the league)... that would give them seven wins, meaning the eighth has to come from topping Duke in Cameron (stop laughing), UNC at Chapel Hill (please get back in your seat), sweeping Virginia (Kippy and Buffy aren't laughing for some reason) or topping a Miami team in College Park-- the same Hurricanes the Terps took to double overtime in the Sunshine State. But they have to begin with a Clemson team that torched #17 Florida State by 20 and was within 3 possessions in all 5 of their league losses. Maybe sweeping the Cavaliers may just be the way to go.
Cruising the Commonwealth-- Virginia lost a chance to move into the ACC's penthouse... instead the 58-55 loss at Florida State means the Cavaliers are in a three-way scrum for 4th place in the league with North Carolina State and Miami. The Seminoles defense of Mike Scott further underscored the fact that UVa needs another scorer-- Scott was held to 3 shots after halftime and every run was truncated by the fact their big gun wasn't firing. They'll need more than one gun for this Saturday's showdown with North Carolina. Virginia Tech got a season-saving win over Clemson and enters the second half with confidence that maybe they've turned the corner- but 2-6 is a tough ACC hole to climb out of.
George Mason (19-6, 11-2) bounced back from a tough loss at Delaware to defeat Old Dominion 54-50 (despite shooting 28% from the field)... moving into a tie for first place tie of the CAA. First year Patriots coach Paul Hewitt hopes February doesn't turn into a Ram... as Mason meets VCU twice over the regular season's last four games while Drexel watches from the wings.
George Washington (8-15, 3-6) are fighting for a spot in the Atlantic Ten tournament (only 12 of the 14 schools in the Atlantic 10 go-- irony aside) after a fourth straight loss... after close games that could have gone either way at Fordham and against Xavier the bottom dropped out in an 86-75 loss to UMass. And GW is done playing with bottom-feeders Fordham and Rhode Island: 5 of their 7 remaining A-10 foes have winning league records (but that have beaten Richmond and Charlotte- the two other schools).
Maryland Womens' Window-- after routing Boston College 86-44, the Terps struggled at Georgia Tech (a team they've always had trouble with)... before prevailing 64-56. The double-whammy of Tianna Hawkins (23 points and 9 rebounds) and Alyssa Thomas (23 points and 5 assists) set the tone for a team which remainder shot under 25% for the game. Terps took this one because they owned the glass-- outrebounding the Yellowjackets by 15... while holding GT to under 40% for the night. With six ACC games remaining Maryland's tied for third with North Carolina... two games behind Miami and three games behind league-leading Duke. The Terps play all three of these teams-- in College Park-- over the next three weeks. Get your popcorn.
American (15-8, 6-2) remains in the thick of the Patriot League race thanks to a Charles Hinkle three pointer with 33 seconds left that gave the Eagles a 59-58 win over Colgate. Unfortunately, Hinkle was the only AU player to score in double figures-- and while that might work against the 7th place Raiders... it might not be as effective against Bucknell and Lehigh (or even Lafayette). Good news for Eagle fans-- four of the remaining six regular season games are at Bender Arena. Bad news for Shamrock Shake fans-- my sources tell me the McDonald's next to the arena has been shut down... just before the minty green goodness makes its annual appearance near Nebraska Ave. For shame!
Howard (6-18, 3-8) after ending an eight game losing streak has all of a sudden taken two of three... the latest a 54-46 victory over Morgan State (sadly, even the MEAC isn't immune for scores in the 40's). Freshman Prince Okoroh scored 14 points for the Bison... who held the Bears to 30% shooting and held an 18 rebound advantage. With five games left, coach Kevin Nickelberry's team's already equalled last year's victory total.
Georgetown (18-4, 8-3) has held consecutive opponents to less than 50 points... limiting South Florida to 20% shooting in the first half (although the game began at 11am-- even the kids on HANG TIME! had issues shooting on Saturday mornings). The Hoyas have a nice 8-man rotation that features a rebounding bulldog in Otto Porter (four double digit efforts in league play)... a clutch shooter in Hollis Thompson (last second baskets his specialty) and a center who can pass (Henry Sims leads the team in assists). Lost in the shuffle may be Jason Clark- who leads the team in scoring and rebounds well for a guard. With this bunch they head to Syracuse to face the #2 team in the nation.
Alma Mater Update-- while the Orange have Fab Melo back and I answered more than a few "somebody finally weaved the basket for him" texts... many questions come about entering Wednesday's war with the hated Hoyas (not me-- I am super objective as always about everything... the exception being Ray Pruitt's singing). Can the vaunted 2-3 zone contain the Princeton Offense (I remember raining threes at Verizon a few years ago)? Will the Orange be able to run a semi-cognizant halfcourt offense (not the one featuring two passes, bad one on one moves and a last second off-balance jumper that misses)? And where will I watch the game? I've been enlisted as a helmsman in the SU Alumni Group of DC's gatherings at Sign of Whale. I even have my "Ishmael Card" for discounts (sadly, no such card actually exists. Major missing the boat there SOTW) and have tried to get the bar to put a "44 Wing Salute" on the menu. But this week a few friends (one of which has been named "Nice Guy of the Year" three times in the last decade) are organizing a gamewatching event down the street from where I live. No car. No metro. I've been asking both places to send bleu cheese dressing samples for comparison.
Maryland (13-8, 3-5) had a chance to upset then #5 North Carolina... and actually led the Tarheels by nine in the second half before foul trouble handcuffed coach Mark Turgeon's rotation... UNC started to own the offensive glass and Harrison Barnes knocked down enough long-range jumpers to bury the Terps 83-74. Lost in the loss was improved play by Nick Faust off the bench (taking the ball to the rim instead of shooting bad jumpers) as well as the fine effort from Alex Len (holding his own against fellow 7-footer Tyler Zeller) off the pine. Halfway through the ACC season, Terps fans are wondering if they can get to .500 in the conference; they can, but have little margin for error. Home games against Georgia Tech and Boston College have to be slam-dunks. They have to steal one away from Virginia (who lost at home to Va. Tech) and if they beat Clemson Tuesday night (Tigers are tied with the Terps at 3-5 in the league)... that would give them seven wins, meaning the eighth has to come from topping Duke in Cameron (stop laughing), UNC at Chapel Hill (please get back in your seat), sweeping Virginia (Kippy and Buffy aren't laughing for some reason) or topping a Miami team in College Park-- the same Hurricanes the Terps took to double overtime in the Sunshine State. But they have to begin with a Clemson team that torched #17 Florida State by 20 and was within 3 possessions in all 5 of their league losses. Maybe sweeping the Cavaliers may just be the way to go.
Cruising the Commonwealth-- Virginia lost a chance to move into the ACC's penthouse... instead the 58-55 loss at Florida State means the Cavaliers are in a three-way scrum for 4th place in the league with North Carolina State and Miami. The Seminoles defense of Mike Scott further underscored the fact that UVa needs another scorer-- Scott was held to 3 shots after halftime and every run was truncated by the fact their big gun wasn't firing. They'll need more than one gun for this Saturday's showdown with North Carolina. Virginia Tech got a season-saving win over Clemson and enters the second half with confidence that maybe they've turned the corner- but 2-6 is a tough ACC hole to climb out of.
George Mason (19-6, 11-2) bounced back from a tough loss at Delaware to defeat Old Dominion 54-50 (despite shooting 28% from the field)... moving into a tie for first place tie of the CAA. First year Patriots coach Paul Hewitt hopes February doesn't turn into a Ram... as Mason meets VCU twice over the regular season's last four games while Drexel watches from the wings.
George Washington (8-15, 3-6) are fighting for a spot in the Atlantic Ten tournament (only 12 of the 14 schools in the Atlantic 10 go-- irony aside) after a fourth straight loss... after close games that could have gone either way at Fordham and against Xavier the bottom dropped out in an 86-75 loss to UMass. And GW is done playing with bottom-feeders Fordham and Rhode Island: 5 of their 7 remaining A-10 foes have winning league records (but that have beaten Richmond and Charlotte- the two other schools).
Maryland Womens' Window-- after routing Boston College 86-44, the Terps struggled at Georgia Tech (a team they've always had trouble with)... before prevailing 64-56. The double-whammy of Tianna Hawkins (23 points and 9 rebounds) and Alyssa Thomas (23 points and 5 assists) set the tone for a team which remainder shot under 25% for the game. Terps took this one because they owned the glass-- outrebounding the Yellowjackets by 15... while holding GT to under 40% for the night. With six ACC games remaining Maryland's tied for third with North Carolina... two games behind Miami and three games behind league-leading Duke. The Terps play all three of these teams-- in College Park-- over the next three weeks. Get your popcorn.
American (15-8, 6-2) remains in the thick of the Patriot League race thanks to a Charles Hinkle three pointer with 33 seconds left that gave the Eagles a 59-58 win over Colgate. Unfortunately, Hinkle was the only AU player to score in double figures-- and while that might work against the 7th place Raiders... it might not be as effective against Bucknell and Lehigh (or even Lafayette). Good news for Eagle fans-- four of the remaining six regular season games are at Bender Arena. Bad news for Shamrock Shake fans-- my sources tell me the McDonald's next to the arena has been shut down... just before the minty green goodness makes its annual appearance near Nebraska Ave. For shame!
Howard (6-18, 3-8) after ending an eight game losing streak has all of a sudden taken two of three... the latest a 54-46 victory over Morgan State (sadly, even the MEAC isn't immune for scores in the 40's). Freshman Prince Okoroh scored 14 points for the Bison... who held the Bears to 30% shooting and held an 18 rebound advantage. With five games left, coach Kevin Nickelberry's team's already equalled last year's victory total.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Beltway Basketball Bonanza-- Mourning Mornings...
It was going to happen sooner or later. We're used to late night tipoffs... especially with Pac Ten and west coast games... but a regular morning basketball window? For the second straight week a ranked team has an 11am tipoff. I'm the first to admit I keep a consistently uneven schedule-- but 11am? On a Saturday? Isn't that when youth leagues hold games and NBC shows really bad live-action programming like "Hang Time"? Once again I'm thinking about the students. My dorm's dining hall didn't open for Saturday and Sunday brunch until 11. I've got to get to the arena at 10:30? On an empty stomach? When the omelet bar is calling? Decidedly not awesome. In other developments, I just ordered my 2012 Girl Scout Cookies-- and have learned they've trimmed their options from 11 to 8. Smart move to get rid of "Shout Outs", "Thanks Alot" and both lemon cookies... although they've added "Savannah Smiles". Dave frowns.
Georgetown coach John Thompson III told me before the Marquette game that the Big East is a very unforgiving league-- and the Hoyas have learned just how rough things can get. In consecutive games Georgetown was tormented by turnovers (a season high 17 against Cincinnati, 10 in the first half against West Virginia) and lost winnable games. Henry Sims had a pair of rough outings (a combined 7 of 19 shooting) as well. But help is on the way-- in the form of a four game stretch against schools currently 5-12 in league play: St. John's, DePaul, Rutgers and Pitt.
Alma Mater Update-- still the #1 team in the nation. Syracuse is doing it with depth so far this winter-- six players average between 8 and 14 points a game and the Orange run ten deep. Four of their five Big East wins have come by double digits (although DePaul and Providence are hardly world-beaters this winter) and the team's win at Villanova was not as close as the score indicated. Today they play Providence for the second time this month-- Exhibit B why I'm okay with SU going to the ACC. Home and home with the Friars and no Georgetown game in DC? At least Sign of the Whale will have a good crowd-- although they've yet to put my suggested "44 Wing Salute" on the menu.
Maryland is 1-1 in the ACC with Georgia Tech coming to Comcast Sunday. One major bright spot in the Terps' 70-64 win over Wake Forest: the play of Ashton Pankey (9 points and 9 rebounds). One area for concern: 34 minutes played by Terrell Stoglin... and no assists for the second straight game. Russian center Alex Len had his roughest outing of the season (1-3, 5 points in 28 minutes)... and the schedule tightens up with 5 of the next 8 away from College Park.
Cruising the Commonwealth-- Virginia led Duke in the second half at Cameron before the Blue Devils went on a 21-12 run... a tough 61-58 loss that will have the Cavaliers stewing over a seven day break. Virginia Tech's 0-2 ACC start doesn't have panic buttons being pressed... but Wake Forest is one year removed from 1-15 in the league. Bring on the Bubblicious.
George Mason came up short at Drexel 60-53 Thursday night-- the lowest point performance for the Patriots this season. The offense appeared to hit the proverbial wall-getting outscored 10-2 in the last 3 and a half minutes of the game. Credit the Dragons with doing a decent job defendign Ryan Pearson-- the senior was held to 1 of 9 shooting in the loss... continuing a CAA trend: Pearson is shooting 11-of-34 in conference play...and has had either three or four personal fouls in every league game. And unfortunately Vertrail Vaughns looked like Denise Huxtable's Gordon Gartrelle shirt (1-7 FG, no rebounds or assists in 27 minutes) against Drexel.
George Washington scheduled more than a few ranked teams during the non-conference season... Cal, Syracuse and ... Harvard? Yes, the Tommy Amaker led Crimson are #25 this week... although only in the coach's rankings. GW is coming off a 69-61 win against Rhode Island (13th in the Atlantic Ten)... and the Rams are the only other A-10 team with a losing non-conference record. So the first winter for Mike Lonergan at the Smith Center may get worse before it gets better-- especially with just one player (Tony Taylor) scoring in double figures.
Maryland Womens Update-- a nail-biter at North Carolina followed by a tough loss at Miami. The #5 Terps finished regulation with a 7-1 run to send their game at Chapel Hill into overtime... and the 78-72 victory sent them to South Beach unbeaten in league play. Unfortunately they committed 19 turnovers and were outrebounded by the Hurricanes by eight. Now they try to bounce back from a 75-63 loss Monday night against Virginia (14-4, 2-2 in the ACC)... a team on the precipice of the rankings.
American tries to right the ship against a Holy Cross team that's won two straight.
Howard has a five game losing streak entering today's contest against North Carolina A&T.
Georgetown coach John Thompson III told me before the Marquette game that the Big East is a very unforgiving league-- and the Hoyas have learned just how rough things can get. In consecutive games Georgetown was tormented by turnovers (a season high 17 against Cincinnati, 10 in the first half against West Virginia) and lost winnable games. Henry Sims had a pair of rough outings (a combined 7 of 19 shooting) as well. But help is on the way-- in the form of a four game stretch against schools currently 5-12 in league play: St. John's, DePaul, Rutgers and Pitt.
Alma Mater Update-- still the #1 team in the nation. Syracuse is doing it with depth so far this winter-- six players average between 8 and 14 points a game and the Orange run ten deep. Four of their five Big East wins have come by double digits (although DePaul and Providence are hardly world-beaters this winter) and the team's win at Villanova was not as close as the score indicated. Today they play Providence for the second time this month-- Exhibit B why I'm okay with SU going to the ACC. Home and home with the Friars and no Georgetown game in DC? At least Sign of the Whale will have a good crowd-- although they've yet to put my suggested "44 Wing Salute" on the menu.
Maryland is 1-1 in the ACC with Georgia Tech coming to Comcast Sunday. One major bright spot in the Terps' 70-64 win over Wake Forest: the play of Ashton Pankey (9 points and 9 rebounds). One area for concern: 34 minutes played by Terrell Stoglin... and no assists for the second straight game. Russian center Alex Len had his roughest outing of the season (1-3, 5 points in 28 minutes)... and the schedule tightens up with 5 of the next 8 away from College Park.
Cruising the Commonwealth-- Virginia led Duke in the second half at Cameron before the Blue Devils went on a 21-12 run... a tough 61-58 loss that will have the Cavaliers stewing over a seven day break. Virginia Tech's 0-2 ACC start doesn't have panic buttons being pressed... but Wake Forest is one year removed from 1-15 in the league. Bring on the Bubblicious.
George Mason came up short at Drexel 60-53 Thursday night-- the lowest point performance for the Patriots this season. The offense appeared to hit the proverbial wall-getting outscored 10-2 in the last 3 and a half minutes of the game. Credit the Dragons with doing a decent job defendign Ryan Pearson-- the senior was held to 1 of 9 shooting in the loss... continuing a CAA trend: Pearson is shooting 11-of-34 in conference play...and has had either three or four personal fouls in every league game. And unfortunately Vertrail Vaughns looked like Denise Huxtable's Gordon Gartrelle shirt (1-7 FG, no rebounds or assists in 27 minutes) against Drexel.
George Washington scheduled more than a few ranked teams during the non-conference season... Cal, Syracuse and ... Harvard? Yes, the Tommy Amaker led Crimson are #25 this week... although only in the coach's rankings. GW is coming off a 69-61 win against Rhode Island (13th in the Atlantic Ten)... and the Rams are the only other A-10 team with a losing non-conference record. So the first winter for Mike Lonergan at the Smith Center may get worse before it gets better-- especially with just one player (Tony Taylor) scoring in double figures.
Maryland Womens Update-- a nail-biter at North Carolina followed by a tough loss at Miami. The #5 Terps finished regulation with a 7-1 run to send their game at Chapel Hill into overtime... and the 78-72 victory sent them to South Beach unbeaten in league play. Unfortunately they committed 19 turnovers and were outrebounded by the Hurricanes by eight. Now they try to bounce back from a 75-63 loss Monday night against Virginia (14-4, 2-2 in the ACC)... a team on the precipice of the rankings.
American tries to right the ship against a Holy Cross team that's won two straight.
Howard has a five game losing streak entering today's contest against North Carolina A&T.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Beltway Basketball Bonanza-- let the (conference) games begin!
Wading through the remnants of the 35-game bowl marathon giving 6-6 schools a chance at a trophy... hey, it's the college basketball season! The two month rehearsal for conference play gives the diehards (or fans of schools with not so awesome football teams) a chance to check in from the opening tip... while giving casual or easily distracted fans the opportunity to lazily join the party midway through- with a 10 to 15 game resume.
Georgetown enters today's tilt with West Virginia having won 11 straight... and after being picked by many not to make the top ten of the Big East owns a #9 ranking in the nation. They've won conference games by surprise (at Louisville)... won ugly (Providence) and miraculously (the second half rally against Marquette). While Jason Clark outside and Henry Sims inside remain the axis upon which the offense revolves-- Hollis Thompson has shown the knack for making clutch shots down the stretch. A 3-0 start in an unforgiving league is huge.
Alma Mater Update-- Syracuse is #1 and although nobody finishes the season unbeaten anymore the ride's been pleasant. The team has depth I haven't seen in some time. Unfortunately, there's no SU-Georgetown game in DC this winter. Exhibit A on why I'm not bummed the Orange are moving to the ACC: Syracuse-Georgetown is one of the if not the signature Big East rivalry. They play just once... and haven't squared off in a regular season finale for as long as I can remember. Further proof the people currently in charge of the Big East just don't get it.
Maryland enters ACC play having won seven straight-- although the team has been consistently uneven during the streak. The six game stretch at Comcast has allowed a team still finding its way to solidify and Alex Chen and Pe'Shon Howard to get their feet wet before conference play. The ACC campaign tips off with three games against underbelly schools: North Carolina State and Georgia Tech both have new coaches while Wake Forest is coming off a 1-15 last place finish (and they weren't even that good).
Cruising the Commonwealth-- Virginia's ranked 23rd after wins over the likes of Michigan and LSU... and Mike Scott has recovered well from injury (16 points and 9 rebounds a game). A January 12th date with #3 Duke looms. Virginia Tech's bubble residency is already underway as the Hokies are 11-3 with two wins over Oklahoma State but losses to the other big names on their slate. CBS is already setting up camera positions for Selection Sunday.
George Mason is another school that's 3-0 in conference play; the 11-4 overall start involves two losses in overtime and a defeat at Charlottesville to Virginia. Ryan Pearson has grabbed the headlines averaging 19 points and 9 rebounds while Vertrail Vaughns is the sophomore making the leap from peripheral Patriot to primary contributor. Although I still swear "Vertrail Vaughns" was the name of Theo Huxtable's shirt on the Cosby Show. Tonight the Patriots play Georgia State for first place in the CAA.
George Washington began Atlantic Ten play with a 66-56 loss at St. Bonaventure... the Colonials were actually overachieving under first year coach Mike Lonergan until a seven game losing streak blew up their non-conference slate. The offensively challenged (302nd in scoring) bunch has reached 60 points just twice in the last month... and Tony Taylor is the only player averaging in double figures.
Maryland Womens' Moment-- the Terrapins are 15-0 and 2-0 in ACC play after a thrilling 77-74 win over Georgia Tech. The Yellowjackets have long been a team that's caused problems for Maryland-- and with 17 minutes to play the Terps trailed 56-36. But then sophomore Alyssa Thomas scored the game's next nine points... and a 17-1 run was underway. A tight turnaround has the Terps taking on #25 North Carolina Sunday afternoon-- followed by a trip to #12 Miami.
American finished non-conference play with four straight losses-- two of them to Big East teams Georgetown and Villanova. Charles Hinkle's play has been one of the highlights of the season... but a banged up Troy Brewer gives coach Jeff Jones cause for concern.
Howard has played four ranked teams in the early going... and is 4-12 the first weekend of the new year. Coach Kevin Nickelberry hopes Tulsa transfer Glenn Andrews can make a difference as the Bison get into MEAC play.
Georgetown enters today's tilt with West Virginia having won 11 straight... and after being picked by many not to make the top ten of the Big East owns a #9 ranking in the nation. They've won conference games by surprise (at Louisville)... won ugly (Providence) and miraculously (the second half rally against Marquette). While Jason Clark outside and Henry Sims inside remain the axis upon which the offense revolves-- Hollis Thompson has shown the knack for making clutch shots down the stretch. A 3-0 start in an unforgiving league is huge.
Alma Mater Update-- Syracuse is #1 and although nobody finishes the season unbeaten anymore the ride's been pleasant. The team has depth I haven't seen in some time. Unfortunately, there's no SU-Georgetown game in DC this winter. Exhibit A on why I'm not bummed the Orange are moving to the ACC: Syracuse-Georgetown is one of the if not the signature Big East rivalry. They play just once... and haven't squared off in a regular season finale for as long as I can remember. Further proof the people currently in charge of the Big East just don't get it.
Maryland enters ACC play having won seven straight-- although the team has been consistently uneven during the streak. The six game stretch at Comcast has allowed a team still finding its way to solidify and Alex Chen and Pe'Shon Howard to get their feet wet before conference play. The ACC campaign tips off with three games against underbelly schools: North Carolina State and Georgia Tech both have new coaches while Wake Forest is coming off a 1-15 last place finish (and they weren't even that good).
Cruising the Commonwealth-- Virginia's ranked 23rd after wins over the likes of Michigan and LSU... and Mike Scott has recovered well from injury (16 points and 9 rebounds a game). A January 12th date with #3 Duke looms. Virginia Tech's bubble residency is already underway as the Hokies are 11-3 with two wins over Oklahoma State but losses to the other big names on their slate. CBS is already setting up camera positions for Selection Sunday.
George Mason is another school that's 3-0 in conference play; the 11-4 overall start involves two losses in overtime and a defeat at Charlottesville to Virginia. Ryan Pearson has grabbed the headlines averaging 19 points and 9 rebounds while Vertrail Vaughns is the sophomore making the leap from peripheral Patriot to primary contributor. Although I still swear "Vertrail Vaughns" was the name of Theo Huxtable's shirt on the Cosby Show. Tonight the Patriots play Georgia State for first place in the CAA.
George Washington began Atlantic Ten play with a 66-56 loss at St. Bonaventure... the Colonials were actually overachieving under first year coach Mike Lonergan until a seven game losing streak blew up their non-conference slate. The offensively challenged (302nd in scoring) bunch has reached 60 points just twice in the last month... and Tony Taylor is the only player averaging in double figures.
Maryland Womens' Moment-- the Terrapins are 15-0 and 2-0 in ACC play after a thrilling 77-74 win over Georgia Tech. The Yellowjackets have long been a team that's caused problems for Maryland-- and with 17 minutes to play the Terps trailed 56-36. But then sophomore Alyssa Thomas scored the game's next nine points... and a 17-1 run was underway. A tight turnaround has the Terps taking on #25 North Carolina Sunday afternoon-- followed by a trip to #12 Miami.
American finished non-conference play with four straight losses-- two of them to Big East teams Georgetown and Villanova. Charles Hinkle's play has been one of the highlights of the season... but a banged up Troy Brewer gives coach Jeff Jones cause for concern.
Howard has played four ranked teams in the early going... and is 4-12 the first weekend of the new year. Coach Kevin Nickelberry hopes Tulsa transfer Glenn Andrews can make a difference as the Bison get into MEAC play.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
College Football Corner-- Deja Vu all over again...
An underwhelming ACC season ended with a thud Saturday night in Charlotte. Virginia Tech-- what happened? Nothing like being rewarded with a BCS Bowl though. Instead of being in the national title conversation-- the Hokies are in a different conversation. One that has them not deserving a trip to New Orleans.
Virginia Tech (11-2) lost to Clemson 38-10... coughing up the customary first quarter touchdown before getting blown out in the second half 28-0. Ouch. Hokie Highlights-- DJ Coles caught 7 passes for 116 yards and the team's lone touchdown... Danny Coale averaged 46 yards a punt. BEAMER BALL! Hokie Humblings-- three turnovers and nine penalties have you fighting uphill. After being lights-out for seven straight games, Logan Thomas turned back into a sophomore. David Wilson was held to 32 yards on 11 carries... making Thomas' task all the more difficult. Next Up-- the Sugar Bowl against Michigan.
Nationally--
So the SEC gets a rematch in the BCS National Championship Game. So we have a month to wait around and catch semi-interesting matchups of middling schools before a bloated New Year's weekend... followed by more trickles of games that don't mean anything followed by a strokefest for SEC football. Fine. Whatever. The most interesting regular season always gives way to the most frustrating postseason.
Will there ever be a true playoff? One can say we're in the cocoon period... where the old bowl system was the caterpillar and the eventual playoff format will be a butterfly. People have been pointing to its eventuality for the last 30 years... and still nothing. I'd be fine with a four or eight team field... while a 16 school tournament might not be feasible-yet.
So I joust windmills and trot out my bracket again this December... giving all 11 conferences automatic bids and padding the field with 5 at large schools (highlighted)... bracketing conference winners closer to home and sending second teams from conferences to other regions.
SOUTH
1-LSU--Arkansas State
8-Kansas St--Clemson
LSU faces a nearby nemesis in the first round while the Tigers punch their ticket to the dance by blowing out Virginia Tech.
WEST
5-Oregon--Louisiana Tech
6-Arkansas--TCU
A nice turn back the clock to the Southwest Conference matchup... with all four teams west of the Mississippi River.
MIDWEST
3-Oklahoma State--Northern Illinois
4-Stanford--Wisconsin
Red on red in the undercard... with the Cowboys rewarded for finally beating Oklahoma.
EAST
2-Alabama--Southern Mississippi
7-Boise State--West Virginia
If Boise State's bummed about being shipped across the country... then win your league. Like Southern Miss did.
Virginia Tech (11-2) lost to Clemson 38-10... coughing up the customary first quarter touchdown before getting blown out in the second half 28-0. Ouch. Hokie Highlights-- DJ Coles caught 7 passes for 116 yards and the team's lone touchdown... Danny Coale averaged 46 yards a punt. BEAMER BALL! Hokie Humblings-- three turnovers and nine penalties have you fighting uphill. After being lights-out for seven straight games, Logan Thomas turned back into a sophomore. David Wilson was held to 32 yards on 11 carries... making Thomas' task all the more difficult. Next Up-- the Sugar Bowl against Michigan.
Nationally--
So the SEC gets a rematch in the BCS National Championship Game. So we have a month to wait around and catch semi-interesting matchups of middling schools before a bloated New Year's weekend... followed by more trickles of games that don't mean anything followed by a strokefest for SEC football. Fine. Whatever. The most interesting regular season always gives way to the most frustrating postseason.
Will there ever be a true playoff? One can say we're in the cocoon period... where the old bowl system was the caterpillar and the eventual playoff format will be a butterfly. People have been pointing to its eventuality for the last 30 years... and still nothing. I'd be fine with a four or eight team field... while a 16 school tournament might not be feasible-yet.
So I joust windmills and trot out my bracket again this December... giving all 11 conferences automatic bids and padding the field with 5 at large schools (highlighted)... bracketing conference winners closer to home and sending second teams from conferences to other regions.
SOUTH
1-LSU--Arkansas State
8-Kansas St--Clemson
LSU faces a nearby nemesis in the first round while the Tigers punch their ticket to the dance by blowing out Virginia Tech.
WEST
5-Oregon--Louisiana Tech
6-Arkansas--TCU
A nice turn back the clock to the Southwest Conference matchup... with all four teams west of the Mississippi River.
MIDWEST
3-Oklahoma State--Northern Illinois
4-Stanford--Wisconsin
Red on red in the undercard... with the Cowboys rewarded for finally beating Oklahoma.
EAST
2-Alabama--Southern Mississippi
7-Boise State--West Virginia
If Boise State's bummed about being shipped across the country... then win your league. Like Southern Miss did.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
College Football Corner-- thank goodness for shrimp dip...
Congrats to Kippy and Buffy. My UVa tailgating friends--popped collars with woven sweaters, argyles with Doxides and all-- can lord over their Terrapin counterparts on the gridiron for the next year... and enjoy their clinching a postseason berth to boot. It's kind of odd that Virginia Tech was idle this weekend-- it only magnifies the Maryland-Virginia matchup for all the right and wrong reasons.
Alma Mater Update-- Paul Pasqualoni gets his revenge win as UConn rallies past the Orange 28-21. Thanks for recruiting a decent QB after McNabb, Paul. And thanks for always finding a way to lose to the East Carolinas and NC States from out of nowhere... and oh yes... Temple. My cousin Liz went to that fine institution, but losing to Temple in 2004 still stings. Unless John Chaney is threatening me. Then I'm cool with that. So now not only is the air officially out of the season, the SU bandwagon is ruining its tires by driving on the rims. Pinstripe Bowl here we come! Unless they add another bowl to be played at CitiBank.
Virginia began with a bang against Maryland-- returing a kickoff 47 yards and then scoring from 47 yards out on its first play from scrimmage. After a Terrapin rally, the Cavaliers owned the third quarter: grinding out 207 yards to 65 for the home team, scoring 14 points while being en route to a field goal as the quarter ended, and holding the Terps to a pair of 3 and outs with an interception on the other drive. The final wasn't as close as the 31-13 score would suggest. For the Cavs it means a bowl-- and for the Terps it means 2012 or bust... as 2011 is already officially a bust.
Cavalier Congrats-- Perry Jones gained over 6 yards a carry (139 yards on 22 tries) while setting the tone with a 47 yard scamper for a score and had a game-changing touchdown on 4th and 1 to put UVa up 8 after its first drive of the second half... Kris Burd and Tim Smith tallied 100+ yards receiving... and Rodney McLeod notched three interceptions. Cavalier Concerns-- after a strong start the defense allowed the Terps to score three times in four possessions...
both lost fumbles occurred well within field goal range... and Kippy Cavalier makes a pretty lame mascot. Easily the least threatening I've seen on the sidelines this fall. And that includes the Temple Owl (who fears a nocturnal animal in the afternoon?) and Miami's "Sebastian the Ibis"-- really. "Sebastian the Ibis"? Legally, you can't be intimidated by anyone named "Sebastian". Or "Kippy". Next Up: Saturday against Duke (don't worry, November begins like a Lamb and ends like a Lion-- Florida State and Virginia Tech wrap up the UVa schedule).
Tailgating Tandem-- truth be told my UVa pals Kippy and Buffy brought it big time-- breaking out the Cain Five 2007-- an incredible blend with 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 6% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Cab Franc (the vanilla extract of grapes)... paired with a nice dose of Jarlsberg (Nowegian swiss-type cheese) on Keeblers "Toasteds" snack crackers. Still, I had a better time in the non-popped collar land with the Nobles: Matt and Stacia offered a pregame spread of crabdip and breakfast quiche (Stacia's Mimosa recipie calls for Triple Sec), and postgame Bubba Burgers with shrimp dip and frito's... with cans of Coors Light (raised in honor of my cousin David Watson's birthday) and Pumpkin Ale (I forget the brand; we were holding a "production meeting" for the womens' basketball broadcasts). I was given the leftover shrimp dip and let's just say it was gone within 24 hours.
Terrapin Triumphs-- Quentin McCree notched 7 catches for 117 yards in his final home game... Darin Drakeford tallied 11 tackles, a forced fumble and an interception... and the weather was really nice for the first time in seven home games this fall. I'm the sideline reporter for the Terrapin Sports Radio Network-- and I've seen rain, snow, sleet, slush and even a hybrid I politely title "snushleet". Terrapin Troubles--five turnovers on their last seven possessions (the other possessions failed to gain a first down)... 3 for 14 on third down (all 14 third down plays were 3rd and 6 or longer)... a defense that allowed two huge plays in the first half (a 47 yard run and a 35 yard pass). Next Up: Saturday against Notre Dame.
Alma Mater Update-- Paul Pasqualoni gets his revenge win as UConn rallies past the Orange 28-21. Thanks for recruiting a decent QB after McNabb, Paul. And thanks for always finding a way to lose to the East Carolinas and NC States from out of nowhere... and oh yes... Temple. My cousin Liz went to that fine institution, but losing to Temple in 2004 still stings. Unless John Chaney is threatening me. Then I'm cool with that. So now not only is the air officially out of the season, the SU bandwagon is ruining its tires by driving on the rims. Pinstripe Bowl here we come! Unless they add another bowl to be played at CitiBank.
Virginia began with a bang against Maryland-- returing a kickoff 47 yards and then scoring from 47 yards out on its first play from scrimmage. After a Terrapin rally, the Cavaliers owned the third quarter: grinding out 207 yards to 65 for the home team, scoring 14 points while being en route to a field goal as the quarter ended, and holding the Terps to a pair of 3 and outs with an interception on the other drive. The final wasn't as close as the 31-13 score would suggest. For the Cavs it means a bowl-- and for the Terps it means 2012 or bust... as 2011 is already officially a bust.
Cavalier Congrats-- Perry Jones gained over 6 yards a carry (139 yards on 22 tries) while setting the tone with a 47 yard scamper for a score and had a game-changing touchdown on 4th and 1 to put UVa up 8 after its first drive of the second half... Kris Burd and Tim Smith tallied 100+ yards receiving... and Rodney McLeod notched three interceptions. Cavalier Concerns-- after a strong start the defense allowed the Terps to score three times in four possessions...
both lost fumbles occurred well within field goal range... and Kippy Cavalier makes a pretty lame mascot. Easily the least threatening I've seen on the sidelines this fall. And that includes the Temple Owl (who fears a nocturnal animal in the afternoon?) and Miami's "Sebastian the Ibis"-- really. "Sebastian the Ibis"? Legally, you can't be intimidated by anyone named "Sebastian". Or "Kippy". Next Up: Saturday against Duke (don't worry, November begins like a Lamb and ends like a Lion-- Florida State and Virginia Tech wrap up the UVa schedule).
Tailgating Tandem-- truth be told my UVa pals Kippy and Buffy brought it big time-- breaking out the Cain Five 2007-- an incredible blend with 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 6% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Cab Franc (the vanilla extract of grapes)... paired with a nice dose of Jarlsberg (Nowegian swiss-type cheese) on Keeblers "Toasteds" snack crackers. Still, I had a better time in the non-popped collar land with the Nobles: Matt and Stacia offered a pregame spread of crabdip and breakfast quiche (Stacia's Mimosa recipie calls for Triple Sec), and postgame Bubba Burgers with shrimp dip and frito's... with cans of Coors Light (raised in honor of my cousin David Watson's birthday) and Pumpkin Ale (I forget the brand; we were holding a "production meeting" for the womens' basketball broadcasts). I was given the leftover shrimp dip and let's just say it was gone within 24 hours.
Terrapin Triumphs-- Quentin McCree notched 7 catches for 117 yards in his final home game... Darin Drakeford tallied 11 tackles, a forced fumble and an interception... and the weather was really nice for the first time in seven home games this fall. I'm the sideline reporter for the Terrapin Sports Radio Network-- and I've seen rain, snow, sleet, slush and even a hybrid I politely title "snushleet". Terrapin Troubles--five turnovers on their last seven possessions (the other possessions failed to gain a first down)... 3 for 14 on third down (all 14 third down plays were 3rd and 6 or longer)... a defense that allowed two huge plays in the first half (a 47 yard run and a 35 yard pass). Next Up: Saturday against Notre Dame.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Presto's Picks-- Closing Month Opens.
While September is Show Me Month and October is Moving Month, November is Closing Month in college football. Seasons are won or lost; champions are determined (okay, I throw the first week of December into November here) and legacies are established. The definition of a successful season depends on the school and the situation: for Virginia Tech, nothing short of an ACC Championship Game appearance will suffice. For Virginia, a win over the Hokies would make the season-- even with a 7-5 or 8-4 finish. For Maryland, four straight wins may seem unlikely against a fourpack that's 19-13... a 2-2 closing month wouldn't be ideal, but an 0-4 would be beyond disastrous.
Alma Mater Update-- Syracuse tries to clinch bowl eligibility this weekend with a game against Connecticut. One thing I'll miss about not being in the Big East is my friend "UCONN JAMES"-- the loudest Huskies fan on the planet-- and a guy I only see during the hoop season. I don't believe he actually exists otherwise. SU's path to the postseason is littered with also-rans... as only Big East leading Cincinnati has a winning record. But if there's one thing I've learned from following the Orange-- they will make this interesting for everyone watching.
Virginia visits Maryland in the annual Potomac posturing... and recently the road team has fared rather well: 5-0 since 2006. The two schools recruit in each other's backyards (11 Cavaliers are from Maryland, 11 Terps hail from Virginia) and there's always a sneer from Charlottesville ("academic institution") towards the more Salt of the Earth College Parkers. Let the record show my tailgating pals Kippy and Buffy don't look down on their Terrapin counterparts-- because to look down on someone you have to acknowledge their existence.
UVa has been consistently inconsistent this fall, barely beating IDAHO in overtime before upsetting unbeaten Georgia Tech... then losing to then winless in the ACC North Carolina State before beating Miami in their house (alas, not at the defunct OB). The Terps are injury ridden and even healthy have had problems defensively... and offensively the weekly quarterback question has to be taking its toll at some point. Cavaliers come through, 25-22.
Navy tops Troy, Howard slips at Hampton, Georgetown rips Fordham, James Madison falls at New Hampshire, William & Mary loses at Rhode Island, Richmond falls to Old Dominion.
Last Week: 6-2.
Overall: 47-23.
Alma Mater Update-- Syracuse tries to clinch bowl eligibility this weekend with a game against Connecticut. One thing I'll miss about not being in the Big East is my friend "UCONN JAMES"-- the loudest Huskies fan on the planet-- and a guy I only see during the hoop season. I don't believe he actually exists otherwise. SU's path to the postseason is littered with also-rans... as only Big East leading Cincinnati has a winning record. But if there's one thing I've learned from following the Orange-- they will make this interesting for everyone watching.
Virginia visits Maryland in the annual Potomac posturing... and recently the road team has fared rather well: 5-0 since 2006. The two schools recruit in each other's backyards (11 Cavaliers are from Maryland, 11 Terps hail from Virginia) and there's always a sneer from Charlottesville ("academic institution") towards the more Salt of the Earth College Parkers. Let the record show my tailgating pals Kippy and Buffy don't look down on their Terrapin counterparts-- because to look down on someone you have to acknowledge their existence.
UVa has been consistently inconsistent this fall, barely beating IDAHO in overtime before upsetting unbeaten Georgia Tech... then losing to then winless in the ACC North Carolina State before beating Miami in their house (alas, not at the defunct OB). The Terps are injury ridden and even healthy have had problems defensively... and offensively the weekly quarterback question has to be taking its toll at some point. Cavaliers come through, 25-22.
Navy tops Troy, Howard slips at Hampton, Georgetown rips Fordham, James Madison falls at New Hampshire, William & Mary loses at Rhode Island, Richmond falls to Old Dominion.
Last Week: 6-2.
Overall: 47-23.
Monday, October 31, 2011
College Football Corner-- is your costume ready?
Halloween wraps up the month of October with people masquerading as someone else. Area schools may have tried to make us think they're something else in September-- but after 4 or 5 more games the snapshot becomes a portrait. While some enjoy a bagful of candy-- others are stuck with a rock.
Alma Mater Update-- thanks, SU for once again killing whatever football buzz that was built in a win over West Virginia by playing poorly in a 27-10 loss to Louisville. Four games remain for the 5-3 Orange to reach the magical 6 victory plateau and assure another low to mid-level bowl game. I'm just getting excited about which banner they'll unveil next year!
Conference Calamities-- the ACC lost its last unbeaten when Clemson collapsed in the October night... meaning no National Championship talk again in November for a league that swiped three football schools from the Big East a decade ago. While the Atlantic Division is down to a three team race (with Clemson currently holding all of the cards)... every team remains in contention in the Coastal (albeit a few by the skin of their teeth). While the Coastal barely has the better league record (15-14 to 15-16), the gap widens for all games: 33-18 to 26-23. And that's with Duke in their membership.
Maryland (2-6) fell behind early against Boston College, and despite a late rally came up short 28-17. Where the team began October hoping to right the ship after a surprise loss to Temple, they begin November needing to win four straight games against teams that are a combined 19-13 to qualify for postseason play. Terrapin Triumphs-- Davin Meggett rushed for 99 yards, and the team finished with just 3 penalties. Terrapin Troubles-- four takeaways resulting in zero points...372 yards allowed on the ground... multiple drops ending drives. Next up: Saturday against Virginia.
#15 Virginia Tech (8-1) started slowly against Duke with an interception in the endzone... before bouncing back to post a 14-10 victory over the Blue Devils. Style points taking the week off. Hokie Highlights-- 148 yards rushing by David Wilson... four takeaways by the defense... and holding the Blue Devils to 4 of 16 on third down. Hokie Humblings-- VT had problems moving the chains as well, converting just 5 of 14... nine (9! IX!) penalties... and thank goodness Duke couldn't kick straight (2 missed field goals in second quarter) or they would have trailed at intermission. Next Up: Thursday November 10th against Georgia Tech.
Virginia (5-3) all of a sudden is in the postseason conversation after a 28-21 win at Miami. The Cavaliers aren't supposed to win those games, weren't they informed? And UVa can take the Coastal Division if they win out. Easier said than done: after Maryland and Duke (5-11 composite record), coach Mike London's team takes on Florida State and Virginia Tech (combined 13-4 mark). For the record, Kippy and Buffy enjoyed a bottle of Colores Del Sol Malbec while feasting on multi-grain Rice Thins. And both collars were popped at all times. Cavalier Congrats-- a running game that pounded out 207 yards at 4.7 a clip... a defense that held the Hurricanes to 2 of 9 on third down... no turnovers and just three penalties. Cavalier Concerns-- moving the chains just 6 of 15 times... allowing over 70% completions and 347 passing yards... losing the kickoff return war by about 15 net yards per kick. Next Up: Saturday at Maryland.
Alma Mater Update-- thanks, SU for once again killing whatever football buzz that was built in a win over West Virginia by playing poorly in a 27-10 loss to Louisville. Four games remain for the 5-3 Orange to reach the magical 6 victory plateau and assure another low to mid-level bowl game. I'm just getting excited about which banner they'll unveil next year!
Conference Calamities-- the ACC lost its last unbeaten when Clemson collapsed in the October night... meaning no National Championship talk again in November for a league that swiped three football schools from the Big East a decade ago. While the Atlantic Division is down to a three team race (with Clemson currently holding all of the cards)... every team remains in contention in the Coastal (albeit a few by the skin of their teeth). While the Coastal barely has the better league record (15-14 to 15-16), the gap widens for all games: 33-18 to 26-23. And that's with Duke in their membership.
Maryland (2-6) fell behind early against Boston College, and despite a late rally came up short 28-17. Where the team began October hoping to right the ship after a surprise loss to Temple, they begin November needing to win four straight games against teams that are a combined 19-13 to qualify for postseason play. Terrapin Triumphs-- Davin Meggett rushed for 99 yards, and the team finished with just 3 penalties. Terrapin Troubles-- four takeaways resulting in zero points...372 yards allowed on the ground... multiple drops ending drives. Next up: Saturday against Virginia.
#15 Virginia Tech (8-1) started slowly against Duke with an interception in the endzone... before bouncing back to post a 14-10 victory over the Blue Devils. Style points taking the week off. Hokie Highlights-- 148 yards rushing by David Wilson... four takeaways by the defense... and holding the Blue Devils to 4 of 16 on third down. Hokie Humblings-- VT had problems moving the chains as well, converting just 5 of 14... nine (9! IX!) penalties... and thank goodness Duke couldn't kick straight (2 missed field goals in second quarter) or they would have trailed at intermission. Next Up: Thursday November 10th against Georgia Tech.
Virginia (5-3) all of a sudden is in the postseason conversation after a 28-21 win at Miami. The Cavaliers aren't supposed to win those games, weren't they informed? And UVa can take the Coastal Division if they win out. Easier said than done: after Maryland and Duke (5-11 composite record), coach Mike London's team takes on Florida State and Virginia Tech (combined 13-4 mark). For the record, Kippy and Buffy enjoyed a bottle of Colores Del Sol Malbec while feasting on multi-grain Rice Thins. And both collars were popped at all times. Cavalier Congrats-- a running game that pounded out 207 yards at 4.7 a clip... a defense that held the Hurricanes to 2 of 9 on third down... no turnovers and just three penalties. Cavalier Concerns-- moving the chains just 6 of 15 times... allowing over 70% completions and 347 passing yards... losing the kickoff return war by about 15 net yards per kick. Next Up: Saturday at Maryland.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Presto's Picks-- Looking out for #1.
Do you root for your league or your school? Clemson plays Georgia Tech tonight... and for those not with a rooting interest who follow the ACC-- you'd think they'd be pulling for Orange and Purple. Late October means in addition to anticipating the quickly arriving college basketball season one focuses on the slowly shrinking list of unbeaten teams... and for the first time in recent memory, there's an ACC team in the mix. To have an unbeaten in November gets additional attention towards your conference beyond the divisional races...and recently the likes of Virginia Tech have dominated the league after stumbling in September while former title picture fixtures Florida State and Miami have been spectators instead of participants in the November sprint. When the Big East gets pub for having an unbeaten Rutgers or Cincinnati or Louisville after Halloween (sorry, Syracuse-- the Orange haven't been unbeaten past Columbus Day since I think 1987)... you see how key it is for your favorites to stay unblemished late. That's why the best thing that could happen for the ACC is for the Tigers to triumph... and stay on the fringe of the conversation as other teams (Wisconsin, Oklahoma) in front of them stumble.
Alma Mater Update-- will there be a letdown? It's tough managing the emotional roller coaster of just one college student-- let alone 100. The Orange are fresh off blasting a ranked rival in West Virginia and now play the Cardinals-- who no matter how good they've been in recent years will never be in the pantheon of SU rivals on the gridiron. Word is the wing sauce at Sign of the Whale will have a tiny extra bit of Tabasco to get things going.
Maryland battles Boston College-- and the Eagles are the only team in the ACC without a league victory. BC ranks 11th in the ACC offensively... and last in the league in total defense. Obviously they're placing too much emphasis on moving the football. This will be a fulcrum game for the Terps-- win and there are still hopes (albeit slim) of reaching the postseason. Lose and they're on the precipice of elimination with four remaining opponents all possessing winning records. Terrapins triumph, 20-16.
#15 Virginia Tech visits Duke-- oh, to be in the ACC's Coastal Division. In the 7+ years of divisional play Duke has posted a 7-52 league mark-- by far the worst in the conference. For decent programs having the Blue Devils automatically on the schedule is an extra boost towards getting a better bowl (much like the SEC Least that gets Vanderbilt and Kentucky on its docket every fall). The question for the Hokies: can they avoid the first quarter blahs... and against Duke will it matter? Sean Renfree is off to a so-so season... but when he's on he can create a bunch of points quickly-- and VT isn't exactly Air Coryell. Hokies after allowing 2 first quarter scores grind out another victory... 34-21.
Navy slips to Notre Dame, Georgetown beats Holy Cross, Howard falls to South Carolina State, James Madison edges Old Dominion, William & Mary loses to Rhode Island, Richmond comes up short against Massachussetts.
Last Week: 5-3.
Overall: 41-21.
Alma Mater Update-- will there be a letdown? It's tough managing the emotional roller coaster of just one college student-- let alone 100. The Orange are fresh off blasting a ranked rival in West Virginia and now play the Cardinals-- who no matter how good they've been in recent years will never be in the pantheon of SU rivals on the gridiron. Word is the wing sauce at Sign of the Whale will have a tiny extra bit of Tabasco to get things going.
Yes, Virginia! There is a Thursday night-- Kippy and Buffy were so busy getting their Halloween costumes in gear, they didn't notice that the Cavaliers were playing in Miami Thursday night. (They're going as Captain John Smith and Pocahontas-- again) Still, they plan on enjoying the usual snacks while watching the Tivoed game. If you see them around and about, don't spoil the score-- although it's okay to joke about their popped collars.
Maryland battles Boston College-- and the Eagles are the only team in the ACC without a league victory. BC ranks 11th in the ACC offensively... and last in the league in total defense. Obviously they're placing too much emphasis on moving the football. This will be a fulcrum game for the Terps-- win and there are still hopes (albeit slim) of reaching the postseason. Lose and they're on the precipice of elimination with four remaining opponents all possessing winning records. Terrapins triumph, 20-16.
#15 Virginia Tech visits Duke-- oh, to be in the ACC's Coastal Division. In the 7+ years of divisional play Duke has posted a 7-52 league mark-- by far the worst in the conference. For decent programs having the Blue Devils automatically on the schedule is an extra boost towards getting a better bowl (much like the SEC Least that gets Vanderbilt and Kentucky on its docket every fall). The question for the Hokies: can they avoid the first quarter blahs... and against Duke will it matter? Sean Renfree is off to a so-so season... but when he's on he can create a bunch of points quickly-- and VT isn't exactly Air Coryell. Hokies after allowing 2 first quarter scores grind out another victory... 34-21.
Navy slips to Notre Dame, Georgetown beats Holy Cross, Howard falls to South Carolina State, James Madison edges Old Dominion, William & Mary loses to Rhode Island, Richmond comes up short against Massachussetts.
Last Week: 5-3.
Overall: 41-21.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
College Football Corner-- Perception and Connection...
“There is a destiny That makes us brothers: None goes his way alone: All that we send into the lives of others Comes back into our own.”-- (Edwin Markham).
College football is often a collage: a September victory changes over the course of the fall depending on how they play. Although the gridiron doesn't have an RPI per se; the transitive property of winning and losing takes different shades from Labor Day to Thanksgiving. A few recent examples? One week after allowing 56 points to Clemson, Maryland fans woke up to see the Tigers put 59 on the board against a 5-2 North Carolina team. Two weeks after coming oh so close to upsetting unbeaten Georgia Tech the Terps realize the Yellowjackets could be had bigtime after they lost to Virginia and Miami in less than stellar fashion. Virginia Tech's loss to Clemson doesn't seem that bad... while Virginia needing a missed extra point in overtime to nip a 1-6 Idaho team gives fans plenty of concern.
Alma Mater Update-- still basking in the afterglow of a serious smackdown of West Virginia. SU's 26-point victory over a ranked opponent comes after four wins by a combined 20 points over the likes of Wake Forest, Toledo, Rhode Island and Tulane. Unfortunately the Texas State Armadillos had to cancel? All of a sudden, the Orange find themselves thinking Big East championship (1-1 in league play does that to a school that hasn't been a factor for some time).
Maryland (2-5) fell behind early against Florida State... and after CJ Brown went down to injury rallied against the Seminoles behind Danny O'Brien before falling 41-16. The margin of error for reaching the postseason gets ever so smaller; three road games remain and the combined record of their final four opponents is 17-11. Terrapin Triumphs-- a turnover free day on offense... while two wide receivers had stellar Saturdays: Quentin McCree notched 9 catches for 177 yards, and freshman Marcus Leak tallied 8 grabs in his first career start. Terrapin Troubles-- seven penalties. The defense allowed 5 yards a carry and over 10 yards per pass attempt. Kickoff disparity (over 10 yards) between returns and coverage is a silent killer... 80 extra net yards for the Seminoles. Next Up: Saturday against 1-6 Boston College.
Virginia Tech (7-1) fell behind Boston College in the first quarter before rallying past the hapless Eagles 30-14. One wonders not so much how good VT will be this fall... but how low BC will fall. Hokie Highlights-- David Wilson tallies 134 yards rushing while Danny Coale notches 8 catches for 118 yards. The defense holds the Eagles to 91 yards rushing and 13 of 30 passing. Plus two in the turnover margin. Hokie Humblings-- is anyone concerned about the slow starts the last two seasons? It's almost getting comical watching VT cough up early leads before rallying. Perhaps they should stay away from the smoked turkey leg as a pregame meal-- with that tryptophan thing and all. Next Up: Saturday at Duke.
Virginia (4-3) lost whatever momentum it gained from topping Georgia Tech by slipping at home to winless- in the ACC North Carolina State 28-14. Kippy and Buffy chose a bad week to make the switch to red wine for their tailgating... a Chateau O'Brien Cabernet Franc may be a local offering (exit 18 on I-66)-- but the brie was left outside and sadly went bad. Cavalier Congrats-- two interceptions by the defense and only three penalties on a less than stellar afternoon. And that's it. Cavalier Concerns-- four turnovers... 11 of 35 passing while averaging just over 11 yards per completion... 5 if 17 on third down...
Next Up: Thursday at Miami.
College football is often a collage: a September victory changes over the course of the fall depending on how they play. Although the gridiron doesn't have an RPI per se; the transitive property of winning and losing takes different shades from Labor Day to Thanksgiving. A few recent examples? One week after allowing 56 points to Clemson, Maryland fans woke up to see the Tigers put 59 on the board against a 5-2 North Carolina team. Two weeks after coming oh so close to upsetting unbeaten Georgia Tech the Terps realize the Yellowjackets could be had bigtime after they lost to Virginia and Miami in less than stellar fashion. Virginia Tech's loss to Clemson doesn't seem that bad... while Virginia needing a missed extra point in overtime to nip a 1-6 Idaho team gives fans plenty of concern.
Alma Mater Update-- still basking in the afterglow of a serious smackdown of West Virginia. SU's 26-point victory over a ranked opponent comes after four wins by a combined 20 points over the likes of Wake Forest, Toledo, Rhode Island and Tulane. Unfortunately the Texas State Armadillos had to cancel? All of a sudden, the Orange find themselves thinking Big East championship (1-1 in league play does that to a school that hasn't been a factor for some time).
Maryland (2-5) fell behind early against Florida State... and after CJ Brown went down to injury rallied against the Seminoles behind Danny O'Brien before falling 41-16. The margin of error for reaching the postseason gets ever so smaller; three road games remain and the combined record of their final four opponents is 17-11. Terrapin Triumphs-- a turnover free day on offense... while two wide receivers had stellar Saturdays: Quentin McCree notched 9 catches for 177 yards, and freshman Marcus Leak tallied 8 grabs in his first career start. Terrapin Troubles-- seven penalties. The defense allowed 5 yards a carry and over 10 yards per pass attempt. Kickoff disparity (over 10 yards) between returns and coverage is a silent killer... 80 extra net yards for the Seminoles. Next Up: Saturday against 1-6 Boston College.
Virginia Tech (7-1) fell behind Boston College in the first quarter before rallying past the hapless Eagles 30-14. One wonders not so much how good VT will be this fall... but how low BC will fall. Hokie Highlights-- David Wilson tallies 134 yards rushing while Danny Coale notches 8 catches for 118 yards. The defense holds the Eagles to 91 yards rushing and 13 of 30 passing. Plus two in the turnover margin. Hokie Humblings-- is anyone concerned about the slow starts the last two seasons? It's almost getting comical watching VT cough up early leads before rallying. Perhaps they should stay away from the smoked turkey leg as a pregame meal-- with that tryptophan thing and all. Next Up: Saturday at Duke.
Virginia (4-3) lost whatever momentum it gained from topping Georgia Tech by slipping at home to winless- in the ACC North Carolina State 28-14. Kippy and Buffy chose a bad week to make the switch to red wine for their tailgating... a Chateau O'Brien Cabernet Franc may be a local offering (exit 18 on I-66)-- but the brie was left outside and sadly went bad. Cavalier Congrats-- two interceptions by the defense and only three penalties on a less than stellar afternoon. And that's it. Cavalier Concerns-- four turnovers... 11 of 35 passing while averaging just over 11 yards per completion... 5 if 17 on third down...
Next Up: Thursday at Miami.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Presto's Picks-- dissecting the divisions...
They've been around for 20 years... but divisional play remains a fairly new animal in the college football kingdom. Some conferences do it right... and others need help dividing their schools into halves that make sense. The SEC and Big XII (when it had 12 schools) set the standard by splitting up east-west and north-south; unfortunately the ACC decided to name its divisions "Atlantic" and "Coastal" and instead of splitting north-south went with a hodge-podge. With Pitt and Syracuse joining the league, a north-south alignment should have the two new schools with Boston College, Maryland, Virginia, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest in the north: and everybody else in the south (splitting up the Carolina schools but keeping the research triangle intact). But it could be worse: The Big Ten begins its first season of divisional play with the "Leaders" and "Legends" Divisions, both of which sound "Lackluster".
Alma Mater Update-- Syracuse continues its reign as Division I's paper tiger with an off week... preparing for next weekend's Friday night clash with nationally ranked West Virginia. If there was ill will from Rutgers regarding SU's departure to the ACC-- just wait: the Mountaineers have been spurned by the SEC and ACC... although we don't know if they've tried to go Big Ten. And on the divisional thing... at least the ACC named its divisions-- for a while the Big East went with "Big East 7" and "Big East 6". Although unlike the Big Ten, the number actually matched the membership.
Maryland entertains #8 Clemson. For some reason over the years the Terps always play the Tigers tough-- even in their 2-10 season Maryland's one league victory came against the Atlantic Division Champion Tigers. Last year the despite dominating the stats Maryland was mauled 31-7. This week the buzz around College Park is all about a quarterback question: Danny O'Brien's the better passer but has been shaky this fall (6 interceptions after being picked off just 8 times in 2010)... while CJ Brown can motor (77 yard touchdown run sparked a second half rally against Georgia Tech) he isn't the best pure passer (41% this fall). They say if you have two starting quarterbacks, you have no starting quarterback. Terrapins tumble, 31-16.
Virginia hosts #12 Georgia Tech. The Yellowjackets triple-option was slowed down in the second half last week by Maryland... and one can be sure the Cavalier coaches have looked at that gamefilm early and often this past week. Do the Cavs have a Joe Vellano though to make 20 tackles? Meanwhile the offense that staggered to 14 regulation points against Idaho doesn't will have problems producing against a Georgia Tech defense that held Maryland to 6 of 24 passing. At least Kippy and Buffy are back at Scott Stadium after closing the Hilton Head cottage last weekend. Cavaliers crumble, 34-14.
#19 Virginia Tech visits Wake Forest. While the Hokies have staggered to a 1-1 ACC mark the Demon Deacons are 3-0 in league play. But like everything Wake's strong start comes with a few caveats: 1--they blew a double digit lead and lost to Syracuse... the Orange being the Paper Tiger of Paper Tigers this fall. 2-- three conference wins by a total of 20 points come against three schools that are a combined 0-7 in the ACC. Logan Thomas played out of his mind against Miami-- was that an aberration or the beginning of something special? Wake's a team that has trouble running the ball... and that might let the Hokie D tee up on WF QB Tanner Price. This has the feel of one of those grinding games where BEAMER BALL! generates the necessary winning points. Hokies hang on, 24-21.
Navy sinks at Rutgers, Georgetown handles Howard, James Madison tops Villanova, William & Mary falls to New Hampshire.
Last Week: 5-3.
Overall: 31-16.
Alma Mater Update-- Syracuse continues its reign as Division I's paper tiger with an off week... preparing for next weekend's Friday night clash with nationally ranked West Virginia. If there was ill will from Rutgers regarding SU's departure to the ACC-- just wait: the Mountaineers have been spurned by the SEC and ACC... although we don't know if they've tried to go Big Ten. And on the divisional thing... at least the ACC named its divisions-- for a while the Big East went with "Big East 7" and "Big East 6". Although unlike the Big Ten, the number actually matched the membership.
Maryland entertains #8 Clemson. For some reason over the years the Terps always play the Tigers tough-- even in their 2-10 season Maryland's one league victory came against the Atlantic Division Champion Tigers. Last year the despite dominating the stats Maryland was mauled 31-7. This week the buzz around College Park is all about a quarterback question: Danny O'Brien's the better passer but has been shaky this fall (6 interceptions after being picked off just 8 times in 2010)... while CJ Brown can motor (77 yard touchdown run sparked a second half rally against Georgia Tech) he isn't the best pure passer (41% this fall). They say if you have two starting quarterbacks, you have no starting quarterback. Terrapins tumble, 31-16.
Virginia hosts #12 Georgia Tech. The Yellowjackets triple-option was slowed down in the second half last week by Maryland... and one can be sure the Cavalier coaches have looked at that gamefilm early and often this past week. Do the Cavs have a Joe Vellano though to make 20 tackles? Meanwhile the offense that staggered to 14 regulation points against Idaho doesn't will have problems producing against a Georgia Tech defense that held Maryland to 6 of 24 passing. At least Kippy and Buffy are back at Scott Stadium after closing the Hilton Head cottage last weekend. Cavaliers crumble, 34-14.
#19 Virginia Tech visits Wake Forest. While the Hokies have staggered to a 1-1 ACC mark the Demon Deacons are 3-0 in league play. But like everything Wake's strong start comes with a few caveats: 1--they blew a double digit lead and lost to Syracuse... the Orange being the Paper Tiger of Paper Tigers this fall. 2-- three conference wins by a total of 20 points come against three schools that are a combined 0-7 in the ACC. Logan Thomas played out of his mind against Miami-- was that an aberration or the beginning of something special? Wake's a team that has trouble running the ball... and that might let the Hokie D tee up on WF QB Tanner Price. This has the feel of one of those grinding games where BEAMER BALL! generates the necessary winning points. Hokies hang on, 24-21.
Navy sinks at Rutgers, Georgetown handles Howard, James Madison tops Villanova, William & Mary falls to New Hampshire.
Last Week: 5-3.
Overall: 31-16.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
College Football Corner-- Moving Month...
If September is college football's "Show Me Month", then October qualifies as "Moving Month". Contenders are exposed as pretenders... and suspect schools emerge as participants in conference races. Even though Georgia Tech and Clemson have established themselves as division favorites, anybody with the exception of Boston College could play their way into contention.
Alma Mater Update-- Syracuse somehow escaped New Orleans with a 37-34 victory over Tulane. So the Orange have won four games this year by 7, 7, 3 and 3 points... with two coming in overtime. The reign of the paper tiger continues!
Maryland (2-3) rallied at #13 Georgia Tech but couldn't get past the Yellowjackets, falling 21-16. And now there's a quarterback question in College Park. Terrapin Triumphs- Joe Vellano notched 20 tackles. 20 TACKLES! CJ Brown ran for 124 yards and a touchdown to give the Terps a second half spark... and just one penalty. Terrapin Troubles- 6 of 24 passing... combine that with Georgia Tech's 6-21 and you've been placed in a time machine bound for the 1970's Big Ten. Allowing the Yellowjackets to convert 13 of 20 third downs. And I just can't get past the failing passing game. Next Up: Florida State.
Virginia Tech (5-1) watched a double digit lead dissolve before squeaking out a 38-35 win over Miami. Still, barely beating a 2-3 Hurrican team just isn't what it used to be... and Show Me Month may have been inflated by the opposition (or lack thereof). Hokie Highlights-- Logan Thomas completed 23 of 25 passes while throwing three touchdown passes and running for two more scores. David Wilson ran for 128 yards while Jarrett Boykin caught 7 passes for 120 yards and a touchdown. Hokie Humblings- 519 yards allowed is no way to chart a course for the ACC title. Next Up: Wake Forest.
Virginia (3-2) had the week off, and although the Cavaliers face Georgia Tech this Saturday, they won't play a team with a winning record for another month-- and that'll be against Duke. Kippy and Buffy are already getting the Cab Franc and Malbec ready for a late season run.
Alma Mater Update-- Syracuse somehow escaped New Orleans with a 37-34 victory over Tulane. So the Orange have won four games this year by 7, 7, 3 and 3 points... with two coming in overtime. The reign of the paper tiger continues!
Maryland (2-3) rallied at #13 Georgia Tech but couldn't get past the Yellowjackets, falling 21-16. And now there's a quarterback question in College Park. Terrapin Triumphs- Joe Vellano notched 20 tackles. 20 TACKLES! CJ Brown ran for 124 yards and a touchdown to give the Terps a second half spark... and just one penalty. Terrapin Troubles- 6 of 24 passing... combine that with Georgia Tech's 6-21 and you've been placed in a time machine bound for the 1970's Big Ten. Allowing the Yellowjackets to convert 13 of 20 third downs. And I just can't get past the failing passing game. Next Up: Florida State.
Virginia Tech (5-1) watched a double digit lead dissolve before squeaking out a 38-35 win over Miami. Still, barely beating a 2-3 Hurrican team just isn't what it used to be... and Show Me Month may have been inflated by the opposition (or lack thereof). Hokie Highlights-- Logan Thomas completed 23 of 25 passes while throwing three touchdown passes and running for two more scores. David Wilson ran for 128 yards while Jarrett Boykin caught 7 passes for 120 yards and a touchdown. Hokie Humblings- 519 yards allowed is no way to chart a course for the ACC title. Next Up: Wake Forest.
Virginia (3-2) had the week off, and although the Cavaliers face Georgia Tech this Saturday, they won't play a team with a winning record for another month-- and that'll be against Duke. Kippy and Buffy are already getting the Cab Franc and Malbec ready for a late season run.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
College Football Corner-- Underwhelming exposures.
Moving month in college football began with conference clashes... and more than a few schools getting exposed as less knocking a few schools from the ranks of the unbeatens. Number eight Nebraska? Welcome to the Big Ten, buddy (48-17 loss at Wisconsin). Tenth rated South Carolina? Be thankful you play in the SEC Least (16-13 defeat to unranked Auburn). And #14 Texas A&M? Arkansas is probably the fourth strongest program in your future division (42-38 loss to the Razorbacks). Saturday was a less than ideal day for the area schools... as even those that won didn't look impressive. Thankfully, there's only one October.
Alma Mater Update-- Syracuse began a Napoleonesque 27-month retreat out of the Big East by dropping its conference opener to Rutgers 19-16 in overtime. Ryan Nassib proves to be more Billy Scharr than superstar with three interceptions. A fourth quarter collapse kicks off a conference season against schools that outright hate SU's guts for jumping to the ACC. Prepare for a fun fall, Orange brethren. At least we have Sign of the Whale wings.
Maryland (2-2) was outgained by 114 yards in the first half of their game with Towson... but bounced back and topped the Tigers 28-3. The two game losing streak is snapped-- but which half does this team resemble more? Terrapin Triumphs-- the defense forced three turnovers while the kickoff team recovered a fumble in the second half. Davin Meggett rumbled for 102 yards while Justus Pickett rumbled for 79 yards and a score after intermission. Joe Vellano continues to fly all over the field, notching 9 tackles plus a sack and a half. Terrapin Troubles-- how do you let Towson control the clock for 21+ minutes in the first half? How do you not score on two of four second half takeaways? Next up: Saturday at #13 Georgia Tech.
Virginia (3-2) needed a missed-two point conversion to seal a 21-20 victory over Idaho. Kippy and Buffy almost coughed up their Canyon Road Chardonnay and bleu cheese on melba toast. Cavalier Congrats-- Perry Jones rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown while adding 7 catches for 41 yards and a score. The defense notched two interceptions. Cavalier Concerns-- up 14-0 after one quarter UVa turned on their reverse lights for the game's final 45 minutes. Three turnovers and seven penalties. A special team breakdown that allowed the Vandals to return a blocked punt for a touchdown. Next up: October 15th against Georgia Tech.
Virginia Tech (4-1) learned a soft September maybe didn't mean much against a top 20 team, even if it was Clemson (longtime friend and South Carolina grad Steve Rohan claims the "N" stands for "knowledge"). A 23-3 loss has the Hokies wondering exactly how good they are. Hokie Highlights-- David Wilson rushed for 123 yards...and the turkey legs were pretty good in Blacksburg as always. Sixty return yards (BEAMER BALL!). Hokie Humblings-- Beamer's bunch converts just 4 of 16 third downs. Two turnovers. Getting burned by the big play (Tigers tally touchdowns from 31 and 32 yards out). Logan Thomas averaged under 10 yards per completion. Next up: Saturday against Miami.
Alma Mater Update-- Syracuse began a Napoleonesque 27-month retreat out of the Big East by dropping its conference opener to Rutgers 19-16 in overtime. Ryan Nassib proves to be more Billy Scharr than superstar with three interceptions. A fourth quarter collapse kicks off a conference season against schools that outright hate SU's guts for jumping to the ACC. Prepare for a fun fall, Orange brethren. At least we have Sign of the Whale wings.
Maryland (2-2) was outgained by 114 yards in the first half of their game with Towson... but bounced back and topped the Tigers 28-3. The two game losing streak is snapped-- but which half does this team resemble more? Terrapin Triumphs-- the defense forced three turnovers while the kickoff team recovered a fumble in the second half. Davin Meggett rumbled for 102 yards while Justus Pickett rumbled for 79 yards and a score after intermission. Joe Vellano continues to fly all over the field, notching 9 tackles plus a sack and a half. Terrapin Troubles-- how do you let Towson control the clock for 21+ minutes in the first half? How do you not score on two of four second half takeaways? Next up: Saturday at #13 Georgia Tech.
Virginia (3-2) needed a missed-two point conversion to seal a 21-20 victory over Idaho. Kippy and Buffy almost coughed up their Canyon Road Chardonnay and bleu cheese on melba toast. Cavalier Congrats-- Perry Jones rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown while adding 7 catches for 41 yards and a score. The defense notched two interceptions. Cavalier Concerns-- up 14-0 after one quarter UVa turned on their reverse lights for the game's final 45 minutes. Three turnovers and seven penalties. A special team breakdown that allowed the Vandals to return a blocked punt for a touchdown. Next up: October 15th against Georgia Tech.
Virginia Tech (4-1) learned a soft September maybe didn't mean much against a top 20 team, even if it was Clemson (longtime friend and South Carolina grad Steve Rohan claims the "N" stands for "knowledge"). A 23-3 loss has the Hokies wondering exactly how good they are. Hokie Highlights-- David Wilson rushed for 123 yards...and the turkey legs were pretty good in Blacksburg as always. Sixty return yards (BEAMER BALL!). Hokie Humblings-- Beamer's bunch converts just 4 of 16 third downs. Two turnovers. Getting burned by the big play (Tigers tally touchdowns from 31 and 32 yards out). Logan Thomas averaged under 10 yards per completion. Next up: Saturday against Miami.
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