Another year of Redskins dreams dashed, another winter to wonder what if... despite the last-second win over Philadelphia this is a team that is going nowhere for the seventh time in nine years. From offseason expectations (all ten draft picks making the roster) to preseason disaster (the late August collapse that saw the Skins fall 71-6 over their last two exhibitions), from early season surprise (4-1 with road wins over Dallas and Philadelphia) to late season slip (the Cincinnati debacle), the 2008 campaign was nothing if not entertaining.
Where does this team go from here? Is the best case a win at San Francisco and a 9-7 finish or will it just foster a false sense of security that things are moving in the right direction? And even with a defeat and an 8-8 mark who says this team isn't on the right track?
As this team is currently built there are major needs on the offensive and defensive lines that need addressing--a good football team is like a nice meal, and for years the Skins have had incredible creamed spinach (Portis) as well as phenomenal Lyonnaise potatoes (Sean Taylor and now LaRon Landry)--but the steak (both lines) is far from prime...and sometimes borders on standard/substandard. Injuries and age are taking their toll while the team hasn't replenished either unit in the draft...with Derrick Dockery the lone top-95 offensive line selection since 2000. The last defensive lineman taken in the first four rounds? Try Kenard Lang in 1997. In each of the last two seasons covering the draft I was surprised at the lack of attention given to bolstering both units.
Receiver revisionism...the second round triumvirate of Devin Thomas, Malcolm Kelly and Fred Davis never got in gear after Davis overslept an alarm in OTA's before Thomas and Kelly suffered injuries in training camp. But should this be a surprise? In a pre-draft press conference, coach Jim Zorn talked about the learning curve facing rookie receivers and how it was a challenge for them to be productive immediately--which made the selection of three receivers so high such an intriguing decision.
Looking around the league:
AFC surge reverses trend...last year for the first time since the late 90's, the NFC actually won as many interconference games as the AFC (32-32) and throughout September it appeared as though the NFC would dominate-- but over the last few months the AFC has actually taken a 32-29-1 lead...meaning once again the National Football Conference is once again looking up at their rivals.
NFC Beast? Never before has a division boasted four teams with winning records--although the NFC East's last place squad finished 8-8 last year (Philadelphia). This fall we could have two divisions where every team is over .500 (if New Orleans and Washington both win) and two where the division champ is .500...more on them in a moment.
Divisions of Depression? No chance of an east-coast bias; both the NFC and AFC Wests were putrid this past fall...the only question is which was the worst division in pro football. Although the AFC West has a better cumulative record (by one game) added with Arizona's collapse (1-4 since Thanksgiving night) plus St. Louis's free fall (nine straight losses), I can't deny the AFC West as the worst---a division led by a team that can't play defense (Denver), followed by one that is being coached well under its talent (San Diego) plus two massive disasters--one short-term (Carl Peterson's era in Kansas City concluding with a thud) and one with a feeling of forever (or at least until Al Davis lets someone else run Oakland).
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
College Football Corner...bowling for brackets...
Welcome to the NCAA College Football Tournament...kicked off by overall number one seed Oklahoma against Cinderella Buffalo in the Motor City Bowl Friday December 12th followed by seven games over twelve hours on a very lucky December 13th--
Hold on, I'm waking up from my nap...makes me wonder how close we are to a true Division I-A postseason. I'd even be happy with a four-team bracket with games this weekend and a championship on New Years Day. The previous jigsaw system of conference tie-ins wasn't ideal, but at least you had the four or five contenders all playing within 48 hours. Having the BCS title game a full week after January first is akin to eating a bunch of appetizers...but then waiting seven days for your entree.
And I'm not for blowing up the bowl system--the 32 game postseason that allows for 7-5 and 6-6 schools to finish their years on a positive note can continue...but there's no reason to involve the bowls in a playoff skeleton. Would a playoff make the minor bowls obsolete? You could say the BCS makes the major bowls irrelevant.
I do know it would make for an incredible Saturday in December (quadrupleheader on ABC and ESPN family of networks for either a 16 or 8 team tournament...with the games staggered in a manner that would feel like March Madness). Here's the postseason bracket you won't see...with national semifinal games pitting the East-Midwest and South-West regional winners...:
EAST REGION:
Alabama-Virginia Tech winner plays the Texas Tech-Cincinnati winner in the Peach Bowl
MIDWEST REGION:
Oklahoma-Buffalo winner plays the Penn State-TCU winner in the Cotton Bowl
SOUTH REGION:
Florida-Troy winner faces the Utah-Ohio State winner in the Sugar Bowl
WEST REGION:
Texas-East Carolina winner plays the USC-Boise State winner in the Fiesta Bowl
VIRGINIA TECH faces Cincinnati in the Orange Bowl fresh off a 30-12 thumping of Boston College...giving the Hokies their third ACC title in five seasons (VT is 51-15 since leaving the Big East). Hokie Highlights--Darren Evans made fans forget Branden Ore with 114 yards and a touchdown capping off an 1112 yard season...Tyrod Taylor ran for two scores while the defense tallied four takeaways and returned one of them for a touchdown...Hokie Humblings--three giveaways...and a passing attack that averaged under eight yards per completion will give coach Beamer plenty to work on in between now and the New Year.
Hold on, I'm waking up from my nap...makes me wonder how close we are to a true Division I-A postseason. I'd even be happy with a four-team bracket with games this weekend and a championship on New Years Day. The previous jigsaw system of conference tie-ins wasn't ideal, but at least you had the four or five contenders all playing within 48 hours. Having the BCS title game a full week after January first is akin to eating a bunch of appetizers...but then waiting seven days for your entree.
And I'm not for blowing up the bowl system--the 32 game postseason that allows for 7-5 and 6-6 schools to finish their years on a positive note can continue...but there's no reason to involve the bowls in a playoff skeleton. Would a playoff make the minor bowls obsolete? You could say the BCS makes the major bowls irrelevant.
I do know it would make for an incredible Saturday in December (quadrupleheader on ABC and ESPN family of networks for either a 16 or 8 team tournament...with the games staggered in a manner that would feel like March Madness). Here's the postseason bracket you won't see...with national semifinal games pitting the East-Midwest and South-West regional winners...:
EAST REGION:
Alabama-Virginia Tech winner plays the Texas Tech-Cincinnati winner in the Peach Bowl
MIDWEST REGION:
Oklahoma-Buffalo winner plays the Penn State-TCU winner in the Cotton Bowl
SOUTH REGION:
Florida-Troy winner faces the Utah-Ohio State winner in the Sugar Bowl
WEST REGION:
Texas-East Carolina winner plays the USC-Boise State winner in the Fiesta Bowl
VIRGINIA TECH faces Cincinnati in the Orange Bowl fresh off a 30-12 thumping of Boston College...giving the Hokies their third ACC title in five seasons (VT is 51-15 since leaving the Big East). Hokie Highlights--Darren Evans made fans forget Branden Ore with 114 yards and a touchdown capping off an 1112 yard season...Tyrod Taylor ran for two scores while the defense tallied four takeaways and returned one of them for a touchdown...Hokie Humblings--three giveaways...and a passing attack that averaged under eight yards per completion will give coach Beamer plenty to work on in between now and the New Year.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Presto's Pick--another Big East Final...in the ACC
The ACC journey mercifully ends this weekend...after a rollercoaster regular season where the lead in both divisions changed weekly and schools creeping into the top 25 were quickly exposed. Nothing quite says ACC football other than ...Boston College against Virginia Tech?
The Atlantic Coast Conference has dealt with more than its share of dominant eras...from Clemson in the 80's to Florida State in the 90's to what I guess now is an "era of Northern occupation" where former Big East schools run roughshod over the league. The Hokies and Eagles each repeat as division champs; VT won the league its first year in the ACC (by beating ex-Big Easter Miami) and advanced to the title game in 2005.
Both teams reach the threshold of the Orange Bowl thanks to plenty of grit and a little luck--the Hokies fell in Chesnut Hill earlier this year 28-23 in a game where the Hokies tallied two interception returns for touchdowns yet little else offensively (5 for 17 on third down). The offense hasn't improved that much--although Tyrod Taylor is coming off his best performance of the year (274 total yards and a touchdown toss against Virginia). He'll be tested against a BC defense that shut VT down earlier this year (and has allowed under 15 points a game during a four game winning streak).
The Hokie defense needs to contain a one-two punch on the ground that features Montel Harris (116 yards rushing against Maryland) and Josh Haden...and outside of Brandon Robinson the Eagles primarily throw the ball short.
Special teams? BC returned a punt for a touchdown in their October matchup that was decided by five. Beamerball has been somewhat quiet for most of this year--is it time for the kicking game to reach that championship gear? Hokies make another Miami reservation, 25-15.
The Atlantic Coast Conference has dealt with more than its share of dominant eras...from Clemson in the 80's to Florida State in the 90's to what I guess now is an "era of Northern occupation" where former Big East schools run roughshod over the league. The Hokies and Eagles each repeat as division champs; VT won the league its first year in the ACC (by beating ex-Big Easter Miami) and advanced to the title game in 2005.
Both teams reach the threshold of the Orange Bowl thanks to plenty of grit and a little luck--the Hokies fell in Chesnut Hill earlier this year 28-23 in a game where the Hokies tallied two interception returns for touchdowns yet little else offensively (5 for 17 on third down). The offense hasn't improved that much--although Tyrod Taylor is coming off his best performance of the year (274 total yards and a touchdown toss against Virginia). He'll be tested against a BC defense that shut VT down earlier this year (and has allowed under 15 points a game during a four game winning streak).
The Hokie defense needs to contain a one-two punch on the ground that features Montel Harris (116 yards rushing against Maryland) and Josh Haden...and outside of Brandon Robinson the Eagles primarily throw the ball short.
Special teams? BC returned a punt for a touchdown in their October matchup that was decided by five. Beamerball has been somewhat quiet for most of this year--is it time for the kicking game to reach that championship gear? Hokies make another Miami reservation, 25-15.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
College Football Corner...after further review..
Well, where was I?...Sorry to my legions of readers for the lack of Presto's Picks and College Football Corners the last few weeks--but now we are back to wrap up the season in fine fashion.
My 20th high school reunion was over Thanksgiving weekend--and unfortunately other responsibilities kept me in DC--and I can't help but view my high school days within the context of the recent college football season...filled with possibilities, disappointments, unrealistic expectations and the occasional pleasant surprises--with plenty of lessons learned and forgotten.
(Alma mater update--while I don't know how the Manchester High School West football team fared, I was in the stands at Notre Dame Stadium for Syracuse's improbable 24-23 upset of the Irish--and although the Orange will have to find a new coach to reinvent a once-proud program...SU hoops is off and running to an excellent start)
Maryland wrapped up its inconsistent regular season with a 28-21 loss to Boston College...the team's first loss during the day as well as their first defeat against a ranked opponent. TERRAPIN TRIUMPHS--Chris Turner threw for 360 yards and two touchdowns while running for another score...Torry Smith and Danny Oquendo each tallied more than 100 yards receiving...the defense held BC to just 143 yards passing (less than 10 yards per completion)... TERRAPIN TROUBLES--it's very difficult to win if you can't run or stop the run...and the Terps were outgained on the ground 175 to minus 6...as the tailback tandem of DaRell Scott and Davin Meggett was limited to 23 yards on 16 carries...meanwhile, the defense failed to generate a takeaway and 7 penalties for 73 yards won't make anyone in College Park happy.
Virginia Tech's 17-14 win over Virginia reminds me of what these two schools have achieved in recent memory...: somehow the Hokies despite their limitations find a way to win while for everything the Cavaliers do--somehow Al Groh's team comes up short.
HOKIE HIGHLIGHTS--how much of a dual threat is Tyrod Taylor? 137 yards rushing plus 137 passing wraps up a fine regular season...as a team Va Tech tallied 216 yards on the ground and held the ball for 36+ minutes...
HOKIE HUMBLINGS--despite being the better team for four quarters, they still needed a late field goal to beat a team that went 0-6 against I-A competition outside of October...
CAVALIER CONGRATS--in a year where Cedric Peerman fought injuries and Mikkell Simpson fought ineffectiveness, converted cornerback Vic Hall rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns...CAVALIER CATASTROPHES--in a year where Marc Verica threw interceptions by the bunches (16 over 10 games), one last pick while UVa was in field goal range ended the team's final opportunity to tie the game up.
My 20th high school reunion was over Thanksgiving weekend--and unfortunately other responsibilities kept me in DC--and I can't help but view my high school days within the context of the recent college football season...filled with possibilities, disappointments, unrealistic expectations and the occasional pleasant surprises--with plenty of lessons learned and forgotten.
(Alma mater update--while I don't know how the Manchester High School West football team fared, I was in the stands at Notre Dame Stadium for Syracuse's improbable 24-23 upset of the Irish--and although the Orange will have to find a new coach to reinvent a once-proud program...SU hoops is off and running to an excellent start)
Maryland wrapped up its inconsistent regular season with a 28-21 loss to Boston College...the team's first loss during the day as well as their first defeat against a ranked opponent. TERRAPIN TRIUMPHS--Chris Turner threw for 360 yards and two touchdowns while running for another score...Torry Smith and Danny Oquendo each tallied more than 100 yards receiving...the defense held BC to just 143 yards passing (less than 10 yards per completion)... TERRAPIN TROUBLES--it's very difficult to win if you can't run or stop the run...and the Terps were outgained on the ground 175 to minus 6...as the tailback tandem of DaRell Scott and Davin Meggett was limited to 23 yards on 16 carries...meanwhile, the defense failed to generate a takeaway and 7 penalties for 73 yards won't make anyone in College Park happy.
Virginia Tech's 17-14 win over Virginia reminds me of what these two schools have achieved in recent memory...: somehow the Hokies despite their limitations find a way to win while for everything the Cavaliers do--somehow Al Groh's team comes up short.
HOKIE HIGHLIGHTS--how much of a dual threat is Tyrod Taylor? 137 yards rushing plus 137 passing wraps up a fine regular season...as a team Va Tech tallied 216 yards on the ground and held the ball for 36+ minutes...
HOKIE HUMBLINGS--despite being the better team for four quarters, they still needed a late field goal to beat a team that went 0-6 against I-A competition outside of October...
CAVALIER CONGRATS--in a year where Cedric Peerman fought injuries and Mikkell Simpson fought ineffectiveness, converted cornerback Vic Hall rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns...CAVALIER CATASTROPHES--in a year where Marc Verica threw interceptions by the bunches (16 over 10 games), one last pick while UVa was in field goal range ended the team's final opportunity to tie the game up.
Monday, November 17, 2008
College Football Corner--timing is everything...
The biggest surprise from this past weekend was the fact there were no major surprises-- believe it or not the highest ranked team to lose was #17 North Carolina. With a handful of weeks left (2) before the conference championship games we're treated to a slew of "rivalry games"--as the Big Ten wraps up most of its play this week. Why? There are still two more weekends before the BCS wraps up...and if the last two years have taught us anything--it's that the extra time off between the regular season finale and the bowl doesn't really help (thank you Ohio State for being a test case). The Pac Ten and Big East have extended their schedules into December...I'm not saying the Big Ten should do that, but couldn't they consider playing the Saturday after Thanksgiving?
MARYLAND needed a last-minute field goal to keep its ACC hopes alive...a 17-with 15 victory over North Carolina returns the Terps to the top 25. TERRAPIN TRIUMPHS--Da'Rel Scott led the way with 129 yards rushing while Davin Meggett added 86 on the ground...allowing the offense to control the ball for over 40 minutes...the defense held the Tar Heels to 1 of 11 on third down and tallied two takeaways...TERRAPIN TROUBLES-- two big plays almost ruined an afternoon of dominance: a longsnap that sailed over the head of punter Travis Balz resulted in a UNC safety and a 56-yard pass from Cameron Sexton to Cooper Arnold for a Tar Heel touchdown...Maryland has been burned by the big play more than once this year--and Saturday it almost cost them.
MARYLAND needed a last-minute field goal to keep its ACC hopes alive...a 17-with 15 victory over North Carolina returns the Terps to the top 25. TERRAPIN TRIUMPHS--Da'Rel Scott led the way with 129 yards rushing while Davin Meggett added 86 on the ground...allowing the offense to control the ball for over 40 minutes...the defense held the Tar Heels to 1 of 11 on third down and tallied two takeaways...TERRAPIN TROUBLES-- two big plays almost ruined an afternoon of dominance: a longsnap that sailed over the head of punter Travis Balz resulted in a UNC safety and a 56-yard pass from Cameron Sexton to Cooper Arnold for a Tar Heel touchdown...Maryland has been burned by the big play more than once this year--and Saturday it almost cost them.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Presto's Picks--hot potatoes and destinies deferred...
Who didn't like playing the game hot potato as a kid? If you held on to the ball too long, you were out--very simple rules with little room for debate. I thought hot potato was passe--perhaps it had been legislated out of gym classes like dodgeball (my favorite version of the game was "Hospital Bombardment" where each team had a "doctor" who could bring downed teammates back to base where they could return to the game) for being cruel to kids' self-esteem. I was wrong, because the ACC has been playing hot potato all fall. Each week a new team has the lead and destiny in its own hands--only to pass it to someone else...but don't worry, you very well might get the ball back next week.
VIRGINIA TECH was unstoppable on Thursday nights, right? Isn't Miami still in rebuilding mode and realistically a year away from being a major player in the conference? The Hokies 16-14 loss to the Hurricanes may herald the arrival of a monster that will be atop the ACC standings for some time (two freshman qb's). HOKIE HIGHLIGHTS--the quarterback tandem of Sean Glennon and Tyrod Taylor completed 12 of 20 passes for 173 yards...while rushing for two touchdowns...only 3 penalties on the night. HOKIE HUMBLINGS--2 of 11 on third down conversions...77 yards rushing on 38 carries...minus one yard on punt returns for the entire game--Beamer Ball, where art thou?
MARYLAND vs 17th ranked North Carolina--believe it or not, the Terrapins remain in control of their destiny despite two conference losses because both of those defeats (UVa & Va Tech) came to Coastal Division teams. UNC also controls its own destiny after the Hokies Thursday night loss. The Tar Heels boast a turnover-happy secondary led by Trimane Gibbons (6 interceptions)...and may be boosted by the potential return at QB for TJ Yates--although Cameron Sexton has been playing rather well as of late. I won't even waste any more time trying to figure out a Terrapin team that's 3-3 against unranked teams while 3-0 against schools in the Top 25...but form will hold...Terps triumph 20-18.
NAVY falls to Notre Dame, GEORGETOWN falls at Fordham, HOWARD slips to Bethune-Cookman, Richmond defeats Delaware, James Madison over William & Mary.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Presto's Picks...Thursday Night's must-see show...
Thursday night has long been a magnet for stellar television...from Hill Street Blues to Cheers to Friends to 30 Rock, no shortage of Emmy winners have graced this evening's tube (even Bosom Buddies with Tom Hanks way back when). The only organization that can compare to NBC's stellar track record over the years on Thursday night is programming from Blacksburg. Virginia Tech under coach Frank Beamer is 15-3 in that primetime slot (hey, even NBC had Grand) with more than a few major beatdowns to his team's credit (think 55-6 over Maryland a few years ago). The Hokies embrace Thursday Night Football like no other team--and from a planning standpoint coach Beamer doesn't overprepare or underprepare his team...much like a souffle he gets it just right...and the fans get a delicious treat.
VIRGINIA TECH at Miami--despite back to back stumbles against Florida State and Boston College, the Hokies control their own destiny (Seminoles and Eagles are in the other division) as far as a trip to Tampa is concerned...despite not knowing if Tyrod Taylor or Sean Glennon will be their quarterback. It will be interesting to see how Miami will try to limit Darren Evans (fresh off a school-record 253 yards against Maryland)...the Hurricanes have won four straight and are riding a freshman quarterback tandem of Jacory Harris and Robert Marve--both have contributed greatly in this stretch but the Hokie defense should have some fun with their inexperience...Beamerball comes up big, 23-10.
REST OF THE PICKS TOMORROW--
VIRGINIA TECH at Miami--despite back to back stumbles against Florida State and Boston College, the Hokies control their own destiny (Seminoles and Eagles are in the other division) as far as a trip to Tampa is concerned...despite not knowing if Tyrod Taylor or Sean Glennon will be their quarterback. It will be interesting to see how Miami will try to limit Darren Evans (fresh off a school-record 253 yards against Maryland)...the Hurricanes have won four straight and are riding a freshman quarterback tandem of Jacory Harris and Robert Marve--both have contributed greatly in this stretch but the Hokie defense should have some fun with their inexperience...Beamerball comes up big, 23-10.
REST OF THE PICKS TOMORROW--
Sunday, November 9, 2008
College Football Corner--playoff possibilities...
The voters have spoken! One day after saying on ESPN he'd push for a college football playoff, Barack Obama was voted president...although I don't think there was a direct cause and effect, it's beyond time we've decided the national title on the field.
How would one determine the playoff participants? Beyond just having the top two or four teams play off one could have the six BCS conferences (Big 12, SEC, Big Ten, Pac Ten, ACC and Big East) send conference winners plus add two wildcards.
I would just as soon allow 11 conference winners with 5 at large teams voted on by a tournament committee (like NCAA hoops)...I mean if the TCUs and Tulsas can take the big boys checks for buyout games--why can't they get a seat at the table when it matters?
Round one would take place Saturday December 13th with a quarterfinal quadruple-header taking center stage January 1st...semifinal play would take place the following Saturday with the championship game being played during the bye week between the conference title games and Super Bowl. Yes, it would force athletes of a small portion of schools to compete into the second semester, but doesn't basketball ask the same thing? Just think of the hype--and the crescendo to the college football season that would be out there.
VIRGINIA saw its November backslide continue with a 28-17 loss at Wake Forest...it's difficult to imagine this was the team that actually led the ACC Atlantic Division just nine days ago. CAVALIER CATASTROPHES-- where to begin? For starters the offense began the day with 3 straight three and outs, followed by an interception and then another three play possession. Total damage: 14 plays--minus one yard and a two-touchdown deficit...and that was just the first quarter. Another long touchdown drive by Wake plus an interception returned for another score led to a 28-3 halftime deficit. The team's problems on third down persist (2 of 11)...and at 5-5 the team needs to split remaining games against Clemson and Virginia Tech to keep postseason hopes alive.
How would one determine the playoff participants? Beyond just having the top two or four teams play off one could have the six BCS conferences (Big 12, SEC, Big Ten, Pac Ten, ACC and Big East) send conference winners plus add two wildcards.
I would just as soon allow 11 conference winners with 5 at large teams voted on by a tournament committee (like NCAA hoops)...I mean if the TCUs and Tulsas can take the big boys checks for buyout games--why can't they get a seat at the table when it matters?
Round one would take place Saturday December 13th with a quarterfinal quadruple-header taking center stage January 1st...semifinal play would take place the following Saturday with the championship game being played during the bye week between the conference title games and Super Bowl. Yes, it would force athletes of a small portion of schools to compete into the second semester, but doesn't basketball ask the same thing? Just think of the hype--and the crescendo to the college football season that would be out there.
VIRGINIA saw its November backslide continue with a 28-17 loss at Wake Forest...it's difficult to imagine this was the team that actually led the ACC Atlantic Division just nine days ago. CAVALIER CATASTROPHES-- where to begin? For starters the offense began the day with 3 straight three and outs, followed by an interception and then another three play possession. Total damage: 14 plays--minus one yard and a two-touchdown deficit...and that was just the first quarter. Another long touchdown drive by Wake plus an interception returned for another score led to a 28-3 halftime deficit. The team's problems on third down persist (2 of 11)...and at 5-5 the team needs to split remaining games against Clemson and Virginia Tech to keep postseason hopes alive.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Presto's Picks--Terps trampled...
Somehow a trip to Blacksburg on a Thursday night is always an ill-advised journey. The Hokies improved to 15-3 in ESPN's signature primetime contest with a 23-13 win over Maryland that wasn't as close as the score appeared. HOKIE HIGHLIGHTS--Darren Evans rushed for a school-record 253 yards and a touchdown...while the offense kept the ball for over 37 minutes. TERRAPIN TROUBLES-- Chris Turner (19-34, 240 yards and a touchdown) had little help from his running game...as DaRel Scott and Davin Meggett combined to gain 14 yards on 14 carries...and the team converted just 2 of 11 third down situations.
VIRGINIA at Wake Forest... the Cavaliers try to contain a Demon Deacon misdirection offense that averages less than three yards a carry; their quarterback Riley Skinner lives with short passing (less than 10 yards per completion) and the team's best player is injured kicker Sam Swank. Defensively the Deacons were playing well--before coughing up 30 points to Duke (and I don't care if the Blue Devils are 4-4; they are still Duke). Can the Cavaliers bounce back from a less than stellar effort against Miami (a game they should have won)? Cedric Peerman's production will be pivotal as always; his three 100-yard performances all came during UVa's October run of four straight wins--in the other four games where he averaged 44 yards per game the Cavs went 1-3. UVa escapes on a blocked extra point, 12-11.
Georgetown slips to Marist, Richmond over Hofstra, William & Mary mauls Northeastern.
THURSDAY NIGHT: 1-0.
OVERALL: 45-17.
VIRGINIA at Wake Forest... the Cavaliers try to contain a Demon Deacon misdirection offense that averages less than three yards a carry; their quarterback Riley Skinner lives with short passing (less than 10 yards per completion) and the team's best player is injured kicker Sam Swank. Defensively the Deacons were playing well--before coughing up 30 points to Duke (and I don't care if the Blue Devils are 4-4; they are still Duke). Can the Cavaliers bounce back from a less than stellar effort against Miami (a game they should have won)? Cedric Peerman's production will be pivotal as always; his three 100-yard performances all came during UVa's October run of four straight wins--in the other four games where he averaged 44 yards per game the Cavs went 1-3. UVa escapes on a blocked extra point, 12-11.
Georgetown slips to Marist, Richmond over Hofstra, William & Mary mauls Northeastern.
THURSDAY NIGHT: 1-0.
OVERALL: 45-17.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Presto's Picks...a Thursday Night Special...
MARYLAND at VIRGINIA TECH-- this has been a Bizarro season for the ACC where each week the highest ranked teams fall victim to upset...Virginia Tech's opening week loss to East Carolina set the example followed by Clemson, Florida State, North Carolina and Boston College. Maryland tries to break the cycle with a trip to Blacksburg this week.
The Hokies quarterback situation is less than ideal, with sprained ankles making Tyrod Taylor and Sean Glennon question marks. The usual special teams advantage enjoyed by the Hokies may be lessened by the fact that the Terps have had over a week to focus on the kicking game. The deciding factor in this game very may well be a concession item-- the Smoked Turkey Leg available around and about Lane Stadium...not only is this item extremely delicious it can also be used as a weapon to ward off those trying to steal your seat...Hokies by a leg, 24-21.
Last week: 4-2.
Overall: 44-17.
The Hokies quarterback situation is less than ideal, with sprained ankles making Tyrod Taylor and Sean Glennon question marks. The usual special teams advantage enjoyed by the Hokies may be lessened by the fact that the Terps have had over a week to focus on the kicking game. The deciding factor in this game very may well be a concession item-- the Smoked Turkey Leg available around and about Lane Stadium...not only is this item extremely delicious it can also be used as a weapon to ward off those trying to steal your seat...Hokies by a leg, 24-21.
Last week: 4-2.
Overall: 44-17.
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