THE ACC REPORT: THE COASTAL DIVISION

BY CHRISTOPHER J. KRESGE
ACC INSIDER

Virginia Tech 28 - Ohio 7: I think the jury is still out this year on whether the mid major conference teams are really that good or are the perennial ranked powerhouse football programs are that overrated? The Hokies once again struggled all afternoon with their offense as true freshman Tyrod Taylor got his first start of what the Hokies faithful hope is a brilliant career. He is definitely not Michael Vick yet, but has tons of potential. Taylor went 18/31 for 287 yards and showed flashes of greatness at times, but this team’s strength is its defensive unit. All-American linebackers Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi combined for 25 total tackles and three of the Hokies four sacks. Coach Frank Beamer won his 200th game on Saturday. Tech is not a top ten team as of now, but if the offensive line and Brandon Ore can return to form, the Hokies will be in the hunt this year.
NEXT GAME: William and Mary

Miami 23 - FIU 9: After three games, the 2-1 Canes seem to be turning the corner offensively. Kyle Wright was reinstated as the starter by Coach Shannon and had good game. Wright was 10/19 for 224 yards and connected with Lance Leggett for an 80-yard pass, the longest for the Canes in nearly two years. The offensive line is starting to improve and the running game continues to be their strong point, with both Javarris James and Graig Cooper leading the way. Wide Receiver Darnel Jenkins also had a breakout game with five catches for 108 yards. If, and that is a big IF, Wright and his wide receivers can get it going, the Canes might be able to make some noise in the ACC this year. As expected, the defensive secondary was outstanding, with two interceptions. One minor concern for the Hurricanes was 12 penalties for 93 yards, and that is something Coach Shannon will not tolerate. This Thursday, they are back to the Orange Bowl for a nationally televised game against Big 12 opponent Texas A&M.
NEXT GAME: Thursday vs. Texas A&M

Virginia 22 – North Carolina 20: If you could combine the Tar Heel’s passing game with the Cavalier’s ground attack, this would be one of the highest scoring teams in college football. Cedric Peerman rushed for 186 yards and one touchdown for Virginia as he increasingly solidifies his stock as a legitimate NFL prospect. For North Carolina, T.J. Yates continues to light up secondaries as he threw for 339 yards and three touchdowns (one interception). The most surprising part of Yates’ success, is that Butch Davis is known as a run first, pass second coach. Potential first round pick, Chris Long, had one interception that he returned for a 25-yard touchdown. Mediocrity is the best way to describe both teams.
NEXT GAME: UNC: at South Florida; UVA: Georgia Tech

Boston College 24 – Georgia Tech 10: Boston College is no longer flying under the radar in the ACC; they are actually now the odds on favorite to win the whole thing. What a statement game for the Eagles to go down to Atlanta and basically “beat up” the Yellow Jackets. Boston College was ranked fourth nationally against the run and Tashard Choice found this out the hard way. The Eagles held Choice to just 31 yards on 15 carries after he was seeming unstoppable in his first two games. The real story of this game is newly anointed “Heisman” hopeful, Matt Ryan, who threw for 435 yards and one touchdown. Ryan lit up Georgia Tech like a Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. Can a team north of the Mason Dixon line win the ACC? So far it looks that way, stay tuned…
NEXT GAME: BC: ARMY; GT: at Virginia

Duke 20 – Northwestern 14: Well Duke fans, I know you were waiting 22 long games for this, but it is finally here for you…a WIN!!!! Yes, Thaddeus Lewis threw for three touchdowns and 246 yards as Duke beat Northwestern 20 – 14 to snap a 22-game losing streak. This team is not scared to throw the ball, as evident by Lewis’ statistics this year, they obviously are not the Steve Spurrier Duke squad of the early 90’s, but this team should not be overlooked by anyone in the ACC.
NEXT GAME: at NAVY