THE ACC COASTAL REPORT

CHRISTOPHER J. KRESGE
ACC INSIDER

Virginia Tech 17 - North Carolina 10
At this point in the season, we are starting to get a better idea of what these teams have in terms of strengths and weaknesses. Virginia Tech is a superb defensive team with a freshman quarterback that is still figuring out Division I defenses and an offensive line that does not seem to be able to get it together with their run blocking schemes. The Tar Heels are extremely young, 42 freshmen on their roster, and every game is a “learning experience”, if I may. Freshman quarterback Tyrod Taylor’s stat sheet was 10/19 for 66 yards and one interception; Clemson’s high-octane defense cannot wait for you next week to visit Death Valley. The Tar Heels again let T.J. Yates continue to air it out and two promising stars are emerging along with Yates, sophomore wide receiver Hakeem Nicks and freshman running back Ryan Houston. Time to graduate young Tar Heels; the Canes are coming to town next week.
NEXT WEEK: Virginia Tech @ Clemson
NEXT WEEK: North Carolina vs. Miami


Miami 24 - Duke 14
A half filled Orange Bowl against a non-ranked opponent means one thing for the Miami Hurricanes, let down. After their huge win against Texas A&M, you just knew they would overlook this game and do “enough” for the win. A lot of what we expected in terms of the offense for both the Canes and Blue Devils. Miami stayed true to their running game with the one two punch of Javarris James and Graig Cooper combining for 158 rushing yards and Duke relied on the arm of Thaddeus “Air” Lewis who connected once again for a touchdown to his favorite target, Eron Riley. Once again, Kyle Wright took two steps forward in his “comeback” with two throwing touchdowns but also followed with two interceptions. I am not sure if he will ever get it together, but there are still plenty of inter-conference games to be played.
NEXT WEEK: Miami @ UNC
NEXT WEEK: Duke vs. Wake Forest


Georgia Tech 13 – Clemson 3
Most will say Georgia Tech had their backs up against the wall and “answered the bell” to snap their two game losing streak. Well, let me be the first to say that didn’t happen and Clemson basically gave the Yellow Jackets this win. First of all -- Clemson’s offensive line gave up six sacks. Secondly, they missed four field goals. Lastly, had a punt blocked on their own 11-yard line. Clemson is a much more talented team but for whatever reason, decided not to show up on Saturday. Cullen Harper had a rough afternoon as his rushing combination of James Davis and C.J. Spiller were kept in check. Besides being sacked six times, Harper also threw one interception, which came at a costly time in the game. For Georgia Tech, a lot of the same of what we have seen all year, Tashard Choice running hard and quarterback Taylor Bennett struggling against ACC defenses. Bennett finished 7/15 for 67 yards and one interception. We will find out real quick what type of team Clemson is this year as they get ready for Virginia Tech next week and Georgia Tech will also show us whom they really are as they head north to meet Maryland.
NEXT WEEK: Georgia Tech @ Maryland


Virgina 44 – Pittsburgh 14
To keep with the theme this week, I will quote Coach Denny Green after one of his memorable press conferences, “They are, who we thought they would be!” Virginia has kept their game plan the same all year, run with Cedric Peerman, throw minimally with Jameel Sewell and let the defense pin their ears back and get at you. Peerman rushed for 87 yards and had two touchdowns while Sewell threw for 169 yards and three touchdowns. The Cavaliers have improved to 4-1 this season after a disappointing loss in Wyoming in their opening game. Eventually Sewell will have to stretch the field more as teams will start putting eight in a box to stop Peerman. But, hats off to the UVA coaching staff for having their team back on track after that opening day loss.
NEXT WEEK: @ Middle Tennessee State