CFI: THE ACC REPORT

BY CHRISTOPHER J. KRESGE
ACC COASTAL INSIDER

VIRGINIA TECH 43 – DUKE 14
Well, “Air” Lewis for Duke finally had a defense clip his wings as the 12th ranked Hokies limited the aerial attack for the Blue Devils to only 119 yards on 13 completions and 24 attempts. All the experts have actually been waiting for Virginia Tech to lay the wood to a lesser opponent all year and this performance following the big game in Clemson could have Tech starting to look like the top ten team they were projected as in many pre-season polls. Sean Glennon was back under center after freshman Tyrod Taylor was injured. Glennon finished the game with two touchdowns and 258 passing yards. Tech’s kicker, Jud Denlevy, showed NFL ability with two long field goals, one at 42 and the other from 44 yards respectively. But once again, the rushing game for the Hokies was pathetic. A total of only 99 yards, as Branden Ore is single handily playing himself out of the NFL draft. The No. 3 ranked Boston College Eagles come to town on October 25, 2007 and we’ll see which team is a pretender or contender for a BCS bowl.
NEXT WEEK: October 25 Virginia Tech vs. Boston College
NEXT WEEK: October 27 Duke vs. FSU

USC 21 – UNC 15
The young guns down in Chapel Hill lost another game by fewer than seven points -- this makes four all together, as they continue to show improvement and the ability to play with the best of the best as USC came in ranked No. 7 in the polls and is SEC battle tested. Another interesting point, Kenan Stadium for the Tar Heels was sold out to capacity at 61,000…so kudos to Butch Davis and his marketing team for getting the Carolinas sold on his agenda and young team. Some notables for the Tar Heels -- T.J. Yates continued to throw it all over the field totaling 285 yards but still at times forces things and this was obvious with two interceptions. Freshman Greg Little is starting get more and more time on offense as both a fullback and wide receiver. He is such a great athlete; you have to have him on the field somewhere. Lastly, Hakeem Nicks continues to torch secondaries as he totaled eight catches for 114 yards, channeling Terrell Owens (body makeup) and Randy Moss (speed).
NEXT WEEK: Oct. 27 UNC vs. Wake Forest

GEORGIA TECH 17 – MIAMI 14
It is official; the University of Miami is a mediocre team -- no playmakers…no intensity…just an all around boring team. Georgia Tech on the other hand plays to its strengths, Tashard Choice and their running game and a stingy defense, which is anchored by NFL ready linebacker Wheeler. Choice rushed for 204 yards on 37 carries and is projecting as a third or fourth round pick depending on his combine times. He is showing the durability and consistency that is needed to be productive on the next level. Randy Shannon is saying all the right things about the level of talent not being where it needs to be in order to return to the glory days, but only time and his recruiting classes will determine that. Right now, this is a just a bad team. Remember when the Miami/FSU game actually meant something??
NEXT WEEK: Miami vs. FSU
NEXT WEEK: Georgia Tech vs. Army

VIRGINIA 17 - CONNECTICUT 16
Is this Virginia team going to be the 2006 version of Wake Forest? It is starting to shape up that way, but the there are still plenty of big games left on the board so let’s not put the glass cleat on them just yet. Jameel Sewell still is the starting quarterback and he continues to make dumb plays at the most inopportune times. He threw two interceptions again. This has to improve immediately. Tight end Tom Santi once again was impressive and All-American Chris Long has doubled all statistical numbers from last year. Wake Forest 2006? Or just another .500 Virginia team?
NEXT WEEK: Virginia vs. Maryland