Game of the Week: Alabama vs. Virgnia Tech

By CHRISTOPHER MOGOLLON

The road to the National Championship begins this Saturday, as the fourth ranked Alabama Crimson Tide meet ninth ranked Virginia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff game in Atlanta, Georgia. These two teams haven’t met in the regular season since 1979, and renew an old rivalry with both teams’ title hopes already on the line. The Tide are desperate to start the season rolling after finishing what was once an undefeated regular season with loses in their final two games of 2008. They’re expected to be title contenders again. Virginia Tech has a chance to really put themselves in the driver’s seat for the rest of the year by knocking off a highly-ranked SEC team. If they want to end up in the title hunt, they’re going to have to run the table and a victory over Alabama would be a giant first step. College football may not have a playoff bracket, but this might as well be the first round.

When the Tide has the ball

The main two offensive concerns coming into the season are replacing a three-year starter at quarterback (John Parker Wilson) and two big pieces on the offensive line (Andre Smith and Antoine Caldwell). Quarterback Greg McElroy is untested, but he’ll be taking a difficult exam this weekend. So far he’s received praise for his leadership skills. He wasn’t exactly highly touted coming out of high school but the coaches believe they have a smart and efficient quarterback. The big-play threat is sophomore receiver Julio Jones. The 6’ 4” difference-maker was the go-to guy last year for Alabama as a true freshman, leading the team with 58 receptions for 924 yards. Mark Ingram rushed for 728 yards and a whopping 12 touchdowns in his freshman season, and he’ll lead the ground game for the Tide. Expect to see some carries also for senior Roy Upchurch and true freshman Trent Richardson. If Virginia Tech loads up to stop Jones, Alabama will lean on senior wide out Mike McCoy and speedy sophomore Marquis Maze to take advantage. Tight end Collin Peek (a Georgia Tech transfer) makes his Alabama debut–he could potentially have a big receiving game.

The staple of Virginia Tech’s defensive success has been their secondary and this year should be no exception. Seniors Stephan Virgil (CB) and Kam Chancellor (S) lead an experienced unit. Virgil is a do-it-all player—he can tackle, cover, and make plays on the ball. He led the team last year with six interceptions. Watching him match up with Jones one-on-one will be very interesting. Chancellor struggled at the beginning of last season, but the way he finished 2008 has the Hokies expecting a big 2009. Tech also returns their top pass rushers from a year ago. Despite playing with an injured shoulder last year, defensive end Jason Worilds still was all-conference. He finished with eight sacks and is dangerous coming off the edge. The other defensive end, Nekos Brown, is making his third career start, but he has seen action as a back-up. With a new quarterback and offensive line the Hokies’ ability to get pressure on the quarterback could be the key to shutting down Alabama and creating turnovers. Linebacker Cody Grimm provides the Hokies with another pass-rushing threat (7.5 sacks last year). This defense had a tendency to struggle more against teams that ran the ball, and Alabama has dynamic backs that can do some damage to Tech. A key player to reversing that trend could be sophomore linebacker Barquell Rivers, who will be making just his second career start.

When the Hokies have the ball

Yes, he has yet to show any consistency as a passer, but quarterback Tyrod Taylor is a proven playmaker with his legs. He has really struggled when defenses force him to throw the ball. Taylor has improved and there’s no better stage for a breakout than this game against Alabama. If Taylor can make some good throws early, it could open up a chance for him to take off for some major ground gains. At receiver they’re young, but a trio of sophomores all gained experience last season. Danny Coale and Jarrett Boykin led the team last year in receiving. Boykin is the bigger of the two and finished the season strong. Tight end Greg Boone has good size and hands and is someone Taylor can find in big spots. Virginia Tech returns most of their line, led by tackles Black DeChristopher and Ed Wang. This line has a chance to be real good, and will have a test early going against a top opponent. Starting running back Darren Evans is out for the year, and that’s a big loss. The Hokies had the potential of having a terrific rushing attack and they still can run the football, but will have to get production from players originally expected to provide depth. Sophomore Josh Oglesby and red-shirt freshman Ryan Williams are atop the depth chart with Williams the expected starter. Oglesby has been dealing with a right hamstring injury and an infected blister on his left heel while true freshman David Wilson, who was expected to get some carries, has been troubled with a sprained left shoulder. Injuries could determine who gets the bulk of the carries.

Expect the 3-4 defense of Alabama to gear up on the run and force Taylor to throw the ball as much as possible. The run stopping defense will be led by the massive Terrence Cody. The 365-pounder will give the Hokies’ line plenty to deal with; he’s a great run stuffer and has vowed to become a better pass rusher. He and Lorenzo Washington give the front line some experience and size that should match up well against Virginia Tech’s offensive line. Freshman end Kerry Murphy will be shuffled into the lineup and is a youngster to keep an eye on. Linebacker Rolando McClain led the team with 95 tackles last season—be ready to hear his name, as well as that of his partner on the inside, Dont’a Hightower, called out plenty throughout the season. Look for cornerback Javier Arenas to make a big play, with junior Kareem Jackson (CB) and senior Justin Woodall (S) rounding out a dynamic and experienced group in the secondary. Jackson is a 194-pound cornerback that’s been playing since his freshman year.

Final Analysis

Alabama’s run defense will be on point and hold the Virginia Tech running attack to minimal productivity. They will force Taylor to do it all himself—don’t be shocked if he has a couple of electrifying runs but falls short in the end because of the offense’s inability to do anything down field in the passing game. Expect a big game from Ingram for Alabama as the Tide run all the way to a week one victory.

Score: Alabama 23, Virginia Tech 13

Photos Courtesy of Alabama Media Relations & Virginia Tech Athletics Communications

CFI Countdown: #9 Virginia Tech Hokies

2008 Record: 10-4 (ACC 5-3)
Bowl Game: Won Orange Bowl vs. Cincinnati 20-7
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Stadium: Lane Stadium (65,115)
Head Coach: Frank Beamer
Overall: 177-112-4 (29th season)
@ Virginia Tech 177-89-2 (23rd season)
Link to Va. Tech Football Page

Beamerball has been very, very good to the Hokie faithful, particularly over the last five seasons. Virginia Tech has alternated between 10 and 11 wins including three ACC titles and an Orange Bowl victory last season, yet people still talk about Florida St. and Miami like they are the premier programs of the ACC. Despite the reputations of their conference rivals, it’s hard to argue against Virginia Tech being that premier team…especially if they capture another conference crown this season.

When the Hokies Have the Ball

Offensive Coordinator: Bryan Stinespring (4th season)
Scheme: Pro Style Offense
Starters Returning: Seven
Key Losses: C Ryan Shuman, OG Nick Marshman, QB Sean Glennon, RB Darren Evans (Injured)

Junior Tyrod Taylor is back at quarterback. He still possesses a great deal of potential, but it just that—potential. The jury is still out when it comes to his passing skills, but no one can argue with his ability to run the football—he is a legitimate playmaker in the open field. However, they can’t live with Taylor throwing just two touchdown passes in 2009 as he did last season. Taylor should benefit from the experience he gained last season, as well as the fact that he no longer has to look over his shoulder whenever he makes a mistake now that Sean Glennon is gone. The Hokies were very inexperienced at wide receiver last season, but sophomores Jarrett Boykin, Danny Coale, and Dyrell Roberts all received seasoning by being thrown to the fire and should form the nucleus of a solid receiving corps for years to come. Tight end Greg “Wild Turkey” Boone is an impressive athlete for a man of his size. With both tackles back, senior Ed Wang and sophomore Blake DeChristopher, the line should be solid from right to left. DeChristopher has All-American potential. Guard Sergio Render is an All-American candidate himself, having been a contributor in Blacksburg since day one. What was supposed to be a position of strength has turned into a major question mark heading into the season as the Hokies suffered a devastating loss when sophomore tailback Darren Evans went down for the season with a knee injury. The bruising back was a proven commodity. His backup, sophomore Josh Oglesby, is dealing with both a foot infection and a sore hamstring, while senior Kenny Lewis is still working his way back from a torn Achilles tendon. That leaves talented red-shirt freshman Ryan Williams as the man heading into the season.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) OT Black DeChristopher (SO), 2) OT Ed Wang (SR), 3) OG Sergio Render (SR)

When the Other Team Has the Ball

Defensive Coordinator: Bud Foster (15th season)
Scheme: 4-3
Starters Returning: Seven
Key Losses: CB Victor “Macho” Harris, DE Orion Martin, LB Brett Warren, LB Purnell Sturdivant

It should come as no surprise that the school that some are starting to call “DB-U” has a stellar secondary. Stephen Virgil stepped in very nicely for the departed Brandon Flowers last season and this year he takes over at the “boundry” corner for Macho Harris. Virgil is very solid in coverage and has excellent ball skills. There are high hopes for speedy junior Rashad Carmichael on the other side. At one safety spot senior Kam Chancellor is a potential stud, possessing prototypical size and speed. He improved as his junior season went on, showing a better understanding of the game to go along with his vast physical abilities. They are solid at the other safety position as well, with senior Dorian Porch and junior Davon Morgan competing for playing time. They must replace two linebackers, but should be fine with sophomore Barquell Rivers ready to step in and shine. The defensive line is led by all-world pass rusher junior Jason Worilds, who is a speed demon coming off the edge. The rest of the line is solid, but nothing special. It would be nice if another playmaker emerged to complement Worilds.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) S Kam Chancellor (SR), 2) DE Jason Worilds (JR), 3) CB Stephan Virgil (SR)

The Schedule

Out of conference, the Hokies kick off their schedule with Alabama in week one. A win against the Crimson Tide would vault them right into national title contention. They also host Nebraska and make a trip to East Carolina, which is one of their most dangerous games as it comes in November and is sandwiched by a pair of ACC games. In conference, they visit Georgia Tech but host North Carolina—those are their top two challengers in the Coastal Division. Other games to watch include home games against Miami and North Carolina St., as well as visits to Maryland and Virginia to close out the season.

Pivotal Point

You can almost always go with the quarterback. While the Hokies proved last season that they can win the ACC and even a BCS Bowl with shaky quarterback play, it will be a deeper and tougher conference this season. As stated earlier, Taylor must do better than two touchdowns for Tech to fulfill their potential. He has been incredibly inconsistent as a passer and at times, downright dismal. In his defense, he came to Blacksburg very raw and was forced into the fire far before he should have been. If he can make significant progress and become an all-around threat—a big “if”—the Hokies could be one of the best teams in the nation, not just the ACC.

CFI Final Analysis

The Hokies are due to win 11 games in 2009 if the five-year trend is to continue, and that sounds about right. Alabama is a tough way to start the season and it will not be easy to run through the ACC unscathed—not this season. The defense should again be among the best in the nation, with playmakers on the line, the linebacking corps, and in the secondary. But the passing game has a lot to prove and now they are searching for answers at running back as well. It should be another typical Beamer season, which should have them playing on New Year’s Day (or the second).

College Football Insiders Top 25 Countdown:
The Next 25 (26-50) Plus 18 Bowl Teams
#25 West Virginia Mounainteers
#24 Tennessee Volunteers
#23 Clemson Tigers
#22 Pittsburgh Panthers
#21 Michigan St. Spartans
#20 Utah Utes
#19 Oregon Ducks
#18 Florida St. Seminoles
#17 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
#16 Boise St. Broncos
#15 North Carolina Tar Heels
#14 Penn St. Nittany Lions
#13 Mississippi Rebels
#12 Oklahoma St. Cowboys
#11 California Golden Bears
#10 Iowa Hawkeyes

Photos Courtesy of David Knachel, Virginia Tech Athletics Communications

Player Profile: Macho Harris Virginia Tech CB

Pros: Harris is a natural football player and is solid at most aspects of the game. He has great instincts and awareness on the field; a solid all-around corner that loves to make big hits on receivers and running backs. He looks extremely comfortable in zone and reads the quarterback very well. Even though he does not have great acceleration, Harris shows big-time playing making ability with the ball in his hands. He is elusive and makes quick, fluid cuts with great vision. He is a dangerous return man that has experience playing wide receiver.

Cons: He lacks the open field speed scouts love corners to have. He can be overly aggressive both in coverage and tackling. Will jump short routes he shouldn’t, and often goes for the knock out hit instead of the sure tackle. Definitely needs to play in a zone coverage scheme. He could end up being moved to free safety due to his lack of speed and quickness in coverage.

Scouts Take: Harris is a gifted playmaker, racking up 15 interceptions over the last three years at Virginia Tech. He plays with the swagger and knowledge NFL teams love defensive backs to have, and opposing teams fear. Despite his lack of speed, the former Hokie is comfortable with the ball in his hands and will at least get a shot as a returner—a potentially dynamic playmaker. If he is put in the right defensive scheme, he could develop into a star corner for his NFL team. If he struggles at corner, he has the ability to move to free safety and could be a ball-hawk. Harris has second-round ability, but could fall to later rounds because of his lack of measurables. The team that drafts him will have some work to do and decisions to make, but they will be getting one of the best all-around defensive backs in this draft.

Photo Credit: David Knachel, Virginia Tech Athletics Communications

Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Cincinnati

By CHRISTOPHER MOGOLLON - BIG EAST INSIDER

January 1, 2009 * 8:00 * FOX

The Orange Bowl features an Old-School Big East team in Virginia Tech versus the New-School Big East champion Cincinnati. Both of these programs exceeded pre-season expectations, as Virginia Tech became the first school to win back-to-back ACC Championship games and Cincinnati's 11 wins is the most in school history. Virginia Tech will be looking to make up from their sloppy loss against Kansas in the Orange Bowl last season while Cincinnati will try to win their first BCS bowl game in school history.

When the Hokies Have the Bowl

The Hokies are a running team led by their freshman tailback Darren Evans. In his last five games Evans posted three 100-yard performances, including 253 yards against Maryland. During that stretch he also caught 12 balls for 98 yards. Although they do not throw the ball often, the play of quarterback Tyrod Taylor is very important to Virginia Tech winning the game (12-2 overall as a starter). Taylor started and played entire ACC Championship game and nearly took every snap in the Hokies final regular season game against Virginia. Taylor isn't a great passer but can create big plays with his running ability, rushing for 691 yards and six touchdowns. He has split some of the snaps with senior Sean Glennon who is a slightly better passer. The Hokies leading receivers are all freshman – Jarrett Boykin leads the team with 413 yards receiving. Cincinnati has proven they can stop the run, ranked the 13th best rush defense in the country. They stopped the Rutgers' rushing attack earlier in the year and held LeSean McCoy to only 82 yards. They did allow 150 yards to Donald Brown of Connecticut, but most of those yards were when the game was over due to six turnovers by the offense. Senior linebacker Torry Cornett has been the Bearcats most consistent tackler in the second half of the season. They have also shut down a running quarterback this season holding Patrick White to 42 yards on 20 carries.

When the 'Cats Have the Ball

The Bearcats enter Miami on a six-game winning streak, much of which is due to the clutch performance of their quarterback Tony Pike. Because of injuries he was forced to take over under center and many doubted Cincinnati could win the conference. Pike responded down the stretch throwing for 11 touchdowns in the last six games including a three-touchdown effort against ranked Pittsburgh. A big part of his second half success has been the depth Cincinnati has at wide receiver. All Conference receiver Marshawn Gilyard leads the team with 1,118 yards and ten touchdowns. He is lightening fast and a big play wide out catching six balls for over 40+ yards – watch out for his yards after the catch. He finished the season strong averaging 120 yards and nine catches in his last three games. Senior Dominick Goodman is a strong possession receiver leading the team with 78 catches – his seven grabs for 101 yards propelled Cincinnati in a victory over Pittsburgh, which all but clinched the conference title. Keep an eye out for sophomore wide receiver Marcus Barnett and tight end Ben Guidugli. Sophomore Running back John Goebel has taken a bulk of the carries down the stretch; he leads the team with seven rushing touchdowns. Virginia Tech has the speed and playmakers on defense to shut down the run and defend a strong passing attack. A great match up in this game will Victor Harris and Stephan Virgil against the Bearcat wideouts. Harris is an All-Conference lock down corner – sixth in the nation with six interceptions. A key factor in this game could be Virginia Tech's ability to win the game up front in the trenches. This is a strong defensive line ranked the 18th in run defense and 21st in the nation in sacks. Sophomore Jason Worilds leads the team with eight sacks and has been very disruptive down the stretch recording at least one sack in his last seven games.

Cincinnati Bearcats (11-1, 7-1)
Pass: Tony Pike – 2,168 yards, 18 TDs
Run: Jacob Ramsey – 630 yards, 2 TDs
Catch: Marshwan Gilyard – 1,118 yards, 10 TDs

Virginia Tech Hokies (9-4, 5-3)
Pass: Tyrod Taylor – 896 yards, 2 TDs
Run: Darren Evans – 1,112 yards, 10 TDs
Catch: Jarrett Boykin– 413 yards, 2 TDs

Prediction: Cincinnati 23 Virginia Tech 14

Photo Credit: David Knachel, Virginia Tech Athletics Communications

Fan's Weekend Guide - Week Fourteen

The Conference Title is on the Line When…
Oregon @ Oregon St. (November 29, 7:00, Versus): Coming into this game, the Beavers have rolled off six straight wins, keeping control of their Pac-10 destiny via their upset win over the Trojans back on September 15th. Their lone conference loss came in the final seconds at Stanford in the season opener; otherwise they would have a trip to Pasadena already locked up. A seventh straight victory would match their winning streak from 2000, which also happens to be the last time the Beavers made a BCS game (41-9 win over Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl). However, OSU has not played in the Rose Bowl since 1965. Standing in their way are the hated Ducks, as Oregon makes the trip to Corvallis to play the 112th rendition of the Northwest’s version of the “Civil War”. The Beavers are banged up with both Lyle Moevao (who didn’t play last week) and Jacquizz Rogers (left last week’s game) nursing injuries. They overcame it last week at Arizona, but the Beavers would be best served with Moevao (1,967 yards, 14 touchdowns, 61.9 percent) and his 10-3 record as a starter handing off to their freshman phenom (1,253 yards, 11 touchdowns). Rogers is listed as doubtful. Oregon is led by sophomore signal caller Jason Masoli, who is coming off the best game of his young career (298 yards and two touchdowns passing; 89 yards and three touchdowns rushing). Joining Masoli in one of the Pac-10’s most talented backfields are tailbacks Jeremiah Johnson and LeGarrette Blount. A senior, Johnson leads the club with 863 yards (11 touchdowns), while the junior college transfer Blount has found the end zone a team-high 15 times (816 yards), while boasting a whopping 7.2 yards per carry average. There is no shortage of artillery in this “Civil War”.

Don’t Call it an Upset When…
LSU Visits Arkansas (November 28, 2:30, CBS): With the type of quarterback (17 touchdown passes and 18 interceptions) play the Bayou Bengals have been getting, it is hard to say they are supposed to beat anybody at this point in the season, particularly in SEC play. LSU has lost their last three conference games.

The Team That Can’t Afford to Look Ahead is…
Florida Visiting Florida St. (November 29): Not many teams have something to look ahead to beyond this week, so we’ll go with the Gators. Florida is already slotted into the SEC Championship game against Alabama next week, a virtual national semi-final. They have also dominated the Seminoles of late, winning four straight including a 45-12 thumping last season. Florida St. does possess a speedy defense that may have enough athletes to slow the Gators down, as much as any team can.

The Teams on the Cusp are…
Boston College Hosting Maryland (November 29, 3:30, ABC)/Virginia Tech Hosting Virginia (November 29, 12:00, ESPN): Finally, the ACC is easy to figure out…it’s win and they’re in.

Photo Credit: College Press Box

This Date in College Football History

Nov. 4, 1967: In Blacksburg, Miami beats Virginia Tech 14-7, ending the Hokies' 14-game regular season win streak. Defensive back Frank Loria (future College Football Hall of Famer) runs a punt back 95 yards for Virginia Tech's only touchdown.

Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

This Date in College Football History

October 5, 1968: Arkansas tailback Bill Burnett scores in his first of 23 consecutive games through Oct. 31, 1970, lifting the Hogs over TCU 17-7 in Fort Worth. The record stands for 32 years until broken by Virginia Tech's Lee Suggs in 2002.

Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

CFI RANKINGS: #25 VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES

2007 RECORD: 11-3; ACC: 7-1
Lost Orange Bowl vs. Kansas 24-21
LOCATION: Blacksburg, Virginia
STADIUM: Lane Stadium (66,233)
HEAD COACH: Frank Beamer
OVERALL: 209-108-4 (27 seasons)
AT TECH: 167-85-2 (21 seasons)

The Hokies are coming off a second ACC Title in four years since joining the conference—winning 42 games during that span. They have averaged 10 wins over the last nine years…so why does the 15th ranked team in the Coaches Poll barely crack our rankings? Tech had 11 players invited to the NFL Scouting Combine in March (only USC had more with 12) and eight of those players were drafted. That is a lot of talent to lose.

WHEN THE HOKIES HAVE THE BALL

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Bryan Stinespring (7th Season/16th at Tech)
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6
KEY LOSSES: Duane Brown, Eddie Royal, Josh Morgan, Justin Harper, Branden Ore (TRAN), Josh Hyman, Brandon Dillard (INJ)

Do they have two quarterbacks or no quarterback? That is the question. If Sean Glennon looked mediocre last year, how can he be expected to improve now that his top four pass catchers have used up their eligibility? He had three receivers good enough to get drafted, yet none of the trio reached even 50 receptions or 700 receiving yards. Super soph Tyrod Taylor is the heir apparent, but is he ready for fulltime duty? In addition to the losses at receiver, the Hokies must replace Branden Ore who was “asked to the leave the team” after leading them in rushing the past two seasons. On the line, they return four starters including tackle Ed Wang and guard Sergio Render. They should be better than the group that allowed 53 sacks last season, although left tackle Duane Brown, who was a first round selection by the Houston Texans, must be replaced.

TOP PROSPECTS: 1) OT Ed Wang (JR), 2) OT Sergio Render (JR)

WHEN THE OTHER TEAM HAS THE BALL

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Bud Foster (14th Season/22nd at Tech)
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 4
KEY LOSSES: Brandon Flowers, Xavier Adibi, Vince Hall. Chris Ellis, Carlton Powell, DJ Parker, Barry Booker

Despite the loss of second round pick Brandon Flowers, the Tech secondary should be just fine. In Victor “Macho” Harris and Kam Chancellor they have arguably the top corner and safety in the ACC. Harris, who put his name into the NFL Draft before deciding to return, is a playmaker who makes opposing quarterbacks look elsewhere when seeking an open receiver. Chancellor is a 6-3, 225-pound speedster and big things are expected from him as he moves from Rover to free safety. There could be problems with the front seven where only the Martin boys return—Orion at defensive end and Cam at outside linebacker. Do they have enough talent to make up for all the losses?

TOP PROSPECTS: 1) CB Macho Harris (SR), 2) FS Kam Chancellor (JR)

THE SCHEDULE

The Hokies start out with three straight at home and close with three of their last four in Blacksburg, but in between must play four of five away from home. Tech travels to Miami, Tallahassee and Chapel Hill, and while the ‘Noles and ‘Canes are marquee names, put a circle around their trip to Carolina—the Heels are the sleeper in the Coastal Division. Out of conference they make a trip to Lincoln, which is never easy. Overall, the schedule should help keep the Hokies ranked—none of their opponents are in the preseason Coaches Poll and they will avoid ACC favorite Clemson…unless they meet in the conference championship game.

PIVOTAL POINT

The Offensive Line: Tech must reestablish their running game and supply better protection for their quarterback—those 53 sacks were the third most in the nation. Wang makes the move to left tackle and the former tight end has the athleticism to protect the blind side, and Render gives them some powerful run blocking at right guard. Red-shirt freshman RT Blake DeChristopher could be a good one. The line needs to stay healthy and play better as a unit.

CFI FINAL ANALYSIS

Based on what they have coming back, the Hokies are a borderline ranked team. They have earned some benefit of the doubt, however, with their success under Coach Beamer and the stellar defense Bud Foster puts on the field, year-after-year. Tech will compete for the ACC Title and is the team to beat in the Coastal Division. This has as much to do with the sorry state of the ACC as anything else. The schedule is set up nicely and no one would be surprised if by the end of the season, Tech is among the top teams in the nation.

CFI: POST GAME - WEEK 13 PART II

OH, THOSE TIGERS

Everyone knows about the Missouri Tigers’ two-headed monster at tight end in senior Martin Rucker (5 receptions, 40 yards, TD) and Chase Coffman (2 receptions, 14 yards) -- a duo the Jayhawks did a nice job of containing. Last year’s leading receiver Will Franklin (5 receptions, 32 yards) only put up modest numbers himself, while freshman sensation Jeremy Maclin led them with his 10 grabs, but again KU had to be happy they kept the record-setting playmaker to only 6.9 yards per grab. How did Chase Daniel throw for 361 yards, you might ask? Career days from sophomore Danario Alexander (8 receptions, 117 yards, TD) and junior Tommy Saunders (8 receptions, 82 yards) certainly helped him achieve those numbers. It seemed like every time Daniel needed a big play, he looked to the 6’4” Alexander.

You know what else this means? The Tigers could be just as dangerous in 2008 with Daniel, Maclin, Alexander, Saunders and Coffman returning.

On the defensive side of the ball, one player stood out among the others -- junior safety William Moore (pictured). He was all over the field Saturday night, tied with linebacker Sean Weatherspoon for the team lead in tackles (seven). Moore also had a tackle for a loss displaying his ability to play near the line of scrimmage and made a key interception near the goal line, stifling a Kansas drive. Moore is a tremendous athlete who can play either safety position. He was also part of a secondary that took Kansas’ top receiver out of the game. Marcus Henry was limited to two receptions for 17 yards…in his three previous games the senior put up 18 receptions for 392 yards and five touchdowns.

ONE PLAY AWAY

The Hokies win over Virginia has them in the ACC Championship, but had their stellar defense been able to make one stop on a rainy night back in October against Matt Ryan, Tech would be right there with West Virginia and Missouri staking a claim to one of the two spots for the BCS Championship game.

MATTY ICE IS STILL NICE

Speaking of Mr. Ryan, before you write him off as a Heisman candidate let’s at least take a look at what he’s done “wrong”. At 8-0 and coming off his thrilling comeback in Blacksburg, Ryan was atop the Heisman race. In four November games, Ryan has thrown for 1,520 yards (380 yards per game). The problem? His touchdown to interception ratio was only 9:8 -- it was 19:8 over the first eight games. Not two mention two losses to start November, but let us not forget that the Eagles have won ten games and are in the ACC Championship game, far exceeding expectations. In his final game in front of the “Beantown” faithful, Ryan threw for 369 yards and three touchdowns against Miami. He also snapped a 15-game losing streak to the ‘Canes, which dates back to the “Flutie game” in 1984. Ryan’s 28th touchdown pass set a new single season school record, surpassing Flutie’s 27 in his Heisman season.

WHY NOT?

In the season of Appalachian St. and Stanford, why not UCLA in the Rose Bowl?

If the UCLA Bruins defeat the USC Trojans and Arizona upends Arizona St. it would leave four teams tied atop the conference standing: USC, UCLA, Arizona St. and the Oregon-Oregon St. winner. With wins over Oregon, Oregon St. and USC (assuming for these purposes), the Bruins would be 2-1 in a head-to-head comparison. If the Ducks win (at home vs. OSU), it would come down to Oregon and UCLA, with the Bruins coming out on top by virtue of their 16-0 win last week. If the Beavers win, losses to USC, UCLA and ASU would knock them out of the running, while the remaining three all split the round robin. The next tiebreaker would knock out the Sun Devils since they lost to “the team occupying the highest position in the final regular season standings”, which is likely to be USC. That leaves us with the teams from the City of Angels and the Bruins winning out again, by virtue of their (hypothetical) win this week over the Men of Troy.

Got all of that?

And you thought the BCS was confusing.

MOMENTUM

It was interesting that the day after the LSU Tigers dropped a 50-48 contest in triple overtime to Arkansas, the Tennessee Volunteers defeated Kentucky in four overtimes, 52-50. So will the Vols build on their emotional win, which included blowing a 17-point lead, UT blocking a potential game-winning field goal in the second overtime, before a two-point conversion from Erik Ainge to Austin Rogers was the difference? Or will LSU come in down? In Baton Rouge, the two-point play was also decisive, as Felix Jones ran it in (following Peyton Hillis’ TD run), with Darren McFadden on the sideline, while Matt Flynn’s final pass landed softly in the hands of an Arkansas’ defender. The Bayou Bengals are sure to lament a 4th-and-10 they allowed Casey Dick to convert in the first overtime.

Photo Credit: Mizzou Media Relations

Hokies win fourth straight over Virginia, 33-21

By HANK KURZ Jr.
AP Sports Writer

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) - Sean Glennon threw for 260 yards and the other half of Virginia Tech's quarterback rotation, Tyrod Taylor, ran for two touchdowns, as the No. 8 Hokies won the biggest game in the history of its rivalry with Virginia 33-21 on Saturday to advance to the ACC championship game.

The Hokies (10-2, 7-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) also got a season-high 147 yards rushing from Branden Ore and six catches for 147 yards and a touchdown from Eddie Royal. They won their fourth straight in the series and eighth in the last nine meetings.

The victory earned Virginia Tech a rematch with No. 15 Boston College in next Saturday's conference title game in Jacksonville, Fla. The Eagles rallied with two touchdowns in the final 2:11 to stun the Hokies 14-10 in Blacksburg on Oct. 25.

No. 16 Virginia (9-3, 6-2) led late in the second quarter before an interception by Brandon Flowers with 40 seconds to go turned into a three-play, 65-yard touchdown drive that left the crowd of 61,711 stunned. Up 20-14, the Hokies never trailed again.

Taylor scored on runs of 9 and 5 yards, the second with 11:50 remaining to give Virginia Tech a 30-21 lead. After Virginia was forced to punt, the Hokies drove to the Cavaliers 9-yard line, and Jud Dunlevy's fourth field goal completed the scoring.

Dunlevy also kicked a 29-yarder early in the second half to make it 23-14, capping a short drive set up when Davon Morgan blocked Ryan Weigand's punt from the Cavaliers 38.

The stakes had never been so high in the previous 88 meetings between the teams. Late in the third quarter, Virginia seemed poised to make it go down to the wire.

Lombardi Award finalist Chris Long, quiet up to that point, sacked Taylor at the Hokies 28. The freshman fumbled, and Antonio Appleby recovered for the Cavaliers.

Jameel Sewell, who ran for two touchdowns, kept the ensuing drive alive with a 17-yard pass to a diving Jonathan Stupar on third-and-12 from the 19. He then ran it in on the next play to pull Virginia within 23-21 and fire up the home crowd. But the Cavaliers never got any closer

After an exchange of punts, the Hokies struck again.

Glennon hit Josh Morgan for 25 yards, and Ore went off left tackle for 25 more, putting the ball at the Cavaliers 16. Five plays later, Taylor replaced Glennon at quarterback and took off on a delay for the left corner of the end zone.

The Cavaliers appeared to have momentum late in the first half, leading 14-13 and driving into Virginia Tech territory. Then Flowers intercepted Sewell.

Glennon completed a pass to Josh Morgan for 26 yards on the next play, moving the ball to the Cavaliers 39. After an incompletion, he hit Royal in stride deep in Virginia territory. Royal silenced the crowd by beating a tackle and taking it into the end zone.

Virginia Tech scored on its first two possessions on a 9-yard run from Taylor and a 20-yard field goal by Dunlevy before Virginia got anything going.

Consecutive completions for 22 yards by Sewell finally got the Cavaliers into Hokies territory, and Mikell Simpson broke off a 27-yard TD run to make it 10-7.

Glennon's 56-yard pass to Royal set up another field goal by Dunlevy from 37 yards. The Cavaliers went three-and-out before a trick play backfired for Virginia Tech.

On second-and-3 from the Virginia 45, Royal took a lateral from Taylor and had tight end Greg Boone open deep downfield. But his pass was intercepted by Chris Cook. Seven plays later, Sewell ran it in from the 7.

The Hokies didn't get another first down until the big one just before halftime.

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: Virginia Tech Athletics Communications

Va. Tech embraces opportunity; Virginia sees it as another game

By HANK KURZ Jr.
AP Sports Writer

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) - Virginia coach Al Groh was meeting with the media Tuesday, talking about the No. 16 Cavaliers' game against No. 8 Virginia Tech, when two students who looked like they'd been in a rousing Cheetos fight walked in with an envelope.

``Hi, fellas,'' Groh said cheerily, taking the envelope from the orange-painted students and reading an appeal that Cavaliers fans wear orange for the big game.

Groh and his captains also penned a letter to the school newspaper making a similar request. But amid their own efforts and much other hype for the game, the coach and the Cavaliers tried all week to insist they can't afford to consider its magnitude.

``Obviously it's the biggest game of the year,'' tight end Tom Santi said with a wry smile, ``because it's the only one we have this week. We're excited about it.''

The Hokies, meanwhile, take an entirely different approach, even celebrating the fact that an improved Virginia program could give them a stiff test after Virginia Tech has dominated the series in recent years.

``That's the whole point of having an in-state rivalry,'' Hokies linebacker Vince Hall said. ``The whole rivalry thing doesn't really go good if only one team wins the whole time and the other team's not winning.''

The Hokies have won three in a row in the series and seven of the last eight. But the rivals are playing for much more than bragging rights. The winner moves on to face Boston College for the Atlantic Coast Conference championship and a BCS bowl berth.

The Cavaliers still insist that the game has no special meaning.

``We're not even thinking about what's at stake,'' right guard Ian-Yates Cunningham said. ``We're just thinking about winning a game. It's just one extra game. It was on our schedule at the beginning of the season.''

Groh noted that coaches and players aren't the ones who tailgate and cheer.

``We're the ones who play, and ... this is a different event for the participants than the other people. ... Everybody's got a role to play, and ours is to prepare to play and to play well, so if something helps us, then we embrace it,'' he said. ``If it doesn't, then we try to keep it at arm's length.''

Virginia Tech was an overwhelming favorite to win the ACC's Coastal Division and has three straight victories to put it in position to do so after a stunning loss to Boston College. In that game, the Eagles scored two touchdowns in the final 2:11 to win 14-10.

Now the Hokies can force a rematch with Boston College.

``We've been talking about it since (a 27-3 victory against) Georgia Tech,'' Hokies left tackle Duane Brown said. ``Since that game, we've gone out and practiced our tails off, went out and executed and now we're at this point. Our last game of the season, our in-state rival. It doesn't get any better than this, really.''

Source: ncaafootball; Photo Credit: Virginia Tech Athletics Communications

No. 10 Hokies pound Miami 44-14

BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) -- Branden Ore ran for two touchdowns in his best performance of the season and No. 10 Virginia Tech beat Miami 44-14 on Saturday in the Hokies' final tuneup for a huge game with rival Virginia next weekend.

Virginia Tech (9-2, 6-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) moved into a share of first place in the Coastal Division with the Cavaliers. The teams will play on Saturday in Charlottesville with the winner moving on the conference championship game Dec. 1.

Ore, who has not approached the form that produced nearly 1,400 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns last season, had a 22-yard run on the Hokies' second play. His TDs covered 4 and 7 yards, and each time he bulled over a defender to finish the play.

Sean Glennon threw a touchdown pass to Justin Harper and Jahre Cheeseman and Carlton Weatherford had scoring runs for the Hokies. Weatherford's was his first career touchdown and came on a day he and 19 other seniors were honored before the game.

Glennon was to share time with Tyrod Taylor at quarterback, but Taylor pulled a muscle in his left side in the third quarter and Glennon got most of the snaps.

Taylor could have returned, the school said, but was held out protectively.

Miami (5-6, 2-5), coming off a 48-0 home loss last weekend in its last game in the Orange Bowl, came out looking like a team that had given up. The 'Canes went three-and-out on each of their first three possessions, trailed 17-0 after the first quarter and had been outgained 150-6 before Kyle Wright brought them out of their slumber.

Making passes repeatedly as he was getting hit, Wright drove Miami into Hokies territory three times in the second quarter, but got only one score out of it.

The first time, Wright was sacked and stripped of the ball by Barry Booker at the Tech 18. The next time, Virginia Tech stuffed consecutive runs from the 1 by Javarris James and took the ball over on downs.

On the third trip, Wright ran it in himself from the 4 with 21 seconds left before halftime.

The Hurricanes scored on their first possession of the second half, with Wright hitting Leonard Hankerson with a 1-yard pass to make it 20-14. But the Hokies drove 68 yards in six plays - the last four runs totaling 38 yards by Ore - to answer with a touchdown of their own. It never got close again.

Ore finished with 81 yards on 15 carries.

Wright was 21-of-36 for 215 yards. He was sacked five times and hammered many others.

The Hokies were somewhat fortunate to get out of the first half with a 17-7 advantage. The fumble by Wright and the goal-line stand preserved the lead, and the defense stiffened.

The Hokies scored the first three times they had the ball, getting little resistance from the Hurricanes in touchdown drives of 61 and 57 yards and a 34-yard field goal. Ore scored the first touchdown on a 4-yard run, and Glennon hit Justin Harper from 15 yards for the second.

Source: naaafootball.com; Photo Credit: Virginia Tech University

No. 11 Hokies finally down Seminoles, 40-21

BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) -- Tyrod Taylor and Virginia Tech didn't make coach Frank Beamer suffer through another disheartening loss to Florida State, but the No. 11 Hokies sure made their coach and fans sweat it out until late Saturday.

Taylor returned from a sprained ankle that kept him out 2 1/2 games and threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, lifting the Hokies to a 40-21 victory. It was the first win for Beamer in eight tries against Florida State, and marked the first time Seminoles coach Bobby Bowden has lost to Virginia Tech in 16 career meetings.

The Hokies (8-2, 5-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) blew a 14-point halftime lead and trailed 21-20 entering the final quarter, but Taylor drove them to his go-ahead 3-yard scoring run, and three late Seminoles turnovers made a close game turned lopsided.

The end came with fans that had fallen silent in the third quarter celebrating wildly as the Hokies poured it on, as if one victory could erase two painful recent losses. In 1999, the Seminoles beat the Michael Vick-led Hokies in the Sugar Bowl national championship game, 46-29, and then two years ago, the heavily favored Hokies collapsed under a barrage of penalties and lost 27-22 in the first ACC title game.

But this time, with Taylor throwing for 204 yards and running for 92 more, and Justin Harper catching five passes for 167 yards, and the the defense rising in the end, the Hokies stayed on course for a chance to return to the ACC title game.

They have two games left - at home against Miami, and at Virginia.

The Seminoles (6-4, 3-4), who seemed to be catching their stride last week when they beat No. 8 Boston College, lost quarterback Drew Weatherford to injury before halftime and failed to get the 78-year-old Bowden his 300th victory at the school.

The game changed on Taylor's skills. On the Hokies go-ahead drive, he ran 12 yards for a first down, and threw a deep ball to Harper down the left sideline that was initially ruled no catch, but was overturned, making it a 45-yard gain to the 1.

Three plays later, Taylor took it in on a draw play. His 2-point conversion pass to Zach Luckett made it 28-21, and it was all downhill for the Seminoles after that.

Two plays later, backup quarterback Christian Ponder fumbled and Cam Martin recovered, leading to a 22-yard field goal. Chris Ellis intercepted Ponder at the 5 on the next series and danced into the end zone, making it 38-21.

A sack for a safety completed the scoring.

The Seminoles were limited to two field goals in the first half, but quickly got back in the game in the third quarter. Gary Cismesia kicked a 50-yard field goal to end their first series of the half, and Dekoda Watson intercepted a tipped pass by Taylor and returned it 40 yards for a TD to make it 20-15 just 1:54 later.

That helped quiet the crowd, and the Hokies did little to wake them, going three-and-out for the third consecutive series. When Brent Bowden punted it away, a 15-yard facemask penalty against Richard Graham allowed the Seminoles to start at their 46.

Ponder, impressive in his first action for the Seminoles, hit De'Cody Fagg for 28 yards on a third-and-5, ran for 22 yards on a third-and-14 and hit Fagg in the end zone for the touchdown that gave the Seminoles a 21-20 lead, stunning the crowd.

The Hokies led 20-6 at halftime after Taylor hit a wide-open Justin Harper on a slant for a 31-yard touchdown, then ran 38 yards for a first down on a third-and-31 from the Hokies 34 . The drive ended with a 5-yard scoring pass to Josh Morgan.

Following a punt by Florida State, Taylor hit Josh Hyman for 14 yards, Kenny Lewis Jr. ran for 17 and Taylor hit Harper with a perfectly thrown 48-yarder to the Seminoles' 4. Two runs by Branden Ore later, Virginia Tech was rolling, 20-6.

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: Gene Galin (accfootballphotos.com)

Ryan, No. 2 BC Rally Past No. 8 Virginia Tech

By RALPH D. RUSSO
AP College Football Writer

BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) - Put that comeback at the top of Matt Ryan's Heisman resume. Ryan threw a 24-yard touchdown pass on the run and across the field to Andre Callender with 11 seconds left and No. 2 Boston College remained undefeated with an improbable 14-10 victory over No. 8 Virginia Tech on Thursday night.

Ryan sealed his status as a serious Heisman Trophy contender with two touchdown passes in the final 2:11 after doing little for the first 55 minutes against the Hokies' swarming defense.

``Well, you know there's still time left on the clock,'' Ryan said. ``You know you still have a shot and you still got a chance. We've been in this situation so many times through the course of the year in practice and we've prepared ourselves really well.''

Boston College (4-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) improved to 8-0 for the first time since 1942 and validated itself as a national title contender.

Ryan finished 25-for-52 for 285 yards with two interceptions, but the final numbers hardly told the story.

``I told our guys at halftime don't you dare look up until the end of the game and we'll go on to win this thing,'' Boston College coach Jeff Jagodzinski said.

With the Hokies (6-2, 3-1) leading 10-0 late in the fourth and the Eagles backed up against their own goal line, Ryan finally found a rhythm. He led a 91-yard scoring drive, capped by a 16-yard TD pass to Rich Gunnell with 2:11 left.

``We started making plays,'' Jagodzinski said. ``We started making plays.''

After BC recovered an onside kick, Ryan went back to work. Three times he scrambled away from pressure to complete passes. On the last play, Ryan slipped away from the rush, slid to the left, and spotted Callender drifting back into the end zone away from the defense. Ryan let loose, Callender cradled in the winning score and BC narrowly avoided becoming the fourth second-ranked team to lose in the last four weeks.

Sean Glennon, making his first start for the Hokies since being benched after the 48-7 loss to LSU early in the second week of the season, played steady on a soggy night at Lane Stadium. He was 15-for-25 for 149 yards with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Eddie Royal in the second quarter and a 41-yard hook up with Royal in the third that set up Jud Dunlevy's 44-yard field goal that made it 10-0.

Glennon was better than Ryan for most of the game and it looked as though Virginia Tech, eighth in the BCS standings, would get a second chance to sneak into the national title race after D.J. Parker picked off Ryan's pass in Eagles' territory late in the fourth quarter.

The Hokies couldn't convert the interception into points and Ryan went 9-for-15 on the final two drives.

For most of the night it looked as if all of BC's high hopes - a national title, a Heisman Trophy for its quarterback - would be washed away on a windy and rainy night.

The first half was played in a steady, soaking rain and neither team could get much going. The Hokies and Eagles combined for seven fumbles, though only one turnover.

The Eagles had a great opportunity to get on the board late in the second quarter, when they recovered a botched snap between Glennon and backup center Matt Welsh, who came in when starter Ryan Shuman went out with a leg injury.

The turnover set up BC at the Virginia Tech 19. The Eagles could only move backward and gave the ball back when Ryan threw incomplete under pressure on fourth-and-24.

Hokies defensive lineman Chris Ellis and Barry Booker harassed Ryan constantly and the Hokies sacked the BC passer three times, half as many as the Eagles had allowed in their first seven games.

Branden Ore rushed for 97 yards on 20 carries for the Hokies against BC's top-ranked run defense, which came in allowing 46 yards per game.

SOURCE: NCAAFOOTBALL.COM

Scoring on turnovers a big focus of Beamerball

By HANK KURZ Jr.
AP Sports Writer

BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) - The ball is snapped, thrown and intercepted. Then the Virginia Tech defense goes on the offensive.

The defender closest to the ball zeros in on the intended receiver, the player most likely to tackle the ball carrier. Every other defender puts a body on someone.

Several times a week, No. 8 Virginia Tech (6-1, 3-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) spends a few minutes at practice working on turning turnovers into touchdowns without the offense taking a snap.

``With us, we want to score,'' said linebacker Xavier Adibi, who has two touchdowns in his career. ``Anytime you've got a chance to get the ball, and anytime you get the ball, we want to get the ball into the end zone. We practice it all the time.

``It's no mistake why it happens in the game.''

Virginia Tech might need some scoring from its defense Thursday night when quarterback Matt Ryan and No. 2 Boston College (7-0, 3-0) bring their perfect record and national title hopes to Lane Stadium.

Defensive and special teams touchdowns have become calling cards of the Hokies under coach Frank Beamer. When they happen in Lane Stadium, they typically set off mayhem. More often follow.

Wisely, opponents spend plenty of time trying to prevent the mistakes.

``Tough defense. There's no question about that,'' Ryan said. ``Very tough defense and they always thrive on turnovers and taking the ball away from the offense.

``Ball security and execution is at a premium this week. We've really got to do a great job of protecting the football while still remaining very aggressive.''

Protective measures notwithstanding, the Hokies still have produced 72 defensive touchdowns since coach Beamer arrived 21 years ago, as well as 40 special teams TDs.

It's the kind of style that has helped lure talent to southwest Virginia.

``It's a big attraction,'' Adibi said. ``When you watch them on TV, you see a bunch of guys playing with a lot of emotion and just having a lot of fun. When you see that as a young guy, you feel like that's the kind of defense you want to be a part of.''

Some coaches don't like their defenders trying to do too much after making a turnover, figuring they aren't accustomed to having the ball in their hands.

Beamer, who also coaches special teams for the Hokies, couldn't disagree more.

``To me, when you get an interception, it's kind of like when you block a kick. You've got the advantage in most cases,'' he said, explaining that the number of people in position to tackle a defender after a turnover is low, and easily neutralized.

``If you organize it a little bit and try to get the people most likely to make a tackle, you've got a chance to score with it or at least get better field position.''

Making the plays makes them feel like Hokies. Defenders often react to their first touchdown with relief, having erased a fear they would never join the club. Twenty players have at least two defensive TDs under Beamer.

Linebacker Cam Martin is still waiting for his first one.

``Whenever you can go out there and get a takeaway, just a turnover, it's always fun, but when you can turn that turnover into a touchdown, it just gets you stirred up inside,'' Martin said. ``If you get the opportunity, it's your job to convert on it.''

In a season when the Hokies offense has struggled, the defense often has risen at the most opportune times. Cornerback Victor Harris scored on a 17-yard interception return against East Carolina, giving the sluggish Hokies a 10-7 lead in a 17-7 victory.

In a big game at Clemson on Sept. 29, D.J. Parker returned an interception 32 yards for a score just 1:10 into the game, Eddie Royal later scored on an 82-yard punt return and Harris returned a kickoff 100 yards for another score. The Hokies won, 41-23.

Adibi said attention to history begins early for incoming Hokies.

``Just before camp starts, (coach Bud Foster) really stresses that Virginia Tech has a history of just being a great defense, so don't come over here with the mentality that we're just going to be an average defense,'' he said. ``That's why we're always one of the best in the country.''

The last two years, the Hokies have ranked No. 1 in total defense in the nation.

With Ryan considered among the top contenders for the Heisman Trophy and the Hokies unsure who their quarterback will be because of an injury to Tyrod Taylor, the defense expects to take on more responsibility.

``We know that we can shut this guy down and we just really just can't wait to go out there on the field and show everybody what we can do,'' Adibi said. ``We know he's an excellent quarterback, but at the same time, we're a good defense.''

SOURCE: NCAAFOOTBALL.COM

CFI: THE ACC MID-SEASON REPORT

BY ARTHUS DiCESARE
ACC INSIDER

The ACC has been up and down with no team other than Boston College establishing themselves as a consistent team. The Eagles, who currently sit in third place in the BCS standings has been great on both sides of the ball, while traditional powers like Miami and Florida State have continued to struggle both due in large part to new coaching changes that have altered each program. The ‘Noles under new offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher have had their inconsistencies at the quarterback position and on the offensive line -- issues that proceeded his arrival. While ‘Canes with new head coach Randy Shannon, who has tried to install his philosophy and winning ways at “The U”, has had some bums in the road most notably a road loss at North Carolina. Both Georgia Tech and Clemson, who were suppose to contend in their divisions, have also been disappointing leaving both sitting in third place.

Surprise Team- Virginia: The Cavaliers who started the season with a loss to Wyoming have rallied to win six straight games. Al Groh who always seems to be on the hot seat in Charlottesville has finally brought his NFL background and defensive strategy to the table. Virginia has already won as many games as they did last year, and sit tied atop the Coastal standings. Virginia has very winnable games remaining on their schedule and might have a Coastal showdown the last week of the season at home against Virginia Tech.

Disappointing Team- Clemson: The Tigers started the season with a big win over Florida State and rolled to 4-0 have, but have since dropped two straight games, the last an embarrassing home loss to Virginia Teach. Clemson, who not only has the most talented backfield in the ACC and possibly the country, has had two terrible offensive weeks in a row. With a young and very raw defense, Clemson has to lean on their offense to produce for them. Death Valley is still waiting for Tommy Bowden to bring it all together one of these seasons.

Offensive MVP- Matt Ryan QB Boston College: This is a no brainier -- Matt Ryan is hands-down the best and most important player on the offensive side of the ball in the ACC. He has lead BC to a 7-0 record and the highest ranking in school history. Ryan is on pace to throw for 3600 yards and 30 touchdowns and should BC continue to win, Ryan can book his flight to New York for a shot to win the Heisman Trophy.

Defensive MVP- Xavier Adibi LB Virginia Tech: This race is much closer with deserving candidates like Virginia’s Chris Long and Boston College’s Dejaun Tribble. My vote goes to Virginia Tech linebacker Xavier Adibi. Adibi is the catalyst of the top-scoring defense in the ACC. Not to mention he is their leading tackler and is the spark plug -- a true emotional leader of the Hookies defense. Adibi is also a semifinalist for the Butkus Award given to the nations top linebacker.

Top Newcomer- Tyrod Taylor QB Virginia Tech: Tyrod Taylor the true freshmen who replaced Sean Gleadon in week three is 5-0 as a starter. He has Tech tied in first place and has the team poised to make another ACC title game appearance in Jacksonville. With his growth at the quarterback position getting better week in a week out, look forward to watching Taylor in the upcoming years -- he has the physical ability to become a serious duel threat and possible Heisman candidate down the road.

Prediction- I see the teams in both the Atlantic and Coastal divisions staying were they are and that would set up a match-up between Boston College and Virginia Tech December 1st in Jacksonville.

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

CFI: VIRGINIA TECH PLAYS "SPECIAL” FOOTBALL

BY ARTHUR DiCESARE
ACC INSIDER

It was your typical Virginia Tech performance another big road victory over a ranked opponent. Virginia Tech’s dominating 41-23 win over Clemson was highlighted by “Beamer Ball” -- an interception for a touchdown, a kickoff for a touchdown, and a punt for a touchdown. Tech started the game off with a 32-yard interception for a touchdown by senior D.J. Parker. Up 10-0, the electrifying Eddie Royal, who had done nothing so far this year took a punt back 82 yards for a touchdown and quickly Virginia Tech had a 17-0 first quarter lead, which had the Death Valley crowd of over 82,000 silent. Royal almost upped the lead to 24 a series later when he had another punt return for a touchdown called back for an illegal block. Macho Harris returned a kickoff 100 yards following Clemson's first score completely taking the bite out of the Tigers.

Frank Beamer has built his brilliant special teams play over his 21-year career at Virginia Tech where they have by far had the best special teams in the country scoring 63 non-offensive touchdowns since 1999 the most in that span. This was the first time in Beamer’s career that his team returned a punt and a kick for touchdowns in the same game.

Tech’s defense was equally as strong lead by senior linebackers Xavier Adibi and Vince Hall who were all over the field exhibiting their skills against a high-powered offensive unit. The Hokies held Clemson’s Thunder & Lightning tandem of C.J. Spiller and James Davis to 12 yards on 12 carries. The ground game was so infective that Clemson quarterback Cullen Harper had to throw 66 passes.

It was a dominating performance all around. Tech finally started to see the raw potential of true freshman Tyrod Taylor, although he only threw for 65 yards with one touchdown he rushed for 118 yards and picked up numerous first downs. More importantly, Taylor had zero turnovers and showed the smarts to take sacks and throw the ball out of bounds instead of forcing turnovers. Taylor a Hampton, Virginia native, an area that has also produced the Vick brothers and their cousin Aaron Brooks looks to be the next in the long line of duel threat quarterbacks. When all is said an done he could become the most successful of all these quarterbacks because of his maturity and ability to play within the game and not try to force or make plays that are simply not there, although Michael Vick’s standard is high, if only in Blacksburg.

Virginia Tech looks to have bounced back after their embarrassing defeat three weeks ago 48-7 at LSU. With the ACC wide open this season -- Virginia Tech has positioned themselves right at the top of the Costal standings. If the Hokies can continue to play “Beamer Bowl” and have Taylor continue to grow at quarterback Virginia Tech could be a tough team to deal with in the upcoming weeks, especially with the “special” brand of football that they play.

CFI: THE ACC REPORT

BY CHRISTOPHER J. KRESGE
ACC COASTAL INSIDER

MIAMI 27 - UNC 33
This game was indicative of two teams going in complete opposite directions. The Butch Davis regime is starting to take form as the young Tar Heels, a roster that has 42 freshmen on it, played hard and focused shutting down a Miami team that looked lost and disinterested for at least the first half of the game. Coach Randy Shannon kept saying in his post game presser that the players still have the mentality instilled in them from the last coaching staff at Miami. Weren’t you the Defensive Coordinator from that last coaching staff Coach Shannon? Let me speak for Coach Shannon and let you know how bad the Canes are without making excuses. The defensive secondary not only does not cover man-on-man well, but do not make any big play tackles, and most of the time give a lackluster effort by trying to arm tackle opponents. In addition, when your strong safety, Kenny Phillips, leads your team in tackles, there are major breakdowns on your defensive line and linebackers. UNC’s team is starting to mature anDavis is making his mark in the Carolinas. Anthony Elzy ran for 95 yards and one touchdown and sophomore Hakeem Nicks had five catches for 76 yards. The ‘Canes have plenty of talent on this team, but it will be interesting to see if the coaching staff can get them going in the right direction because their season can get real ugly with future road games against Virginia Tech, Florida State and Boston College.
NEXT WEEK: Miami vs. Georgia Tech
NEXT WEEK: UNC vs. University of South Carolina

VIRGINIA TECH 41 – CLEMSON 23
Two words best describe this game, Beamer Ball. An interception returned for a touchdown, a returned punt for a touchdown and a return kickoff for a touchdown. Two more words best describe the state of Clemson football, Fire Bowden. Tommy Bowden is in his ninth season as head coach and it is a lot of the same, mediocre, inconsistent play and the biggest one, no championships -- ACC or BCS. The Clemson’s fan base have had enough of this and anything short of a BCS bowl bid, this will be Bowden’s last year in Tiger Town. Defensively, Clemson is playing at a very high level and they were able to contain freshman quarterback Tyrod Taylor for most of the game. Branden Ore is without a doubt a step slower this year and linebacker Vince Hall broke his wrist. As for Clemson’s “Thunder and Lightning” combo of C.J. Spiller and James Davis -- they were non-existent. The main reason is that opposing teams are stacking eight men in a box, daring Clemson to beat you with the pass. Which Cullen Harper has been doing a good job of, but again, the multitude of special team mistakes and turnovers are too much too overcome. Maybe Coach Beamer will share some tips on special teams play with Bowden before he gets fired.
NEXT WEEK: Clemson – Bye Week
NEXT WEEK: Virginia Tech vs. Duke

GEORGIA TECH 26 – MARYLAND 28
Fans that came out to watch the top two rushing offenses collide in College Park were treated instead to an air attack. The two teams combined for 550 passing yards compared to only 263 rushing yards. Maryland’s combination of Lance Ball and Kenny Lattimore, Ray Lewis’s half brother, is both punishing and efficient. Tashard Choice returned to form by rushing for 135 yards and one touchdown. It is going to be very interesting to see how both teams fair the second half of the season in the ACC. Maryland is starting to gain momentum while Georgia Tech is still trying to figure it out.
NEXT WEEK: Georgia Tech vs. Miami
NEXT WEEK: Maryland Bye Week

DUKE 36 – WAKE FOREST 41
Good news for Duke fans is quarterback Thaddeus Lewis continued lighting up ACC defenses and threw for 291 yards and four touchdowns against Wake Forest. Lewis continued to find his favorite target, Eron Riley, who caught two touchdown passes and totaled 143 yards. Bad news for Duke fans, their defense still cannot stop anyone. Wake is good team, but 41 points? My bold prediction for this year is that Duke will win an ACC game this year. I am not ready to predict the week, but any team that can consistently put up this many points a game will get a big W this year.
NEXT WEEK: Duke vs. Virginia Tech
NEXT WEEK: Wake Forest vs. FSU

VIRGINIA 23 – MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE 21
News flash for UVA…HAVE YOU SEEN ALL THE UPSETS THIS YEAR IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL? Once again this year we almost saw a nationally recognized program fall to a lesser known mid major. There are officially no off weeks now in Division I college football. UVA is starting to resemble Wake’s football team last year. They are very underrated, have a solid defense, which is lead by All-American Chris Long, and a productive, but not flashy offense. They showed that they have depth at running back as both Keith Payne and Andrew Pearman stepped up in the absence of Cedric Peerman who left with an injury. Tight end Tom Santi continues to put up good numbers; he blocks well and has soft hands. Santi is a good NFL prospect.
NEXT WEEK: Virginia vs. Connecticut

Photo Credit: University of Miami Sports Media Relations Office