On The Clock: No. 2 St. Louis Rams

Record: 2-14, 4th In the NFC West
General Manager: Billy Devaney, Head Coach: Steve Spagnuolo (1st Year), Offensive Coordinator: Pat Shurmur (1st Year), Defensive Coordinator: Ken Flajole (1st Year)

Offense Rankings: No. 27 Overall, No. 30 Scoring, No. 26 Passing, No. 25 Rushing
Defense Rankings: No. 28 Overall, No. 31 Scoring, No. 19 Passing, No. 29 Rushing

Last Five Years: 27-53; Last Playoff Appearance: 2004; Last Playoff Victory: 2004 (27-20 Over the Seattle Seahawks)

2008 Draft: (1-2) DE Chris Long, (2-33), WR Donnie Avery, (3-65), OT John Greco, (4-101) CB Justin King, (4-128) WR Keenan Burton, (5-157) OG Roy Schuening, (7-228) DB Chris Chamberlain, (7-252) David Vobora

Top Picks Last Five Years:
2008 – (1-2) DE Chris Long, Virginia
2007 – (1-13) DE Adam Carriker, Nebraska
2006 – (1-15) Tye Hill, Clemson
2005 – (1-19) OT Alex Barron, Florida St.
2004 – (1-24) RB Stephen Jackson, Oregon St.

Booms: RB Steven Jackson (1st Round 2004), S Oshiomogho "O.J." Atogwe (3rd Round 2005), C/G Richie Incognito (3rd Round 2005), Donnie Avery (2nd Round 2008)

Busts: Alex Barron (1st Round 2005), Tye Hill (1st Round 2006) Joe Klopfenstein (2nd Round 2006), Claude Wroten (3rd Round 2006), Jon Alston (3rd Round 2006), Dominique Byrd (3rd Round 2006)

Other Busts of Note: S Adam Archuleta (1st Round 2001), QB/WR Eric Crouch (3rd Round 2002), Jimmy Kennedy (1st Round 2003)

Additions:
C Jason Brown (Free Agent)

Subtractions:
S Corey Chavous (Released)
QB Trent Green (Released)
WR Drew Bennett (Released)

Keepers:
CB Ron Bartell
S Oshiomogho Atogwe (Franchised)

2009 Picks:
Round 1, Selection 2
Round 2, Selection 3
Round 3, Selection 2
Round 4, Selection 3
Round 5, Selection 2
Round 6, Selection 3
Round 7, Selection 2

Team Needs – Players of Interest:
1. Offensive Tackle: Jason Smith, Baylor; Eugene Monroe, Virginia; Eben Britton, Arizona; Jamon Meredith, South Carolina; William Beatty, UConn
2. Defensive Tackle: B,J. Raji, Boston College; Jarron Gilbert, San Jose St.; Sen’Derrick Marks, Auburn
3. Cornerback: Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State; Jairus Byrd, Oregon; D.J. Moore, Vanderbilt; Darius Butler, UConn; Sean Smith, Utah
4. Wide Receivers: Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech; Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland; Kenny Britt, Rutgers; Hakeem Nicks, UNC; Brian Robiskie, OSU
5. Linebackers: Aaron Curry, Wake Forest; James Laurinaitis, Ohio State; Marcus Freeman, Ohio St.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Virginia)

FWAA names five finalists for 2007 Bronko Nagurski Trophy

DALLAS (FWAA) - Five finalists for the 2007 Bronko Nagurski Trophy, including last season's winner James Laurinaitis of Ohio State, were announced on Thursday by the Football Writers Association of America and the Charlotte Touchdown Club.

Vying for the honor of the best defensive football player in college football are Laurinaitis, LSU tackle Glenn Dorsey, Virginia end Chris Long, South Florida end George Selvie and Kansas cornerback Aqib Talib.

The winner will be announced on Dec. 3 and presented the Bronko Nagurski Trophy at a gala banquet at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte, N.C., where Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer will give the keynote address.

In addition, the FWAA and Charlotte Touchdown Club will present the first Bronko Nagurski Legends Award presented by CSX Intermodal to members of the Michigan State and Notre Dame football teams who played to the historic 10-10 tie in 1966.

The FWAA award is named after Nagurski, who dominated college football at Minnesota as a bruising fullback and tackle from 1927-29. He could have been an All-America at any position, playing 60 minutes and was the best player wherever he lined up.

Laurinaitis, a 6-3, 240-pound junior linebacker from Hamel, Minn., will spearhead the Buckeyes' defense in their showdown with Michigan on Saturday.

He was named Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week this season for his inspiring career- high, 19-tackle performance in the Buckeyes' 38-17 victory over Wisconsin. This season, Laurinatis has eight tackles for 32 yards in losses and 97 total tackles for the once-beaten Buckeyes. He will seek to join Northwestern's Pat Fitzgerald (1995-96) as the second player to win back-to-back Nagurski Trophies.

Dorsey, a 6-2, 303-pound senior from Gonzales, La., has been a stalwart on top-ranked LSU's line the entire season. He has 53 total tackles (33 unassisted) and 11.5 tackles for 62 yards in losses. He has three pass break-ups and four quarterback hurries.

Long, a 6-4, 284-pound senior from Ivy, Va., and son of former NFL great Howie Long, has been instrumental in three Virginia road victories this season. He scored a safety in Virginia's 18-17 victory over Maryland; his 25-yard interception return set up the Cavaliers' winning field goal in a 22-20 victory over North Carolina; and his blocked field goal preserved Virginia's 23-21 victory over Middle Tennessee. On the season, Long has 69 total tackles (30 unassisted), 17 tackles for 114 yards in losses and seven pass break- ups for Virginia, 9-2.

Selvie, a 6-4, 242-pound sophomore from Pensacola, Fla., with 53 total tackles (41 unassisted), leads the country in tackles for loss (30.5) for 138 yards. He is two shy of breaking the NCAA record. Of those tackles for loss, 14.5 are sacks. He has 10 quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles and one blocked kick for the Bulls, 7-3, who still have two regular-season games remaining.

Talib, a 6-2, 205-pound junior from Richardson, Texas, leads the Big 12 Conference in passes defended. He has 48 tackles (31 unassisted), 3.5 tackles for eight yards in losses, four interceptions (135 return yards) and 11 pass break-ups for the unbeaten Jayhawks. He returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown against Florida International. He also is known as a hard-hitter, knocking Oklahoma State receiver Adarius Bowman out of the Jayhawks' most recent victory.

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: 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