CFI: THIS DATE IN HISTORY

Sept. 21, 1997: Army defeats Duke for the first time since 1984 with a 35-17 triumph over the Blue Devils. It is also the Black Knights’ first victory over an ACC team since 1989. Army QB Ronnie McAda rushes for 88 yards on 20 carries and two touchdowns while hitting 7-of-8 passes for 225 yards, 32.1 yards per completion, and a 80-yard TD strike to WR Ron Thomas.

THE ACC REPORT: THE COASTAL DIVISION

BY CHRISTOPHER J. KRESGE
ACC INSIDER

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

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

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

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

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

THE ACC COASTAL REPORT

BY CHRISTOPHER J. KRESGE
ACC INSIDER

Miami 13 – Oklahoma 51: Somewhere Barry Switzer was smiling on Saturday after Oklahoma embarrassed Miami 51-13. Randy Phillips and freshman DeMarcus Van Dyke were burned all day long. The defensive line was pushed around most of the afternoon by a bigger, stronger Oklahoma offensive line. Calais Campbell was able to record a sack and linebackers Colin McCarthy and Tavares Gooden were all over the field making tackles. However, Miami’s offense could not get their passing game in order to compliment Javarris James and Graig Cooper, who are both productive every time they run the ball. Miami is still missing that big time playmaker at wide receiver. Lance Leggett did not play physically enough and didn’t go for the ball in the air. Kyle Wright was called in to replace Kirby Freeman and drove the offense to an 18-play, 52-yard scoring drive. He looked poised, threw sharp passes but was pulled for Freeman. This is still unexplainable? Don’t give up on Miami yet, they are still a very good team and will be competitive all year in the ACC. They were just overmatched this week against Oklahoma whom is a very good team that will make a run for the National Championship.
NEXT WEEK: Florida International

Georgia Tech 69 – Samford 14: So much for a letdown week after Georgia Tech’s beat down of the Irish in South Bend. Georgia Tech performed the way most good teams do against lesser opponents, by beating them handily. (Take notes Michigan) The offense continued their impressive show of strength and senior leadership compiling 380 rushing yards, 110 of which were gained by workhorse Tashard Choice, which came all in the first quarter. Choice also scored two touchdowns. Boston College heads down to Atlanta next week for their first ACC game of the year.
NEXT WEEK: Boston College

Virginia Tech 7 – LSU 48: The Hokies thought they were at a NASCAR event and not Death Valley after watching one of the fastest teams in the nation run past them for a 48-7 blowout Saturday night. Without a doubt, one of the toughest places to play in college football, but it wasn’t so much the crowd intimidation, but LSU’s overall team quickness on both sides of the ball. Sean Glennon was 2/10 with one interception before being replaced by former high school All-American and true freshman Tyrod Taylor, whom was not much better, but showed flashes of Michael Vick with his ability to improvise and move outside the pocket. Taylor finished 7/18 for 62 yards and one rushing touchdown. The Hokie offensive line was overmatched by LSU’s defensive front led by All-American Glenn Dorsey. T he Hokie defense could not keep up with the plethora of weapons LSU threw at them. Missed tackles and blown assignments sum up the team defense as a whole. Virginia Tech is a good team, but obviously not ready to be discussed in the National Championship picture this year.
NEXT WEEK: OHIO

VIRGINIA 24 – DUKE 13What an ugly game, which was mired in turnovers and bad plays. The only bright spot was the running of Cedric Peerman whom rushed for 137 yards and one touchdown. Al Groh knows his job is on the line so his patience is thin when it comes to Jameel Sewell. Sewell was replaced by freshmen Peter Lalich and don’t be surprised if this becomes a permanent. Lalich finished the day 13/18 131 yards and one touchdown. Tight end Tom Santi had and good game and started living up to his pre-season All ACC hype with two touchdown catches and 54 reception yards. Duke’s only bright spot was quarterback Thaddeus Young who finished the day 14/30 for 130 yards and one touchdown and one interception.
NEXT WEEK: VIRGINIA at North Carolina; DUKE at Northwestern

NORTH CAROLINA 31 – EAST CAROLINA 34: UNC suffered it first lost of the season to a much improved ECU team that proved its performance against Virginia Tech was no fluke. It seems that the Butch Davis era will not be scared to air it out, red shirt freshman T.J. Yates threw for 344 yards (20/32) and three touchdowns, one interception. There is no number one running back but Johnny White is the clear cut favorite to win this position battle as the season goes on. He catches the ball well out of the backfield and has true “halfback” speed. Watch him to get the majority of the carries. Freshman All-American Greg Little did not catch a pass but had one kickoff return. Another highly touted freshman, Marvin Austin is the real deal at defensive tackle, in on every play and is now demanding double teams. UNC’s turnovers kept ECU in this game. Butch Davis teams do not turn the ball over, and this will change immediately.
NEXT WEEK: VIRGINIA