Monday, November 24, 2008

The Daily Roundup: Monday

The BEST ACC Football and Basketball Coverage!!!!

Getting your mind right:
BCS standings favor Texas, for now: "The initial news from the BCS standings looked good for Texas. The long-range forecast, however, favors Oklahoma. The Longhorns stayed ahead of the Sooners on Sunday -- but not by much -- and moved into the coveted second spot in the standings, thanks to a better computer rating." Whatever...there is a problem if the Sooners aren't in the national championship game (assuming they handle Oak. State) after that beating they put on Texas Tech.

Mountaineers seeded second: "College football:Three-time defending national champion Appalachian State will open the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs Saturday at home against South Carolina State at noon, while top-seeded James Madison will face Wofford." It won't be much of a Football game but the South Carolina State band is worth the price of admission should you be in the Boone area.



The conference headlines:
Terrapins claim field hockey title: "College notes:Maryland won its third NCAA field hockey national championship in four years, beating Wake Forest 4-2 on Sunday in Louisville, Ky." Congrats Terps!!!

Dan Wiederer: Fells ignites Pack

Sammy Batten: O’Brien ignores ‘what if’


North Carolina
UNC aims to limit Hansbrough's time :"North Carolina's Tyler Hansbrough has never been the smoothest-looking player on the court." Good call.....



Duke
Smith learning to lead : "Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski had one directive for sophomore point guard Nolan Smith during the 10th-ranked Blue Devils' 78-58 win over Montana at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Sunday."
Smith gets vocal, leading Duke past Montana: "In a little over a calendar year, Duke sophomore Nolan Smith has gone from fighting for minutes behind Greg Paulus to starting in front of Paulus."

DeCock: Back to a dream's beginning : "A decade ago, Scott Kirchmann was working as a personal trainer in Raleigh, hoping to someday become a college strength and conditioning coach. On Sunday, that dream job brought him back. "
: vs. Virginia Tech Football

Wake Forest
Questions linger for Wake O-line: "Before the Wake Forest football team entered this season, questions loomed about its offensive line."

Virginia Tech


Georgia Tech

No. 1 goal - beat UGA: "Hartstein: Jackets still in running for division title, but are focused on ending losing streak vs. Dogs.


Sons carry on Tech-UGA rivalry


Soundslides: Tech's Johnson on ACC, Jackets


Bisher: Stage set for a classic

Tech hoping for help from Cavs


Players know legacy of Georgia-Tech rivalry


Jackets need Hokies to lose to Virginia


Tech's Griffin, Reese likely to miss UGA game


Jackets rally to beat Mercer in OT

Coaches pleased with Tech's play against Miami


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posted by Ed at Monday, November 24, 2008 |

Friday, November 21, 2008

The Daily Roundup: Kick Off Friday

The BEST ACC Football and Basketball Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:
The Weekend Smoke: Stogie Reviews: La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero Chisel

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer: Obama lacks enough heft to tackle this one

It's time Notre Dame earned it: "Let's look at some facts as we approach college football's second season. And let's throw in some speculation based on the sometime cryptic messages sent out by bowl representatives."

Ray Frager of the Baltimore Sun: BCS deal means one nation of TV sports fans, no longer indivisible

Michael Wilbon: Putting the Student Before the Athlete

The conference headlines:
Despite loss, Miami Hurricanes' future is bright: " Everything was running away from the Miami Hurricanes here Thursday night. The winning streak. The national ranking. The conference championship. The major-bowl dreams. And just about any Georgia Tech player who happened to carry the football."

DeCock of the Charlotte Observer:End zone eludes Draughn, but that's OK : "Coaches and broadcasters call it the Red Zone. For Shaun Draughn, it might as well be the Dead Zone."

Wolfpack, Heels provide nailbiters : "Few football rivalries have been as evenly matched recently as the yearly Triangle tilt between North Carolina and N.C. State, which meet at noon Saturday in Chapel Hill."

ACC disciplines refs in UNC-Maryland game: "Some members of the officiating crew that worked last week's North Carolina loss at Maryland have been disciplined by the ACC."

Sammy Batten of the Fayetteville Observer: Florida cornerback picks the Wolfpack

Dan Wiederer of the Fayetteville Observer: Heels 'fired up'


Duke
Devils wear down Salukis : "The 10th-ranked Duke Blue Devils earned the right to play in their first title game of the season by beating Southern Illinois 83-58 in the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer at Madison Square Garden on Thursday."


North Carolina
Williams: No decision on Hansbrough for Friday: "The question every North Carolina fan has had since the beginning of the college basketball season was the first one asked by the Santa Barbara media to coach Roy Williams on Thursday after practice at UC-Santa Barbara's Thunderdome."

Davis, O'Brien have a history in big-name rivalries: "N.C. State and North Carolina have never played a game that's meant as much nationally as the 1987 Florida State-Miami grudge match."

Heels have a history of bouncing back : "After North Carolina lost to Virginia Tech, it won its next three games, including dramatic victories over Miami and Notre Dame."


Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech ruins Miami's return to the rankings: "Hold off on Miami's return to national prominence. The Hurricanes ran into a huge roadblock: Georgia Tech's triple-option offense."

Not all on board for 'whiteout'

Jackets still have shot at ACC title game

Defense steps up from the start

Jackets ground up Hurricanes

Key statistics in Jackets' victory

Key plays in Tech's victory over Miami

Nesbitt starts at QB for Jackets


Maryland

In Full Health, Oquendo Keeps Drives Alive

College football: Sellout expected for Fla. State game

Shrinking Seminoles

Tracking the Terps: Friedgen works on ways to win students over


Virginia Tech
Tech's Vassallo right at home: "College basketball roundup:A.D. Vassallo scored 24 points in his return to his homeland and Jeff Allen added 18 Thursday as Virginia Tech beat Fairfield 74-57 in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Puerto Rico Tip Off in San Juan. "

Insiders: Hokies 2 home wins away from another Coastal title

After 10 Games, Hokies Offense Still Unsettled

Coale quickly assumes key role at Tech: "The redshirt freshman from Lexington tops the catches list."

Virginia Tech men advance in Puerto Rico Tip-Off Classic

North Carolina Central win nice birthday gift for Virginia Tech's Lakeisha Logan


Virginia

UVa's Cavaliers get by over South Florida with late layup

Split decision -- UVa and William & Mary -- for Phillips parents

Virginia football notebook: Turnovers hamper Cavs


Clemson
ACC is a BCS mess : "The conference championship game is in Clemson’s rearview mirror, yet junior tight end Michael Palmer looks at the ACC standings on a weekly basis anyhow."

Gameball Run gives back to frat brother : "In 1997, as an active member of the Sigma Nu fraternity at USC, Brian Shah proudly jogged a mile with the Clemson-Carolina game ball helping to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation."

Clemson interviews 4th coach : "A fourth candidate reportedly has surfaced in Clemson’s coaching search."

USC brings back Tigerburn tradition : "USC is renewing its traditional Tigerburn pep rally, held during the week before the annual football game with Clemson."

Practice report: Tigers' only Va. native wants a win

VIDEO: Swinney previews Clemson-Virginia

Cavaliers seniors eager to go out with victory

Tigers shoot down Terriers

Practice report: Korn's shoulder fine - or is it?

Tigers ruin Staley's home debut


Miami

Miami Hurricanes' offense was poor also: "The Hurricanes' defense couldn't stop Georgia Tech Thursday night, but the offense wasn't much."

Yellow Jackets' running game dominant against Miami Hurricanes: "Georgia Tech's offense of misdirection and options was too much for Miami's defense."

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posted by Ed at Friday, November 21, 2008 |

Friday, November 14, 2008

The Daily Roundup: Kick Off Friday

The BEST ACC Football Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:
The Weekend Smoke from the StogieGuys.com: Stogie Reviews: Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Robusto (Cuban)


National championship contenders pretty much down to five: "With 10 weeks of the season done, the list of contenders for the national championship has been cut from 120 teams and 11 conferences to five teams and two conferences."

In My Opinion from the Miami Herald: Miami Hurricanes take another step forward: "Sudden growth spurts can be awkward and ugly sometimes. You remember, back when you were a 'tweener.' All of a sudden your nose looked a little too big for your face. Other, even less attractive things started growing on your face. Your legs were a little longer than you were used to, making the simplest of balancing acts."

From the Washington Post: Hokies Kicked Out of First: "Virginia Tech alternates quarterbacks before Tyrod Taylor, above, takes over in the second half, but the move proves futile as the Hokies are knocked out of first in the ACC's Coastal Division and lose control of their postseason destiny with a 16-14 loss in Miami."

Jim Kelly among five inducted into the Miami Hurricanes' Ring of Honor: "Former quarterback Jim Kelly and Gino Torretta are among five former players inducted into UM's Ring of Honor during Miami's regular-season home finale."

From the Eye on the U Blog: Virginia Tech thoughts : "Just finished filing my story on Miami's defense and wanted to share some post game thoughts with you. > For all the attention Miami's freshmen on ..."

Davidson, star Curry haven't come down yet : "Stephen Curry won't fool anyone with that baby face this season."


Vick has NFL return in bankruptcy plan includes: "Imprisoned NFL quarterback Michael Vick expects to return to pro football, according to his bankruptcy attorneys who laid out a plan to pay creditors based in part on his anticipated earnings."

Sammy Batten of the Fayetteville Observer: Recruiting class should help Heels re-load at receiver

Dan Wiederer of the Fayetteville Observer: A new Lowe at NC State?


The conference headlines:


Miami
Miami Hurricanes atop ACC with win against Virginia Tech:"The Miami Hurricanes are alone in first place in the Atlantic Coast Conference's Coastal Division -- at least until the weekend. And should North Carolina lose at Maryland on Saturday, the Hurricanes could be ahead to stay, and in position to reach the ACC championship game."

University of Miami defense comes through in victory: "A Hurricanes defense that once was maligned once again came up big, holding Virginia Tech to 250 yards of total offense."


Virginia Tech
'Canes grab control: "The Hokies spend most of the night in a rut and see their hopes of reaching the ACC title game diminish."




North Carolina
Finishing what they started : "Decked out in baby blue caps and gowns, North Carolina's five-man senior class drew laughs and applause at "Late Night" last month when the players reminisced at mid-court about their favorite moments from the past three basketball seasons."

Dyer's move to center has helped drive Heels' offense: "The last five weeks have been kind to Lowell Dyer. After North Carolina beat Miami on Sept. 27, the Tar Heels' coaches installed the Riverside product as UNC's starting center, moving Dyer ahead of Aaron Stahl on the depth chart."

Wake Forest


Maryland
Tracking the Terps: "Greivis Vasquez used the term "Final Four" and the name "Maryland" in the same sentence in College Park yesterday." Hmmm......

Men's basketball: Terps to start season with lingering questions

Byrd's quirks can ruffle feathers


Georgia Tech
Jackets start young: "Georgia Tech fans will get an early look at talented freshman Iman Shumpert in Friday's season-opener."


Florida State
FSU's Givens making name known: "Headhunter Louis Givens had just delivered a tackle on Florida State's kickoff when he realized somebody else's name had been called over the public announcement system at Carter-Finley Stadium."











Virginia



Duke
Devils' seniors feeling the sting as end nears : "Duke coach David Cutcliffe has made good on his promise to make football fun again for the program's seniors. Now those seniors don't want to see the fun come to an end."


NC State
Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News-Observer - Wilson earning respect: "N.C. State quarterback Russell Wilson, a redshirt freshman, has not yet been selected the ACC's rookie of the week."

Q&A with Tom O'Brien: "N.C. State football coach Tom O'Brien talks about his young players, Wake Forest and special teams."


Clemson
Frenzy may rest in future : "Before practices began last month, coach Oliver Purnell was curious whether Clemson's basketball team had the personnel to carry out his preferred style of trapping, frenzied defensive pressure."

Tigers set to meet Va. Tech’s Foster : "In three tries, Tommy Bowden’s offenses never solved the riddle of Virginia Tech coordinator Bud Foster’s defense — and they usually looked lost in the process."

Practice report: Davis could break Tigers’ carrer rushing record : "News of the day There is no secret where first-year coach David Cutcliffe has had the most effect on Duke’s football program, other than having the Blue Devils (4-5, 1-4 ACC) within one victory of their highest season win total since 1994."

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posted by Ed at Friday, November 14, 2008 |

Monday, November 10, 2008

The Daily Roundup: Monday

The BEST ACC Football News!!!

Getting your mind right:
ACC men's basketball: Team-by-team preview

ACC men's basketball predictions

From the Washington Post: Selections Are Maddening to ACC


The conference headlines:
Tar Heels claim another ACC soccer crown: "Top-seeded North Carolina claimed another ACC Women's Soccer championship on Sunday, shutting out seventh-seeded Virginia Tech 3-0 in the title game at WakeMed Soccer Park."
LENOX RAWLINGS of the Winston-Salem Journal - Bruiser: Houston pounds opposition


Duke
Duke Clipboard

Duke: Monday Morning QB: "As Duke quarterback Thad Lewis entered the interview area after Saturday's 27-17 loss to N.C. State, Duke sports information director Art Chase informed those gathered that Lewis had set career highs for pass attempts with 52 and completions with 37, coming within one completion of tying the school record."

Duke sees a coming of age : "Responsibility for the 2008-09 college basketball season didn't drop into the hands of Duke's junior guards Gerald Henderson and Jon Scheyer."

Q&A with Duke's Kyle Singler: "Duke forward Kyle Singler, the 2008 ACC Freshman of the Year, has one priority for his sophomore year at Duke — stay big, stay fresh."

Duke kicks season off vs. Presbyterian: "When Gerald Henderson and his fellow Duke juniors started their collegiate careers two years ago, they did so for a program that had reached the Final Four or won the ACC Tournament title -- or done both -- for a remarkable eight consecutive seasons."

North Carolina
UNC Clipboard

UNC: Monday Morning QB: "There were some interesting subplots to North Carolina's 28-7 win over Georgia Tech on Saturday. Quarterback T.J. Yates returned late in the game and made his first throws since breaking a bone in his left ankle some six weeks ago. Touted freshman wide receiver Dwight Jones saw his first action of the season, burning what could've been a redshirt year. And Shaun Draughn and Ryan Houston ran for 90 and 74 yards, respectively, helping UNC gain a season-high 186 on the ground."


Report: Davis at the top of Volunteers' wish list: "A couple of morsels of information came out of Butch Davis' Sunday teleconference after North Carolina's 28-7 victory over Georgia Tech." That should be interesting. This may very well end up being a referrendum on UNC football come season's end.


Wake Forest
Wake's 'mad dog' inspires defense: "If there was one player who epitomized the sheer enthusiasm Wake Forest's defensive players wanted and needed Saturday against Virginia, it was fifth-year senior linebacker Aaron Curry."


Boston College
Eagles poised for late takeoff: "Three weeks, three challenges, three chances for the Boston College football team to prove it is Atlantic Coast Conference title game worthy."


North Carolina State
N.C. State Clipboard


Virginia Tech


Georgia Tech

Virginia


Maryland


Clemson
ACC hopes gone, Tigers again forced to regroup : "Coming together was a beginning. Keeping together was progress. Working together is success. Dabo Swinney paraphrased the famous Henry Ford quote Sunday to emphasize the advancements he believes Clemson has made despite one win in his three games as interim coach."

Game recap: Game balls, what went right, wrong : "Game balls QB Cullen Harper: Yes, he had another interception returned for a score. But by and large Harper made smart and skilled throws, and — more importantly — it was arguably his strongest show of leadership all season."

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posted by Ed at Monday, November 10, 2008 |

Friday, November 07, 2008

The Daily Roundup: FreeThrowFriday

The BEST ACC Football Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:
Hokies love playing on Thursday night
Darren Evans ran for a school-record 253 yards and a touchdown and Virginia Tech continued its Thursday night mastery, beating No. 23 Maryland 23-13 to stay in the thick of a wide-open Atlantic Coast Conference.

Wright time for Golden State: "Brandan Wright still looks every bit a kid, his braces shining as he discusses his soon-to-be increased role with the Golden State Warriors."

Racism is no joke, F1 champion says: "Racing notes:Lewis Hamilton rejected F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone's assertion on Thursday in London that racist abuse directed at the driver probably started as a joke."

Sally Jenkins of the Washington Post: Marbury Collects His Money, but at What Cost?


The conference headlines:
Dan Wiederer of the Fayetteville Observer: Big Four Basketball freshmen ranked

Rick Maese of the Baltimore Sun: Shell game: Terps continue confusing trend


NC State
Fells finds his groove : "In N.C. State's exhibition basketball opener Thursday night against Fort Valley State, Courtney Fells looked perfectly comfortable at his new position. He led N.C. State with 21 points in a 94-65 win at Reynolds Coliseum."

Williams off to good start for Pack

Pack's Spencer counting his blessings: "Sometimes during film study, N.C. State sophomore Owen Spencer indulges. He will cue up one of his touchdown catches, sit back, and enjoy watching himself fulfilling his goals."

Irving expected to play: "College notes:Three players, including standout linebacker Nate Irving, will return from injury for N.C. State on Saturday against Duke, football coach Tom O'Brien said after practice Thursday."


North Carolina
No Achilles' heel for UNC: "The pickup games were part of their summer ritual; just good competition among the core group of North Carolina players. But Tyler Hansbrough had believed last summer would be different. He thought it would be their last hurrah before the young men went their separate ways this winter. "

Tar Heels land wide receiver: "North Carolina added to its stellar in-state football recruiting class on Thursday when wide receiver Jheranie Boyd of Gastonia Ashbrook announced for the Tar Heels."

Heels snag No. 1 receiver

Sexton still is tough on himself: "So long as you live in North Carolina, Cameron Sexton basically offered you an apology after the Tar Heels lost to Virginia on Oct. 18, even if you're a Duke or N.C. State fan."


Wake Forest
Popham starting to kick comfortably: "When redshirt freshman Shane Popham received a football scholarship from Wake Forest in January, he stopped searching for alternative schools. He was instantly relieved from the burden of transferring and trying to find a way to finance his education."


Florida State
Noles suspend three: "College football:Three Florida State football players have been suspended for Saturday's game against Clemson, coach Bobby Bowden said Thursday."


Duke
Sophomore has come out of no where to give the Blue Devils a boost in secondary: "Duke cornerback Chris Rwabukamba seemingly came out of nowhere to rescue the Blue Devils with an interception in their recent victory at Vanderbilt and to temporarily save them with a pass breakup in an overtime loss at Wake Forest this past Saturday."


Blue Devils have confidence that Rwabukamba will make the plays : "Some Duke fans never had heard Chris Rwabukamba's name before Coach David Cutcliffe called on him in the second half of the Blue Devils' game at Vanderbilt on Oct. 24."


Boston College
Day before game a special one for players: "Although Boston College's focus is on its meeting with Notre Dame tomorrow night at Alumni Stadium, the Eagles will shift gears a bit today when they make their annual visit to BC's Campus School, which deals with special needs children."

BC is trying to get a leg up: "The importance of the kicking game cannot be overstated, especially this late in the season and particularly in the series between Boston College and Notre Dame. After all, wasn't the biggest game between these Catholic school rivals in 1993 settled by a kick?"


Maryland
Terps' Defense Left Grasping for Answers

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posted by Ed at Friday, November 07, 2008 |