The Daily Roundup: Kick Off Friday

The BEST ACC Football Coverage!!!

The Basketblogs Weekend Picks:
Wake @ BC - Wake WINS
Va Tech v. ECU - Va. Tech WINS (by 32)
FSU @ Clemson - FSU Wins
UVa. @ Wyoming - UVa WINS
GT @ Notre Dame - GT WINS
UNC v. JMU - UNC WINS
Duke v. UConn - Duke WINS.....DUKE WINS!!! (Perhaps....)
NC State v. Central Florida - NC State WINS
Miami vs. Marshall - Miami WINS
Maryland vs. 'Nova - Maryland WINS

That's the list!!!

Getting your mind right:
The Weekend Smoke from the StogieGuys.com:Stogie Reviews: Don Kiki Brown Label Toro

Brohm leads Louisville to rout of Murray State : Did you see that beating.......


The Conference Headlines:
ACC notebook: Out of gate, Jagodzinski faces Wake

ACC News & Notes: "A quick look around the ACC as the season openers are just around the corner. "

A look at Saturday's games : "Keeping in mind that looking back isn't always a good idea and looking ahead may indicate something positive could actually happen, here's why all of us should be happy that Saturday starts a new college football season for the three ACC Triangle teams. "

Lennox Rawlings of the Winston-Salem Journal: Wake Forest may benefit in crossover scheduling


Wake Forest
Veteran Presence: Moore stormed onto the scene as a junior last season to give Wake Forest's offense a needed boost : "Last season, the season his jersey number matched his age, Kenneth Moore of Wake Forest played like a man.Moore wears No. 21.A bit player as a freshman and sophomore, Moore emerged as one of the brightest stars in the Deacons' stunning run to an ACC championship and trip to the Orange Bowl. He played the first eight games at wide receiver, and then, after the Deacons' ground game ground to a near halt after an injury sidelined Micah Andrews, he was moved to running back."

College-Football Notebook: Receiver Williams will miss Deacons' opener


Boston College
The nicest tough guy in the game: "He’s mild-mannered and polite -- until he takes the field. BC quarterback Matt Ryan plays with a rare intensity, and he’s more driven than ever this season as he and new coach Jeff Jagodzinski are charged with taking the Eagles to uncharted territory: a BCS game."

Improvising will be in play: "Matt Ryan knows the game plan. The quarterback knows the plays scripted for Boston College's season opener against Wake Forest tomorrow. He knows the new offense installed by new coach Jeff Jagodzinski and new offensive coordinator Steve Logan."

Feet not failing BC's Larkin now:"When asked to describe Boston College defensive end Nick Larkin, one thing comes to mind for teammate Jolonn Dunbar."

Game of the week: "BC 28, Wake Forest 22 - Home-field advantage? Matt Ryan's arm? Frank Spaziani's defense? Any of the three should give the Eagles a win in Jeff Jagodzinski's coaching debut. But the Eagles had trouble with Jim Grobe-coached teams not nearly as talented as this one. And these Demon Deacons will be anything but easy." Wrong! See our predictions above.


Maryland
Terrapins' special teams face unusual uncertainty : "Punter Travis Baltz (left) and kicker Obi Egekeze are new starters on a unit that has a recent reputation as one of the ACC's best. Over the past six seasons, Maryland has a streak of 86 games without having a punt blocked -- the longest in the nation."

Redshirt Freshman Moten Gets the Call for Terrapins

TERRAPINS NOTEBOOK: Lemons, Maryland's 'Leo,' Is a Late Bloomer

Frese Announces Pregnancy


Virginia
UVa Insider: Lalich getting crash course

Four-Year Plan Cut Short


Virginia Tech
VT Insider: Proud Pops looking after his boys

Tech's Martin Boys: Living a dream: "Brothers Cam and Orion Martin are playing out a childhood fantasy starting on Virginia Tech's defense. "

How would you like to be an East Carolina Pirate Saturday?

With New Rover, Hokies Are in a Good Position


North Carolina
Good will previals at UNC: "Durell Mapp is heading into his senior season at North Carolina, but his previous years of experience didn't prepare him for anything like this."

Hanson ready to live his dream: "N.C.'s top high school QB headed to UNC. It's Wednesday night, about 9:30, and Charlotte Latin quarterback Braden Hanson is at home chatting with North Carolina assistant football coach John Shoop on the phone."


NC State
Pack respects firm O'Brien : "Coach Tom O'Brien's toughness and discipline are keys to building a solid program. N.C. State opens the season against Central Florida on Saturday."


Duke
Freshman tackles tough test : "True freshmen simply don't play prominent roles along the offensive line. They typically aren't physically mature enough, and often aren't mentally mature enough, to tackle the challenge. In high school, their sheer size often was enough to get the job done, sometimes at the expense of technique and footwork."

The Daily Roundup: Thursday

The BEST ACC Football Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:
Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer: Big Ten's really big venture: "If all goes as scheduled, the Big Ten Conference will launch a television sports network at 8 p.m. today."

A shout to the two time defending national champs, Happy Appy: Mountaineers hope to rely on quickness: "ASU will face big, experienced team against Michigan."

Silver lining to Vick's demise: "They were the Michael Vick cards many animal lovers just had to get their paws on."

Vick, Goodell to meet regarding suspension

The conference headlines:

Michael Cunningham: UM's Wright not exactly can't-miss prospect

Wake Forest

Scratching Heads: Wake Forest's coaching staff not quite sure what the Boston College offense will have up its sleeve:" All football coaches feel the need to get a read on their next opponent.The problem for Coach Jim Grobe of Wake Forest is that it's hard to get a read when there is no book."That presents a lot of problems for us," Grobe said."

Boston College

Grittiness at the helm: "He’s mild-mannered and unflailingly polite -- until he takes the field. Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan plays with a rare intensity and determination, and he’s more driven than ever this season as he and new coach Jeff Jagodzinski, who inherits 16 returning starters, are charged with taking the Eagles to uncharted territory: a BCS game."

Clemson

Bowden Bowl IX: Who has the edge?: "Tommy Bowden Presumed offseason additions: Downfield passing game."

Spence: Scandal is ‘farce’

North Carolina

Goddard returns to lead UNC secondary : "North Carolina strong safety Trimane Goddard stays busy on and off the field, so sitting out last season must have been a real cramp in his style. "

Davis faces tall task at UNC: "At 55 years old, Butch Davis should be old enough to understand history and wise enough to grasp tradition. Yet here at the University of North Carolina — on a campus where one sport played indoors with a round, bouncing ball is and always will be king — Davis is enthusiastically defying convention and daring to turn the Tar Heels football program into a championship contender."

Tar Heels hope professional attitude brings change of fortune :"The second coaching change in a row for North Carolina’s football program brings in someone most recently linked to the NFL. Yet the approach could be considered different. "

Barth sailing on the right track once again : "The ebb and flow of place kicker Connor Barth's career at North Carolina closely resembles that of the shoreline in his hometown Wilmington. And with a tidal wave of expectations coming into his senior year, the hopes of UNC might be placed squarely on the special teams captain's right foot."

UNC suspends Arnold for violating team rules :"Safety Cooter Arnold, one of North Carolina’s most experienced players, was suspended indefinitely by Coach Butch Davis yesterday for a violation of team rules."

Twelve first-timers to start for Heels in opener: "Butch Davis has made clear that he isn't afraid to give freshmen significant playing time. It's a good thing, too. Otherwise, North Carolina's football coach might have trouble fielding a team this season."

Bobcats get McInnis and price isn't bad

Virginia Tech

VT Insider: Here's wagering Taylor will play : "Hokies, families move on : "Saturday's football game between Virginia Tech and East Carolina will honor the 32 shooting victims who lost their lives April 16.""

All eyes on Tech: "After a week of scouting and game-planning and stalking the sideline at Columbine High, Andy Lowry is usually too weary to watch more football. Saturdays this fall will be different."

Tech WR Whitaker back in court

Virginia

Sewell Takes the Reins: "Jameel Sewell is the unquestioned starting quarterback for Virginia and is charged with reinvigorating a team that finished 113th in the country in total offense last year. U-Va. kicks off its season Saturday at Wyoming at 2 p.m. "

NC State
New kicker to stretch legs in Pack's opener : "Tom O'Brien thought he had the perfect nickname for his new place kicker. Alas, there was a small problem when N.C. State's coach started calling Steven Hauschka the "Polish rifle." "

Mountaineers hope to rely on quickness: "ASU will face big, experienced team against Michigan."

Miami

Van Dyke to get a fresh start : "Cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke is expected to be one of only two true freshmen to start when the season begins Sept. 1."

Hurricanes' Wright not talking about losing job : "Quarterback Kyle Wright is still not talking. Wright, a fifth-year senior, lost his starting job to junior Kirby Freeman on Tuesday, and told University of Miami sports information folks he would rather not talk to the media. He told them the same thing again Wednesday."

Former UM starter Kyle Wright now the backup for opener : "Monday night, Kirby Freeman sat at home and watched the Cincinnati Bengals play the Atlanta Falcons."

Florida State

FSU loses Hannah; Brinson cleared: "Florida State will be without junior-college transfer Jonathan Hannah for the 2007 season. Hannah was expected to make a significant contribution at tight end before being declared academically ineligible for the season. He will remain in school,..."

Cismesia in running for Groza Award »

Clemson's quick play still haunts 'Noles »

Special teams holds big card for FSU »

Georgia Tech

Match Game '07: Tenuta to match wits with Weis: "Quarterback Brady Quinn? Gone. Tailback Darius Walker? Gone."

Ramblin' On on a roll: "Chris Boggs, ajc.com's new Tech fan blogger, does his own version of two-a-days."

Jackets aim to make fourth quarter theirs

Tech cornerback Clark declared academically eligible

Bond won't let offense take back seat any longer

Gailey won't say if Nesbitt might play

N.D. suspends DL Hand for three games

The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The BEST ACC Football Coverage!!!
PHOTO: Andrew Jones says it's time for the ACC to step up.

Getting your mind right:
Trojans Have Horses: "Top-ranked USC has the talent, the swagger, and a trio of linebackers that may be the most feared unit on the Trojans -- and in the country."

ECU suspends Kass for opener at Virginia Tech: "East Carolina suspended quarterback Rob Kass for the season opener at No. 9 Virginia Tech on Tuesday, three days after he was charged with driving while impaired."

Holtz says that ECU is facing 'hornet's nest'

Motivation for the coach: "East Carolina's Holtz finds special place for Pirates' biggest fan. To understand the friendship between Drew Steele, Skip Holtz and Mike Steele -- three men whose relationship will make you remember that basic decency is still alive in the sports world -- it's best to start at the beginning." Great read.

ASU got nice break to schedule Michigan:"Mountaineers excited to play their first game against a Big Ten team."


The conference headlines:
Andrew Jones of the ACC Insider- ACC has to put best foot forward in September: "ACC fans can bellyache all they want about the perception of the league's football in recent years, but the truth is the reputation is deserved."

Dascenzo: Devils hoping for a hot home-field advantage : "Near the finish of his news conference Tuesday at the Yoh Center, Duke football coach Ted Roof wondered aloud what the weather would be like Saturday when the Blue Devils open the 2007 season with Connecticut at Wallace Wade Stadium."

Michael Cunningham: UM's Wright not exactly can't-miss prospect

Mike Bianchi: Prof. Pigskin knows all long before kickoff

Greg Cote's blog UM picks Freeman, for now


Wake Forest
Grobe: Andrews to start opener: "Running back will make return from knee surgery against Boston College."


Boston College
In Wake Forest, Boston College has a respectable football opponent: "They won their first Atlantic Coast Conference title in 36 years last season. They are returning eight starters on offense, including the ACC Rookie of the Year at quarterback. They are returning five defensive starters and have enough talent to make things uncomfortable for a lot of teams, including Boston College, who will be their season-opening opponent Saturday." We'll.....that's a bit of a big headed lede, wouldn't you say?

Eagles poised to strike: "Finally. After a crash course to familiarize themselves with a new system in the spring and three weeks of intense summer practices, the Boston College football team is in familiar and comfortable territory: Game Week."


Maryland
How 'Suite' it is

Terrapins Notebook: Making a Statement

Terrapins Notebook: Convincing Victories Could Make an Early Statement


Virginia
BIGGEST SHOES TO FILL: BIGGEST SHOES TO FILL

'He Does Everything Right'

Cavs' Hall Starred at QB; Now He's on the Defensive


Virginia Tech
Tech's moment to remember: "The pregame ceremony that will honor last April's shooting victims will be substantial, but No. 32 will not be retired."

WHATEVER IT TAKES: "Richard Graham, a St. Christopher's School graduate, probably would have ended up at Princeton if Tech didn't offer him a scholarship about three weeks before national signing day in 2005."

Vick's fall gives lessons to Hokies: "Coach, players still support former QB."

With New Rover, Hokies Are in a Good Position

BIGGEST SHOES TO FILL: BIGGEST SHOES TO FILL

Tested by Trials and Tragedy

Virginia Tech's moment to remember

Tech notebook: Special content added to lunch pail

Tech makes Roberts change show's name

Beamer: Vick took big step Monday


Clemson
Extra time alters routine

Chancellor at the head of cornerback class


Georgia Tech
NO WORRIES, MATES -- RIGHT? : "Taylor Bennett (right, with backup Calvin Booker), tells Jeff Schultz that he's feeling quite calm about his status as starting quarterback, even without an All-American receiver on hand. "If I fail, I'll just say we lost Calvin [Johnson]," Bennett joked."

Another Johnson to lead Ga. Tech: "As James Johnson sits on a couch in the players' lounge at Bobby Dodd Stadium, a familiar face looms over his left shoulder."

Bond's first mission clear: "New coordinator seeks larger profile for his unit: 'It's time people started paying attention to this offense.'"

Notebook: Jackets, Irish using their best guesses: "Notre Dame has Georgia Tech guessing this week. About a quarterback: The Irish have yet to name a starting quarterback, and speculation is they will use at least two players with contrasting styles - one a runner, the other a passer - at the position."

Joshing around about Josh?: "Irish suspect frosh Nesbitt might get some snaps at QB; 'I'm not telling,' Gailey says of his plans. "

Peek says Jackets can think really big

Jackets' Burton a coach in the making

Jackets prepare for 3 possible QBs

Another Johnson steps into leading role for Jackets

The wait's almost over


Florida State
No joke: Bowdens get serious: "Bobby Bowden resisted taking the usual shots at his son being a mama's boy. And Tommy Bowden never talked about his father's age. A Labor Day night between Clemson and Florida State has too much on the line."

Early football signing period gains momentum :"Bobby Bowden was talking last month about the merits of an early signing day in college football when someone complimented the Florida State coach on all those high school seniors who have given their word to wear garnet and gold."

Harper expects 'Noles to make him prove himself »

FSU secondary ready for young Clemson quarterback »

Hart already discussing Labor Day '08 game »

Special teams holds big card for FSU »


Miami
Former UM starter Kyle Wright now the backup for opener : "Monday night, Kirby Freeman sat at home and watched the Cincinnati Bengals play the Atlanta Falcons."

Receiver Sam Shields suspended by Miami Hurricanes

The real question: Is either UM quarterback any good?

UM vets must earn jobs


North Carolina
Davis, Tar Heels name six game captains for opener vs. Dukes : "North Carolina has named captains for its season-opening football game, Coach Butch Davis said Tuesday after practice. UNC's coaching staff assigned captain status to two players each from offense, defense and special teams for the Tar Heels' game against James Madison on Saturday (6 p.m., ESPN360) at Kenan Stadium. Senior center Scott Lenahan and sophomore wide receiver Hakeem Nicks will represent the offense, senior defensive end Hilee Taylor and junior safety Trimane Goddard will represent the defense, and senior kicker Connor Barth and junior defensive end Garrett White will represent the special teams."

Buzz Word: Discipline: "North Carolina prepares for its season opener on Saturday vs. James Madison."

Barth Named to Groza Award Watch List: "Senior place-kicker made all 10 field goal tries in 2006."


Duke
Duke looking to break losing streak

Duke special teams a work in progress: "From making sure their kicker is in the right frame of mind to trying to making sure that personnel on the punt coverage team are in the right positions, Duke's coaching staff has spent a lot of time this preseason talking about special teams." That's not good news, coach.

Blue Devils receivers catching on : "Yes, those determined Duke football players walking tall during preseason practice are the Blue Devils receivers."

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The BEST ACC Football Coverage!!!

PHOTO: The road wasn't easy for coach Shannon.

Getting your mind right:

There's still hope for Vick: "After watching Monday's act of contrition, Mark Bradley believes redemption is possible." Call me crazy, but I think if Mike Vick rolls over enough people for the feds between now and December 10th, that dude might not do much time behind bars at all. Call me crazier, but if he will keep his mouth shut for the next 2 years, then go on Oprah, Larry King, and 60 Minutes and take the beatings.......he may actually pull out of this thing a better person to boot and professionally.

Tom Sorensen of the Charlotte Observer: He says right words,but goes a step too far: "I believe in second chances. I have done so many stupid things in my life that I also believe in third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth chances."

Text of Vick apology: 'I was not honest'

Vick 'meant every word': "QB's father speaks out after son's apology; mother angrily denies dad's claims in earlier AJC article."

Wilbon: A Long Way to Go

Wise: Pleading Guilty; Making a Plea

Blank: Vick stays for now

Greg Cote of the Miami Herald: Is reaction to Vick shaped by race? : "My buddy Dan Le Batard is playing the race card again. I think it's his favorite hobby. We have discussed…"

Pirates QB Kass charged with DWI : "East Carolina sophomore quarterback Rob Kass was arrested over the weekend on charges of driving while impaired after he was stopped at a police checkpoint." That's interesting news for Va. Tech and UNC.

A now, for some positive news - A shout out to the home team: Monte & Jed: They have played football together through Pop Warner, Parkland and now WSSU :"Quarterback Monte Purvis and running back Jed Bines of Winston-Salem State have been together so long it's hard to imagine one without the other. They met as eager 9-year-olds trying to learn football and wound up on the same team. They have been teammates ever since, together for 13 seasons."

ASU to start six newcomers against Michigan: "Mountaineers will use a young defensive line against the Wolverines." That's not good news for Appy......

The conference headlines:

ACC aims to show national title isn't out of its league

ACC preview: Team by team

Dave Hyde: Randy Shannon: A tough road to the UM coaching job : "In her home, with her pain, alone each night, Dorleatha Johnson bows her head and prays for the four children who have left her and the one who hasn't. They aren't long prayers. Just something to remember them by."

Dascenzo: Davis knows why he's here : "Butch Davis isn't here by accident. Come on, you know it and I know it. North Carolina's last big bowl game was on New Year's Day, 1950. The Tar Heels lost to Rice by 14 points at the Cotton Bowl. North Carolina's last ACC football championship was in 1980. That was the team with Lawrence Taylor that finished 11-1, but the blemish was huge -- a 41-7 loss at Oklahoma on Nov. 1."

Aaron McFarling: How does the ACC rate in BCS picture?

ACC programs stage QB raid

Wake Forest

Gaudio moves Muse to bench as an assistant:" A director of basketball operations is expected to be named this week."

Robinson ready for return to Deacs: "He had to sit out last season because of leg injury during Wake Forest's run to ACC title."

NC State
Evans still leader of the Pack : "N.C. State coach Tom O'Brien has settled on Daniel Evans as his starting quarterback, reaching the decision over the weekend and making the announcement Monday."

North Carolina

UNC's Davis not sure what to expect in Saturday's game : "Tar Heels are set to play James Madison in season-opener."

Young Heels to get a trial by fire: "When Butch Davis' unveiled North Carolina's depth chart for Saturday's game vs. James Madison, the reality of the Tar Heels youth became more clear."

Rich to start at running back in opener: "North Carolina may play two or three different running backs during Saturday's season opener against James Madison."

UNC's Davis not sure what to expect in Saturday's game: "Tar Heels are set to play James Madison in season-opener."

Heels defense must step up: "Last year's laughingstock could be one of team's strengths -- despite youth."

Georgia well-represented in UNC's depth chart : "There's no telling what play North Carolina's football team will run Saturday on its first regular-season offensive snap under Butch Davis."

Miami

Prideful Herd comes to town to face Canes : "It's the university that first-round NFL draft picks Chad Pennington, Randy Moss and Byron Leftwich helped make famous. It's the school whose football tradition includes five bowl game wins, highlighted by a double-overtime 64-61 victory in 2001 -- the highest scoring bowl game in history."

From the Eye on the U Blog:

Picking the starters : "UM coach Randy Shannon will unveil his starting lineup tomorrow, along with the answer to the quarterback riddle that…"

Booker T. winning for South Florida :"As the former high school writer in Miami-Dade, I've been well aware for years now how impressive South Florida…"

Get over there!!

Time to shine for Hurricanes' DB : "The man with the square jaw and intense look has awaited his turn for three seasons. Carlos Armour looks the part: tall, muscular, overall a physically imposing football player. He's tough at the line of scrimmage, using his 6-3, 204-pound frame to lock down opponents and make it difficult to break off fast enough."

Shannon will stick with his starting QB : "University of Miami coach Randy Shannon was asked after Friday's practice, ``When you name the starting quarterback, is that the starter in your mind, or is it something where if he falters, the next guy comes in?''"

From the Miami Hurricanes Blog:

Is Kirby The Guy? : "It sure seems that way. All indications are pointing toward Kirby Freeman..."

Get over there!

Florida State

Seminoles perk up after scrimmage : "The Seminoles wrapped up their preseason camp with a brief scrimmage Saturday night, and coach Bobby Bowden said he can sense his players are getting excited about their season opener Sept. 3 against Clemson."

Special teams holds big card for FSU: "When Lawrence Dawsey rattles off the special team responsibilities for his receivers, it doesn't begin and end at kickoff returner, where Joslin Shaw will hold down a spot against Clemson."

FSU's Buckley back for a degree of respect : "Terrell Buckley accomplished everything you could imagine during his career at Florida State. He was a two-time All-American, won the Thorpe Award and holds school records for interceptions in a career (21) and season (12)."

FSU names team captains : "Defensive tackle Andre Fluellen, wide receiver De'Cody Fagg and safety Anthony Houllis will be the Seminoles' senior captains this season, coach Bobby Bowden announced at his annual kickoff luncheon Friday. Houllis will represent the special teams."

FSU happy to open with Clemson »

FSU figuring out final picks »

Fisher takes after parents »

Meet FSU's coaching staff »

FSU's emerging offensive players »

Boston College

BC duo ready to kick into gear: "The script for the season calls for them to be role players. But Boston College punter Johnny Ayers and kicker Steve Aponavicius know better."

Maryland

From the Tracking the Terps Blog:

Closure

A little less conversation, a little more action

Bowls, Polls and Logan El's soul

Wanna make a bet?

Toughen up, buttercup

Nine days until kickoff

Get over there!!!!!!

Virginia

UVA: EDGE AT CORNER : "U.Va. can't match Florida's off-the-charts speed and athleticism -- how many teams can? -- but Matt Balis says several Cavaliers are more than talented enough to play leading roles in Gainesville."

Cavalier football kicks off at Wyoming Saturday

New UVa strength coach draws praise

Experience brings excitement

Chris Long: Casting his own shadow

Can a walk-on be helpful to UVa's receivers?

Virginia Tech

Hokies set to open 2007 campaign

Prep school alum is no teddy bear

'Crazier things can happen'

What has Tech's offensive line done to improve?

Seniors eye longtime goal

Clemson

Football Tiger tinkering: "Clemson offensive coordinator Rob Spence, with quarterbacks Cullen Harper and Willy Korn, has plenty of weapons at his disposal in 2007.

Clemson return duo eager to test new rules

McDaniel proves capable of starting job

Former Tigers to compete at world track meet

Spurrier, Bowden take different approaches when making team benchmarks

Duke

Patrick Bailey didn't need spring practice to prove he can lead Blue Devils' defense: "In his youth, Duke senior Patrick Bailey took apart a broken game controller for his Nintendo in hopes of somehow getting it to work again."

The Daily Roundup: Monday

The BEST ACC Football Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:
Michael Vick - I will redeem myself.....I have to.

Vick's full apology

Cossack analysis

Pirates face early challenge : "The first five games are brutal for East Carolina, especially for a team that needs time to bring along a new starting quarterback. The Pirates will open the season against Virginia Tech."

A shout to the home team:
Catch Phrase: WSSU's receivers told to be aggressive going after the ball

WSSU Football Notebook: Two defensive players won't play this year


The conference headlines:

ACC 2-minute projections: "Atlantic Division."

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer - Hokies are class of ACC this year: "In Year 3 of a 12-team Atlantic Coast Conference in football, familiar powerhouses are expected again to rule -- with a few surprises possible. Florida State won the championship in 2005. Last year, Wake Forest took it. Columnist Caulton Tudor predict."

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer: Experimentation at QB widespread in ACC: "In most cases, a starter has been selected but in little more than a tentative sense."

Back in the game : "High-profile hirings revive hopes at UNC and N.C. State that teams can re-emerge in ACC -- and on national stage."

Longer kickoffs good, bad: ""It's going to have a huge impact on college football," Duke coach Ted Roof said. "Because I think you're going to see more points in the game, the average field position is going to move up. ... It's a significant, significant rule change.""

NCAA raises the stakes with rule change:"Connor Barth enters his senior season as one of the most highly touted kickers in the country. But Barth, who made all 10 of his field-goal attempts in 2006, wants people to know that he can do more than put the ball through the uprights. And thanks to a rule change in college football this season, he might get to show it."

Bowl games with ACC tie-ins: "The ACC has deals to send eight teams to bowl games after the 2007 season. One automatically will be among the 10 teams picked to play in either the national championship game or in one of the Rose, Sugar, Orange and Fiesta bowls --"

Fives to remember in the ACC


Wake Forest
Grading the Demon Deacons: "+ The Deacons got to, and won, the league championship last season by finishing 6-2 in the balanced Atlantic Division. They have enough parts in place to chart the same path again."


Georgia Tech
Grading the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: "Reggie Ball finally has exhausted his eligibility. After four long, mediocre years -- three with the best receiver in school history (Calvin Johnson) -- Georgia Tech has a new starting quarterback. Only Ball could start for four years and have a high."


Florida State
Grading the Florida State Seminoles: "+ New offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher will upgrade and modernize the offensive schemes. Under Jeff Bowden, FSU tried to win games and gain yardage by relying on the kind of physical talent advantages it used to have, but no longer does, against AC."


Virginia Tech
Grading the Virginia Tech Hokies: "+ The framework of the nation's No. 1-ranked defense -- in both yardage and scoring -- returns, led by linebackers Vince Hall, who finished with an ACC-best 128 tackles, and Xavier Adibi, who had as many sacks as interceptions (three)."

Time to heal at Va. Tech: "First came the massacre on campus, leaving 33 dead and a nation horrified. Then came federal dogfighting charges against Michael Vick, Virginia Tech's favorite son."


Clemson
Grading the Clemson Tigers: "+ The schedule is downright inviting. The four ACC road games are at N.C. State, Georgia Tech, Maryland and Duke, followed by a trip to South Carolina. Even with the nonconference game in Columbia, it's the easiest away slate in the conference."


Boston College
Grading the Boston College Eagles: "+ With a veteran quarterback, two divisional games at home to start the schedule and three virtual nonconference gimmies during the season's first half, the Eagles should have at least four or five victories heading into their nasty second-half slate."


Maryland
Grading the Maryland Terrapins: "+ After a couple of 5-6 finishes in '04 and '05, coach Ralph Friedgen is confident the Terrapins' 9-4 season a year ago means they have regained their footing and can remain a league contender during most years to come."


Miami
Grading the Miami Hurricanes:"+ It's a new season with a new coach, Randy Shannon. Everything that could go wrong for Miami did in 2006. Starting with Larry Coker's decision to fire four assistant coaches after the Peach Bowl loss to LSU, ..."


NC State
Grading the Wolfpack: "+ The Wolfpack's program should be in better -- certainly more stable -- hands with Tom O'Brien than it was under Chuck Amato."


Virginia
Grading the UVA Cavaliers: "At Wyoming, Duke, at UNC, Georgia Tech, Pitt, at Middle Tennessee and UConn. Wake Forest parlayed a hot start against a manageable schedule into an ACC title in 2006. Virginia's not there yet, but the Cavaliers have a realistic shot at starting 6-1."


North Carolina
Grading the Tar Heels: "+ Butch Davis can flat-out recruit. No one, not Pete Carroll or Bobby Bowden, can match the collection of NFL-quality talent that Davis stocked the Miami program with between 1998 and 2002. Davis left for the Cleveland Browns after the 2000 season"


Duke
Grading the Blue Devils: "+ Unlike neighbors N.C. State and UNC, Duke's quarterback position is settled, as are the running backs and receivers. In fact, the whole starting offense returns from 2006."

Duke hopes to take advantage of new rule : "A new rule this season will move kickoff teams back five yards to the 30, but Duke coach Ted Roof believes the change will add up to a lot more than 5 yards."

For Robinson, playing at Duke is a family affair: "He transferred from Army and has just one year of Duke football service under his belt, but fullback Tielor Robinson still knows more about being a Blue Devils football fan than most at Duke."

The Daily Roundup:FreeThrowFriday

The BEST ACC Football Coverage!!!
PHOTO: Ookie escapes the pocket and is running for open field........


Getting your mind right:
The Weekend Smoke from the StogieGuys.com: Stogie Reviews: Romeo y Julieta Exhibición No. 4 (Cuban)

Vick changing plea?: "Report says Falcons QB will not admit to gambling or killing of dogs when he enters plea Monday."

NAACP official: Vick 'is not a victim' : Thank you, sir.

Vick's Dad Traces Dogs to Youth: "Michael Vick's estranged father says his son's "fascination with animals" as a child eventually led the Falcons quarterback to become an active participant in a dogfighting operation." Thanks, Pop.....and you being a deadbeat didn't really help that much either.

Dog-chewed Vick cards popular at auction

ECU buys out Stokes: "The university won't create a job for fired basketball coach Ricky Stokes and pays him $250,000 to leave." Interesting....


The conference headlines:
Highlights of ACC basketball schedule

Looking ahead to the ACC tip-off : "FAIRFIELD-WAKE FOREST: Skip Prosser's July 26 death will make the opener in Joel Coliseum an emotional one."

Dascenzo: Looking forward to Sept. 1: "There's nothing quite like opening week in college football. It's invigorating and it's like a brand new year is beginning and everybody is at least somewhat optimistic. The radio sports talk shows are full of intriguing questions, the e-mails are outrageous (moreso than usual) and even the negative types are hopeful."

Flutie's objectivity will be put to test at ESPN:"As long as ESPN is touting Doug Flutie as one of the new analysts for its Thursday night college football series, we felt his introductory conference call was open territory to try to make the Boston College grad squirm a little."


North Carolina
Tar Heels' coach encouraged by improvement of passing game

Tar Heels about to get locked in on opponent :" Focus ready to shift to season opener Sept. 1 vs. James Madison."

UNC vs Kentucky series lives on

Browning Talks Running Backs : "With Week One preparations set to begin on Sunday, there is still no clear-cut starter at running back for the season opener against James Madison on Sept. 1. Position coach Ken Browning sat down with Inside Carolina Thursday afternoon to break down the offensive backfield and share his thoughts on the four players seeking the job."

Wilson: Flying Under The Radar: "The red-shirt sophomore is slated to start at right defensive end against JMU."

Making a Run

No Rush


NC State
O'Brien: 'We're headed in the right direction': "N.C. State coach sees improvement."

O'Brien pleased with Wolfpack's progress; no word on QBs : "N.C. State made Tom O'Brien proud with its effort in the Wolfpack's latest scrimmage. But about those quarterbacks."


Georgia Tech
Notebook: Booker trimmed, ready for backup position: "Calvin Booker tired quickly of the tight end jokes."

Tech students camp out for shot at Notre Dame tickets

Eight freshmen listed on Tech roster

Tech faces Duke, UNC once


Virginia
UVA: A tough act to follow: "Andrew Pearman looks like his brother, sounds like his brother and wears the same jersey number -- 21 -- his brother wore at the University of Virginia."

Catching on at last: UVa's Lineburg

UVa Insider: Lalich getting crash course


Boston College
Jagodzinski in different state of mind: "Jeff Jagodzinski left a lot behind when he came to Boston College. He left the state in which he was raised, the place where he went to high school and college. He left the National Football League and the safety/anonymity that comes with being an assistant coach. He left the Green Bay Packers, who were the only show in town."


Maryland
Philistin Appears Likely To Step to 'Mike' for Terps


Virginia Tech
Hokies' Whitaker To Focus on Receiving


Florida State
Fisher: Weatherford is FSU's starting QB: "Jimbo Fisher found his starting quarterback against Clemson not in a long touchdown strike to Greg Carr but in the execution of a quick strike underneath to De'Cody Fagg...."

'Noles willing to support either QB: "Florida State junior cornerback Tony Carter was unaware that Jimbo Fisher even named a starter at quarterback, and laughed when someone even assumed he knew."

FSU's Andrews returns to football practice : "Defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews, who took three days off to be with his family following the death of his only son, Ronnie, returned to practiceThursday morning."


Miami
Canes linemen get a taste of the heartland :"The trek to America's heartland took four well-fed University of Miami offensive linemen from Miami-Dade County to the tiny, one-stoplight farming town of La Porte City, Iowa -- the home of Matt Pipho."

UM's running back Jones injured, out at least a month : "Senior tailback Charlie Jones will miss at least the next month becaue of an undisclosed injury. Coach Randy Shannon refused to say if Jones had or needs surgery."

North Texas won't be first game for UM at Dolphin Stadium :"Miami needs a new opponent for its first home game at Dolphin Stadium."

Quarterback derby looks like dead heat to the finish

Old stadium was witness to greatness


Duke
Blue Devils football notebook: Duke ranked high among power rankings : "From staff reports Duke athletics has earned the top spot among Division I schools in the Collegiate Power Rankings for the third consecutive year."

Duke lands defensive end from Georgia

The Daily Roundup: Thursday

The BEST ACC Football Coverage!!!

Getting your mind right:
Anthony, Bryant find their groove in FIBA opener : "Once Carmelo Anthony and Kobe Bryant warmed up, there was no way Venezuela could keep up."

Shapiro's Teeing Off: It's Tiger's World

Holding the Line: Mountaineers need to fill some holes on defense :"Appalachian State's biggest question mark heading into this season is its defensive line, where three of four starters were lost from a team that won a second straight NCAA Football Championship Subdivision national title."

NAACP Urges NFL to Let Vick Play Again : "An NAACP leader said Michael Vick should be allowed to return to the NFL, preferably the Atlanta Falcons, after serving his sentence for his role in a dogfighting operation." Why not let him go to jail first, show a little contrition, and worry about football later. This guy has a chance to turn his life around if he uses this time appropriately. Let this run it's course first and then see what the NFL is going to do.

Pit Bulls at Vick's House Face Deadline : "More than 50 pit bulls seized from Michael Vick's property face a Thursday deadline to be claimed. If no one comes forward, they could be euthanized." We think, as his first sign of contrition, Mr. Vick ought to pay to have these dogs taken care of indefinitely. Why be responsible for the deaths of another 50 dogs. Might go a long way toward starting the healing process.

The conference headlines:
UNC, Duke women to face NCCU : "Duke and North Carolina have added first-year Division I member N.C. Central to their 2007-08 women’s basketball schedules, which were announced on Wednesday."

Wake Forest

College-Football Notebook: Wake Forest's Russell has a concussion

Deacs seek more money:" WFU announces seat-rights program for football tickets."

Miami

Quarterback derby looks like dead heat to the finish : "Coach Randy Shannon made Kyle Wright and Kirby Freeman off-limits to reporters. It is Shannon's way of allowing the quarterbacks to compete in peace."

UM is right to pick money over emotion : "You don't stand in the way of progress armed with only emotion. You can't do business by trying to deposit romance. And you don't confuse leaking toilets and falling concrete with tradition."

Canes moving into a house, not a home : "University of Miami president Donna Shalala called it ''a painful and sad decision.'' Athletic director Paul Dee had prefaced his announcement by saying, ``Regrettably . . .''"

Shalala: A 'painful and sad' decision to leave OB : "UM president Donna Shalala echoed the sentiments of many Tuesday, saying the decision to vacate the Orange Bowl was a 'painful and sad' one."

From the Hurricanes Blog:

UM: First Day of School:"No practice Wednesday because it was the first day of classes. Workouts resume..."

UM: Orange Bowl was mostly for the fans:"The one thing I learned from following the Orange Bowl news all day was this:.."

Just A Few Notes:"I'm told quarterback Kyle Wright missed today's final scrimmage of the..."

Get over there!!!

UM players get day of rest : "The Hurricanes had their first day off Wednesday, after 18 consecutive days of practice. Several players said they looked forward to getting into a new routine, as they had a practice-free first day of school. The activities they had planned after classes ranged from getting haircuts to catching up on sleep."

From the Eye on the U Blog:

Their own words: Cooper, Leggett, Morse :"One of the parts of this job I enjoy is getting close to athletes and seeing them grow not…"

Get over there!

Boston College

Backfield is in motion -- finally: "Hurry up and wait has been the mantra for L.V. Whitworth this summer. But the Boston College running back was an active participant yesterday, running plays with the first team and taking hits in a situational scrimmage."

Two BC players, police sergeant face assault charges: "A Massachusetts State Police sergeant and two Boston College football stars were charged yesterday with assaulting a customer at a popular Boston sports bar last month after the patron balked at clearing an area for a group of BC players."

Options remain at RB:"The offensive line is starting to take shape, quarterback Matt Ryan is slowly getting his "game face" on, the wide receivers have shown flashes of talent that raise hopes for a more vertical type of offense, but what about Boston College's running game?"

Maryland

Philistin May Step to 'Mike' For Terps

NOTEBOOK: Steffy Makes Case to Start at QB

Virginia
Catching on at last: "UVa's new receivers coach, Wayne Lineburg, is thrilled to be back at his alma mater."

Virginia Tech

Holland pushes for new role

Georgia Tech

Tech snapper pulls off pretty decent proposal

Tech backup QB's prepared, just like Bennett

Grant offers Jackets plenty of options: "Tashard Choice is a lock as Georgia Tech's top tailback; job security comes with the honor of leading the ACC in rushing last season."

A new challenge

Choice 'shows out' in Yellow Jackets scrimmage

North Carolina

UNC Passing game hits stride: "Butch Davis didn't mull it over for long when asked what part of his North Carolina football team has made the greatest strides this August."

Turning around the turnover trend: "Butch Davis isn't afraid to bring about change. North Carolina's football coach already has reconfigured his team's locker room, tweaked his players' uniforms and started promoting plans for an expansion to Kenan Stadium. "

The Daily Roundup: Wednesday

The BEST ACC Football Coverage!!!
PHOTO: Say goodnight to the bad guy!! The OB is no longer the home of the 'Canes.

Getting your mind right:
UM LEAVES ORANGE BOWL: It's a done deal - "In what the school called a tough decision, the University of Miami officially announced the football team will leave the Orange Bowl and play home games at Dolphin Stadium starting in 2008." I'll have to get down for a game this year. See more stories at the bottom of the page.

HYDE: Practicality demanded that UM leave the Orange Bowl : "They did what was right. And easy. And, afterward in a hallway, there Paul Dee stood, being asked to play the nostalgia game for the media, to treat his first Orange Bowl memory like some first kiss that resonates still."

Vick deserves lifetime ban : That's ridiculous. Guys who kill humans haven't gotten life time bans. Guys who beat their wives haven't gotten life time bans. Vick did the crime, let him do the time and have, at least, an opportunity to make amends and pursue his profession at the highest level. We think an indefinite suspension is in order and puts Mr. Vick on notice that, indeed, serving time may not be enough. He needs to here that message.

Caulton Tudor of the Raleigh News and Observer - Athletes can learn a lot from Vick saga: "If the message of Michael Vick's mess goes in one ear and out the other across the athletic spectrum, sports are in a lot more trouble than I can imagine."

Sacking Vick with a rush to judgment OK in this case

NBA veterans rave about Krzyzewski - That's good for Duke.

Experience should aid U.S. team : "The United States opens play in the FIBA Americas Championship against Venezuela at 11 tonight. The team must reach the title game on Sept. 2 in order to earn a trip to Beijing."

DEI teammates are on different sides of track


The conference headlines:
Dascenzo: Test time for ACC football :"Every conference in the nation uses facts and figures to make you think things are wonderful. The ACC public relations machine gladly will inform you that the league has placed eight teams in bowl games the last two seasons. It also will note that the conference is the "all-time winningest in bowl play among leagues with 75 or more games." Makes lots of sense, doesn't it?"

Andrew Jones of the ACC Insider: Hokies have the inside track to get ACC title: "Tom O'Brien proved over the last decade he can win at a fairly high level at Boston College, where attracting high-level athletes is a more difficult task than at N.C. State."

Aaron McFarling: Tech shouldn't sever ties with Vick


Wake Forest
Grobe says receivers are doing well for Deacons :"WFU scrimmage is cut short because of storm."


NC State
Pack's German import adjusts to football : "Defensive tackle Markus Kuhn, who began playing football in Germany at age 15, has the ability to be a "special player.""




Maryland
Tracking the Terps: No worries about Oquendo

Recruiting Report: Five questions on UM football recruiting


Virgina Tech
Beamer announces depth chart changes : "Whitaker to make the move full-time to wide receiver."

Taylor named No. 2 QB

Gridiron hit for Lewis: "Tech tailback Kenny Lewis is enjoying college football more than pro baseball."


Duke
Asack gets back into the swing of Blue Devils' offense; Wright comes up with two interceptions for defense:"Duke sophomore Zack Asack hadn't performed like a quarterback in the running for playing time in his first couple of preseason scrimmages following a year-long absence, but Tuesday afternoon he looked more the part -- in part because of his running ability."

McClure joins Duke's players on the mend :"David McClure became the latest in a long line of Duke basketball players to undergo surgery this offseason. But like the others, McClure is expected to be recovered in time for the start of practice."


Georgia Tech
No man left behind: "Coach Gailey says expects every starter and backup to be at South Bend for the season opener."

Tech Blog: More FB questions than answers

Sellers sacrifices discus potential to focus on football


Florida State
Clemson in FSU's sights: "With the three full scrimmages completed, crunch time has arrived for Florida State in its preparation for the Sept. 3 game at Clemson."

Fisher says QB to be named »

Sore neck keeps Hayes out of scrimmage »


Miami
TRADITION SACKED! 'CANES LEAVING ORANGE BOWL FOR DOLPHIN STADIUM : "The expected sad announcement came officially Tuesday and it's the talk of the town today: UM leaving the Orange Bowl,…"

Slide show UM to leave Orange Bowl

Video Greg Cote on Orange Bowl

On the Web Shalala's statement

Greg Cote's blog Tradition sacked! 'Canes leaving OB

A sad day when tradition loses

Flashback A last hurrah for a friend

Stadium's loss may be Marlins' gain

The Daily Roundup: Tuesday

The BEST ACC Football Coverage!!!
Photo courtesy Roanoke News

Getting your mind right:
Mixed memories: "The name now carries different connotations, even for Hokie faithful, but Michael Vick Hall will stand."

THE RISE AND FALL OF AN ICON : "Not long after Michael Vick was the No. 1 pick in the 2001 NFL draft, prosecutors allege he purchased Virginia property on which to breed and fight dogs. Steve Hummer recounts how his brilliant career unraveled, leaving long-suffering Falcons fans forlorn once again."

Wilbon: A New Cautionary Tale

Williams: Vick's decision not based on football status: "Durham lawyer James D. "Butch" Williams, one of the attorneys for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, described the case Monday as the "Super Bowl" of sports litigation."

John Feinstein: Problems With Athletes Start at Early Age

Jeff Markon of the Richmond Times Dispatch letting Michael Vick have it: Vick late admitting his guilt: "Torturer and killer of defenseless, domesticated animals . . . liar . . . felon. The reason prisons exist is because of guys like Michael Vick." Scorching.......

Commentary: Vick failed to stay true to himself

Schultz: 'He spit on all of it': "Michael Vick had so much going for him, beyond the $130M salary. But he threw it all away."

Jeff Gilbert of the Roanoke News: If convicted ... No

Rick Maese of the Baltimore Sun: Falcons star's best play would be heavy remorse

Will Vick play again after plea?

Tiki Barber and Michael Vick: Mixed messages

Mania for wrestling: "10-year-old who grapples with cancer has smackdown with his hero, Ric Flair. Chandra Livingston says her son, DeShawn Cherry, knows everything about wrestling." Good read.

Appalachian State is still No. 1: "Two-time defending champs will begin 2007 season with the top ranking." A shout out to the Two Time defending football champions from the State of the Long Leaf Pine.


The conference headlines:
Recruiting Report: ACC football recruiting overview : "Major signings, sleeper commits and how each school has fared thus far."

ACC Football Notes from Andrew Jones of the ACC Insider: Duke scrimmages, UNC, Wake Forest, Clemson, Virginia Tech and more.

Dascenzo: O'Brien has Wolfpack aiming high : "What you see is what you get from Tom O'Brien. No nonsense. Quick answers to most questions, some elaboration to others. Ask about expectations for his first N.C. State football team and he bluntly will tell you two things -- a winning season and a bowl game."


Wake Forest
Deacons are staying busy this week : "Wake Forest has full slate of practices, scrimmages to prepare for Sept. 1 openerWake Forest's preseason passed the halfway point with yesterday's two practices, which is why the offense changed from black jerseys to white, and the defense from white to black. "


Virginia Tech
VT Insider: Cleaning up leftover piles

Beamer changes mind, opens scrimmage

Glennon airs it out in rehearsal

Hokies make most of day off from practice

Spotting Hall on the field an easy task - just find the football

Tech's Pickle earns grant


Clemson
Football Clay progresses slowly in return: "There are plays when coaches get a peek at the Antonio Clay of yesteryear, where the Clemson linebacker splits a center and guard and wraps up the tailback with breakneck abandon."

Clemson shifts its seating: "The analogy Clemson senior administrator Bill D’Andrea uses for the school’s new football seating plan may be fluid, but no one expects the transition to be."

College-Football Notebook: IPTAY members will be giving more


Virginia
UVa football: Playmaker on alert

UVa adds recruit

Hall's career appears over

Virginia Strength And Conditioning Staff Adds Two Assistant Coaches


Maryland
Tracking the Terps blog: Belated scrimmage notes

Tracking the Terps: The other positions


NC State
Switching Sides: Hickman, former North Forsyth standout, has moved to offense this year for Wolfpack


North Carolina
'Dream come true' for UNC's Williams : "Kendric Williams was so stunned at the time that he can't recall exactly what Butch Davis said. But he got the gist of the message when North Carolina's football coach announced in a team meeting on the first day of training camp that Williams would be placed on scholarship."

Vying for time at running back : "Eleven days before UNC's season-opener against James Madison, four tailbacks remain in contention for playing time."


Duke
Duke QB says he has made big strides: "Lewis was thrown into the fire last year as a freshman."

Twice the work, twice the payoff : "Duke's standout senior defensive end Patrick Bailey can attest to the fact that the few two-a-days held are still long and grueling. Here's a look at how Bailey fared in one on Wednesday last week."

Duke's Rennie plans to retire after '07 season : "John Rennie, who coached Duke's first national championship team in any sport, will step down from his longtime post as men's soccer coach at the conclusion of the upcoming season, the school announced on Monday."


Florida State
FSU feels pain for its coach: "The Florida State practice fields were more quiet than usual Monday morning."

Coming soon: Identity of starting QB »

Richardson makes decision to help 'Noles with catches instead of throws »


Miami
Hurricanes like young RB Shawnbrey McNeal's speed : "Ron Johnson wishes he could take credit for teaching Miami running back Shawnbrey McNeal some of his moves. But Johnson, who was McNeal's high school coach in Dallas, claims his former player just has natural ability."

Game over? : "UM is expected to announce today it is leaving the Orange Bowl - and years of history along with it - to move to Dolphin Stadium. Demolition may be next."

UM's trustees likely to vote for Dolphin Stadium

QB Wright misses practice for knee soreness

From the Eye on the U Blog:
Reading Between The Lines: QBs, RBs :One thing that has changed under coach Randy Shannon's reign is the approach by he and his coaches to…"
Get over there!


Georgia Tech
BOOTING IT HIGHER, FARTHER : "Even though he was the top ACC punter last season, Durant Brooks worked hard in the off-season to improve his technique."

Still looking for a nickel: "Most position questions have been settled, but finding a fifth defensive back is an open question."