ACC Nation (weekend of Sept. 1)
With football season getting under way this weekend, Patrick and Chris get you ready with this week’s ACC Nation.
Mac McDonald, the Voice of the Virginia Cavaliers, stops in to talk about UVa.’s game at Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, the Voice of the Tar Heels, Woody Durham, joins the guys to preview Rutgers at North Carolina. And Eric Prisbell of the Washington Post takes a look at the biggest games of the weekend, including Florida State at Miami and Notre Dame at Georgia Tech.
As they do every football season, Patrick and Chris will show their lack of knowledge by trying to predict the weekend’s games. Joining them in the prognostication game this week is Melissa Maikos, sports reporter and weekend anchor at Tallahassee’s WCTV.
And, of course, there’s The Sound and the Fury. The guys try to determine which ACC football coach would be the best subject of a television sitcom, and Patrick reads some e-mails he received from Boston College fans after he projected the Eagles to finish 2-6 in the conference this year. All of that and more on ACC Nation.

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North Carolina has chosen a quarterback, while Maryland has its starting right tackle for games this weekend.

Miami's Greg Olsen wants his quarterback to know he can be counted on. Miami plays Florida State Monday night and here are a few other notes about that game.

Virginia Tech's Branden Ore is ready to put his past behind him when the season starts Saturday.

The Times-Dispatch has both Virginia and Virginia Tech notes in today's edition. Meanwhile, Bob Lipper writes that Virginia's schedule is its biggest ally this season.

Frank Dascenzo believes North Carolina's defense has to step up if the Tar Heels are to have a successful season.

The Clemson defense should be pretty good this year.

Caulton Tudor of the N&O writes that the rules have changed, yet again, when it comes to the BCS.

And, finally, this story claims Duke is ready to defy expectations. Of course, for many, winning a game would do that.

Be sure to order your copy of "Mad About U: Four Decades of Basketball at University Hall." Chris Graham and Patrick Hite talked with more than 60 former players, coaches and fans about their memories of U Hall and UVa. basketball's biggest moments. The book will be available at select retail outlets beginning Oct. 5, but you can pre-order direct at www.madaboutu.net or at Amazon.com.

Red zone
Tommy Bowden brought in Rob Spence to take over his offense last year with the idea in mind of getting Clemson into the scoring column more often.
The former Toledo assistant did make great strides in 2005 - his Tigers ranked in the top four in both rushing and passing offense in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
But if Clemson is going to live up to the preseason hype that has some people talking conference championship, Spence is going to have to figure out how to get more out of his red-zone offense.
"Hopefully, we'll be more productive in the red zone," Bowden told "ACC Nation" earlier this month.
"We led the ACC in red-zone scoring, but they were mostly field goals. We've got to score touchdowns," said Bowden, whose team scored on 45 of its 49 possessions in the red zone in '05, but only scored touchdowns on 27 of those possessions.
"Hopefully, a year and a half with the offense, higher retention and a little more carryover will help us be more productive in that area this year," Bowden said.

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Virginia backup receiver leaves school. On the field, the Cavaliers' new offensive coordinator insists that his relationship with the head coach not come into play during the season, which begins Saturday at Pittsburgh.

More on troubled Miami receiver Ryan Moore. Meanwhile, Miami and Florida State have a game to think about.

The AJC's Tony Barnhart lists his coaches who need to win the opener to get some pressure off of them. Two are ACC coaches.

Jacoby Ford, a freshman, is set to return punts for Clemson.

Duke's Jomar Wright is anxious to return to the field as he recovers from a knee injury.

Georgia Tech's Patrick Nix, who will be calling plays for the Yellow Jackets this season, moves to the coaches' box.

Be sure to order your copy of "Mad About U: Four Decades of Basketball at University Hall." Chris Graham and Patrick Hite talked with more than 60 former players, coaches and fans about their memories of U Hall and UVa. basketball's biggest moments. The book will be available at select retail outlets beginning Oct. 5, but you can pre-order direct at www.madaboutu.net or at Amazon.com.

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Bryan Pata and Kareem Brown hope to spark Miami defense this season.

The Labor Day game between Florida State and Miami is getting a lot of attention.

Clemson is still searching for a new punter.

The Tar Heels are hoping that Ronnie McGill shines in their new offense. The offensive line will play a key role if that is to happen.

Here's a couple of stories about former ACC players from Virginia Tech and NC State.

And it was a good day for ACC soccer and field hockey.

Be sure to order your copy of "Mad About U: Four Decades of Basketball at University Hall." Chris Graham and Patrick Hite talked with more than 60 former players, coaches and fans about their memories of U Hall and UVa. basketball's biggest moments. The book will be available at select retail outlets beginning Oct. 5, but you can pre-order direct at www.madaboutu.net or at Amazon.com.

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Bryan Pata and Kareem Brown hope to spark Miami defense this season.

The Labor Day game between Florida State and Miami is getting a lot of attention.

Clemson is still searching for a new punter.

The Tar Heels are hoping that Ronnie McGill shines in their new offense. The offensive line will play a key role if that is to happen.

Here's a couple of stories about former ACC players from Virginia Tech and NC State.

And it was a good day for ACC soccer and field hockey.

Be sure to order your copy of "Mad About U: Four Decades of Basketball at University Hall." Chris Graham and Patrick Hite talked with more than 60 former players, coaches and fans about their memories of U Hall and UVa. basketball's biggest moments. The book will be available at select retail outlets beginning Oct. 5, but you can pre-order direct at www.madaboutu.net or at Amazon.com.

Don't shoot the messenger
Chris and I posted our predictions on the blog over the weekend. Since then I've been killed by Boston College fans.
(To be honest, I was happy to learn there are Boston College fans. I didn't realize anyone cared about anything at this time of the year other than the Red Sox and Patriots.)
Anyway, you'd have thought I insulted Doug Flutie, baked beans or Cheers, but all I did was predict the Eagles would finish 2-6 in the ACC.
Look, Tom O'Brien has done a great job with this program this decade. Still, I can't help but think that last year's team could have easily been 3-5 in the ACC (they beat Clemson in overtime and had to rally to beat Wake Forest by five) and this year's team isn't nearly as talented.
I like Matt Ryan, but I wonder if he'll have anyone to throw to. The receivers are inexperienced, and from what I've heard, slow. They need more speed to compete in the ACC and this year's BC team doesn't have it.
Everyone makes a lot about the size of the offensive line. Sure, they're big, but I'm not sure they're all that talented. There were a couple of key losses off that line from last season, and replacing those players won't be easy.
But it's not offense where Boston College will struggle. The defensive front seven took more than a few big hits from graduation. Everyone knows that Mathias Kiwanuka is gone, but so are three other starters in that front seven, as well as several key backups. OK, Brian Toal is very good, but he'll need some help if this year's defense is to stop anyone.
And the conference schedule doesn't do BC any favors. The Eagles play Clemson in the second game of the season. The Tigers have been known to struggle early, but not this year. That's loss No. 1 for Boston College.
I think the Eagles will win at NC State, but they have no chance against Virginia Tech or at Florida State. Let me repeat that: NO CHANCE.
I think Wake Forest is much better than some are saying, and remember the Deacons should have beaten BC last year. This year it's in Winston Salem and Wake will win.
That's 1-4 in the ACC, for those keeping score at home.
OK, Boston College beats Duke. Of course, you and 10 of your friends beat Duke. So that's 2-4. Maryland is my surprise team this year. I like the Terps offense this season, and see a bowl in their future. I also see a win at Boston College in their future.
Then BC finishes up against Miami. Again, NO CHANCE.
That is how the Eagles finish 2-6 in the ACC.
Now you may return to wondering why the Red Sox won't make the playoffs.
-Patrick Hite

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Several ACC coaches are facing growing expectations;

George Solomon of the Washington Post weighs in on Maryland selling the naming rights to its football stadium.

Ryan Moore, Miami's receiver who was suspened for the opening two games, is now out indefinitely.

What's the best value in the ACC? Duke football. Of course, is it really a value if you have to pay money to watch the Blue Devils play football?

The News and Observer has plenty of other stories today. Click here to read them.

The State also has plenty of football news today.

Florida State athletics director David Hart gives his thoughts on FSU opening against Miami, the Hurricanes fitting into the ACC and more. Meanwhile, Florida State is shifting its focus to that Miami game on Labro Day night.

The Roanoke Times has its Virginia Tech and Virginia previews in today's edition.

As you can see, lots of papers have their football editions out today. Yet, with all the football talk, the Herald-Sun's Frank Dascenzo writes that the hearts of those in the Triangle belong to basketball.

Finally, Team USA, led by Mike Krzyzewski and several former ACC players made a statement with a 40-point rout of Australia in the FIBA World Championship.

Be sure to order your copy of "Mad About U: Four Decades of Basketball at University Hall." Chris Graham and Patrick Hite talked with more than 60 former players, coaches and fans about their memories of U Hall and UVa. basketball's biggest moments. The book will be available at select retail outlets beginning Oct. 5, but you can pre-order direct at www.madaboutu.net or at Amazon.com.

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Here's some Clemson fact and fiction from The State's Paul Strelow. Among the items, he writes that James Davis and C.J. Spiller won't share the backfield, although both will get their share of carries.

Keon Lattimore has taken big strides as Maryland prepares for its opener next Saturday.

FSU wants a return to a team known for its shut-down defense.

A freshman has made a big impact on Virginia Tech's Frank Beamer.

Miami's Ryan Hill is starting to get the hang of playing receiver after moving from defense to offense.

The battle for second-team quarterback is one of the items mentioned in Friend of the Nation Jeff White's UVa. notes column today.

A former Georgia Tech head coach will return to Atlanta next Saturday when Notre Dame visits the Yellow Jackets.

Good story on BC's Jolonn Dunbar, who was elected co-captain for the Boston College Eagles this year.

Here are 10 things ESPN.com's Scoop Jackson says Team USA, lead by Duke's Coach K, needs to recognize.

Florida State's men's soccer team hopes to improve on 20-win season.

Clemson won it's men's soccer opener Friday night. Virginia also won in both men's and women's soccer.

And, finally, here's something that hasn't happened since 1983.

Be sure to order your copy of "Mad About U: Four Decades of Basketball at University Hall." Chris Graham and Patrick Hite talked with more than 60 former players, coaches and fans about their memories of U Hall and UVa. basketball's biggest moments. The book will be available at select retail outlets beginning Oct. 5, but you can pre-order direct at www.madaboutu.net or at Amazon.com.

ACC football predictions

The preparation is just about finished and the games start next week. But before any action takes place on the field, Patrick and Chris have made their predictions. The following are how the guys see the Atlantic and Coastal division standings at the end of the regular season. To hear why they made the picks they did, listen to the latest ACC Nation.

Patrick

ATLANTIC
Clemson 12-0, 8-0
Florida State 9-3, 6-2
Maryland 7-5, 4-4
Wake Forest 7-5, 3-5
Boston College 6-6, 2-6
NC State 5-7, 1-7

COASTAL
Virginia Tech 11-1, 7-1
Miami 10-2, 6-2
Georgia Tech 6-6, 4-4
UNC 7-5, 4-4
UVA 5-7, 2-6
Duke 0-12, 0-8

Clemson over Virginia Tech in the ACC Football Championship Game

Chris

ATLANTIC
Clemson 11-1, 7-1
Florida State 11-1. 7-1
BC 8-4, 5-3
NC State 7-5, 4-4
Maryland 6-6, 3-5
Wake 3-9, 1-7

COASTAL
Miami 10-2, 6-2
Va. Tech 9-3, 5-3
UVa. 9-3, 5-3
Ga. Tech 6-6, 3-5
UNC 4-8, 2-6
Duke 1-11, 0-8

Clemson over Miami in the ACC Football Championship Game

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Wolfpack need to be tougher.

Florida State defensive end likely to miss Miami game.

Some BC freshmen are also battling injuries.

Antonio Clay will start for Clemson at linebacker to open the season, taking the place of injured Tramaine Billie.

Friend of the Nation Matt Winkeljohn writes that Georgia Tech freshmen will contribute, but not start, against Notre Dame in the season opener.

New offensive coordinator is a "maniac" according to Tar Heel running back Ronnie McGill, who added that he meant that in the nicest way possible.

Virginia freshman linebacker should adjust nicely to Al Groh's defense.

The pro basketball future of former Maryland star Lonny Baxter is in doubt.

Clemson and South Carolina meet tonight in a Top 25 men's soccer match.

Maryland men's soccer will be tough again. So will North Carolina. And Duke.

And, finally, NC State volleyball may be on the rise with a new coach.

You have until the end of today to order "Mad About U: Four Decades of Basketball at University Hall" and get a discount off the cover price. Chris Graham and Patrick Hite talked with more than 60 former players, coaches and fans about their memories of U Hall and UVa. basketball's biggest moments. The book will be available at select retail outlets beginning Oct. 5, but you can pre-order direct at www.madaboutu.net or at Amazon.com.

Shortening sensibilities
You want to talk about stupid? Let's talk about the NCAA.
Yes, I know, they're easy targets - but it's only because of the new levels that they seem to take the stupidity to.
For our purposes here today, there are the rules changes aimed at shortening college-football games that will have the clock starting after some changes-of-possession and after some out-of-bounds plays and things of that nature.
The reason - games, particularly televised games, are too long, sayeth the NCAA, and long games might expose players to injury.
So ... if that's what's pushing this, why not cut back on the number of commercials that can be broadcast on TV or on the radio?
Isn't that the real reason that TV games have gone from the standard three hours past three and a half and well on their way to four?
It's not because of too many changes-of-possession or players running out of bounds or any of a number of other things that happen on the field.
I know full well that college football is a business - hell, you'd have to be a fool not to admit that.
(Funny how the NCAA doesn't seem to want to admit that, isn't it?)
I know that nobody is seriously going to consider cutting commercials from game broadcasts.
I just wish somebody would own up to the true motivation to these changes.
Because it doesn't have to do with the needs of the players.
Seriously, if it was about the players, all games would be played on Saturdays, and they wouldn't have kids missing class to fly across the country.
And ...
I'd better stop here before I start to make too much sense.
- Chris Graham

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With no Ahmad Brooks and Kai Parham, Virginia needs some help at inside linebacker. Meanwhile, UVa.'s head coach is also the backup linebackers coach for the Cavaliers. And some more Virginia notes from Friend of the Nation, Jeff White.

Roger Williams is looking for a big year at Florida State.

Georgia Tech is selective on special teams.

Willie Williams may have finally found a home. The former Miami Hurricane has landed at a California community college. Also, here's the latest on some former Miami assistant coaches.

While we're on the subject of those who used to be associated with the ACC, former North Carolina quarterback Matt Baker looks like he may be the third quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys after the teams gives up on Drew Henson.

Former Maryland basketball star Lonny Baxter will spend two months in jail for having a gun within two blocks of the White House.

And, finally, not to overlook the other fall sports, the Clemson women's soccer team is ready for a trip to the NCAA Tournament, while North Carolina hopes to continue it's dominance of the sport.


Through this Friday, order "Mad About U: Four Decades of Basketball at University Hall" and get a discount off the cover price. Chris Graham and Patrick Hite talked with more than 60 former players, coaches and fans about their memories of U Hall and UVa. basketball's biggest moments. The book will be available at select retail outlets beginning Oct. 5, but you can pre-order direct at www.madaboutu.net or at Amazon.com.

ACC Nation (weekend of Aug. 25)
On ACC Nation this week, Patrick and Chris finish up the conference football previews. Susan Miller Degnan of the Miami Herald stops by to chat about the Miami Hurricanes, while the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Matt Winkeljohn joins the guys to preview Georgia Tech.
Patrick and Chris also give their predictions for both the Coastal and Atlantic Divisions of the ACC (and things get a little heated between the guys when the discussion turns toward UVa.’s season).
Plus, what do the guys think of the new rule changes meant to speed up college football this year? Two words: not much.
All that and more on ACC Nation.

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Clemson's Michael Palmer, a freshman tight end, is impressing his coaches. Here's a few other Clemson football notes as well.

ESPN.com has lots of ACC info today, including five predictions for the conference. Todd McShay stopped by Florida State's practice yesterday, while peeking in on Larry Coker and Miami the day before. Here are the five freshmen to watch in the ACC. Mark Schlabach writes that Virginia Tech is getting back to Beamerball basics. And he wonders if this is Tommy Bowden's year at Clemson.

Al Groh demoted a player, who then quit the team at Virginia. Here are a few other UVa. notes.

Some basketball news. Virginia Tech has lost two players, one to injury and another - an incoming to freshman - to the admissions department. And NC State is still waiting on a decision by Andrew Brackman. And Coach K is pushing Team USA even harder after two wins.

Through this Friday, order "Mad About U: Four Decades of Basketball at University Hall" and get a discount off the cover price. Chris Graham and Patrick Hite talked with more than 60 former players, coaches and fans about their memories of U Hall and UVa. basketball's biggest moments. The book will be available at select retail outlets beginning Oct. 5, but you can pre-order direct at www.madaboutu.net or at Amazon.com.

Free Fantasy Football
Once again this year ACC Nation is organizing a fantasy football league. It's free to join and first place wins an ACC Nation golf shirt or T-shirt - your choice.(Last place, in case you're wondering, will receive a backrub from the Evil Q - our advice, don't finish last.) Space is limited. You have until Aug. 31 to sign up.
If you want to play, click on the link above (you will need a Yahoo ID, but it's free as well). Enter your team name and you'll be ready to go.
Since this is ACC Nation, we have added one rule - every team must have a former ACC player (former Virginia Tech, Miami and Boston College players do count, even if they played college ball before their schools joined the ACC) starting for them every week.
If you have questions, e-mail patrick@accnation.com.
Have fun and good luck.

Mo' money, mo' problems
Remember when a coach could endure a 7-5 or 8-4 season every once in a while and not have his name on one of those "coaches on the hot seat" lists that help feed the beast between Saturdays in the fall?
Whatever happened to those good ol' days?
I know the answer - money, and gobs of it, is what happened.
You pay a coach a million or two or more to win football games and take your program to big-name bowls (read: "not ones named after computers or tires, or ones played in Boise"), and you expect him to do just that. And if he doesn't, well, it's not like there is a shortage of people out there who don't believe deep down to the core of their beings that they could do it, if only they were given the chance.
And so it is that we have names like Larry Coker and Chuck Amato and Al Groh and Ralph Friedgen as being among those on the proverbial hot seat - if only because they work at schools where the feeling is that they have the profile and the facilities and the donor base and the rest that it takes to do a lot more than go 9-3 or 7-5 or 5-6.
I would feel sorry for them - but then again, I mean, they're getting paid gobs of money, like I said above.
- Chris Graham

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Miami's Darryl Sharpton could be special.

Entering his sixth season, Carolina's John Bunting says his team is "on the cusp." Can they take it one step farther?

More physical play and less flash needed from Florida State's wide receivers.

Peerman and Pearman are key to Virginia's return game this season.

With questions at quarterback, Duke's running backs need to show added leadership.

Clemson's injured linebacker could redshirt this season.

Former Duke star Shane Battier leads Team USA to victory with his defense.

For a limited time, order "Mad About U: Four Decades of Basketball at University Hall" and get a discount off the cover price. Chris Graham and Patrick Hite talked with more than 60 former players, coaches and fans about their memories of U Hall and UVa. basketball's biggest moments. The book will be available at select retail outlets beginning Oct. 5, but you can pre-order direct at www.madaboutu.net or at Amazon.com.

Coastal questions

The coastal division in the ACC has more questions then answers surrounding the power teams like Miami and VA Tech. What no one will question will be the competitiveness of the division and the excitement of a race that might come down to the last weekend of the season.

For my taste the ACC as a whole is in a little bit of a rebuilding year. In the coastal division Miami faces coaching changes and a rebuilt offensive line. VA Tech is trying to find their QB and they still don’t know how healthy Brandon Ore will be. GA Tech has everything it needs to win the division but they have to depend on QB Reggie Ball. UNC has a senior team but no one wants to go out on a limb and pick them to do much. UVA has had to many police on campus and players suspended to make anyone to comfortable in Charlottesville, and then there’s Duke….

GA Tech Yellow Jackets

Predictions: Record 10-2 Conf: 7-1 Coastal Division Champs

That’s right, this is a man’s pick; none of this “they’re my dark horse” nonsense. I’m swinging for the fences. Chan Gaily will finally get over the hump and put together a season to remember for the GA Tech faithful. They have the talent to beat anyone in the nation and this year they won’t choke when playing the teams they should beat.

The team has an All-American receiver (Calvin Johnson), four returning starters on the offensive line, and to top it all a 40 year starting quarterback named Reggie Ball. It may only be four years but it sure seems like a lot more then that. Ball must step up and produce at a level he has not accomplished to this point. Another 48% completion rate won’t get it done. Why do I believe this is the year? This is Ball’s last season and I think he’ll actually use the nostalgia of the year and play freely within an offense that he knows as well as humanly possible.

Their front seven will be stout which will help protect a secondary that has lost four DB’s and also lost safety Joe Gaston to a season ending knee injury. They are also helped by the fact that other then Miami they will face teams in the ACC that are run heavy.

Key Game: @VA Tech 9/30

This game will be for the coastal division title. I know you thought it would be the Miami/VA Tech game but that would be to easy and absolutely no fun to predict. This is the game that will define the season for the Yellow Jackets and they will take risks, cause turnovers and score plenty of points.

VA Tech Hokies

Predictions: Record 10-2 Conf: 6-2 2nd in Conference

Defense will rule in Blacksburg on 06. The defense finished 2005 8th against the rush and 3rd against the pass and they might be better this season. They also have a patsy on the schedule near the end of the season when they play Kent State. For that reason alone, fate will interfere and cause them to lose games against GA Tech and someone else in the ACC.

The offense has five excellent receivers but who’s going to get them the ball? They need sophomore signal caller Sean Glennon to step up and take the job from Cory Holt and Ike Whitaker. However, the most important player on offense is RB Brandon Ore. If Tech is going to win this division Ore must stay healthy and be the 1200 yard rusher many believe he can be.

Key Game: Georgia Tech 9/30

If they can’t win this game the tilt against Miami will be meaning less in terms of the ACC title game. They won’t win and they may get knocked off by Clemson in a trap game before they play Miami. Then again they could go undefeated, but the football Gods won’t let them because they play Kent State at the end of the season…

Miami Hurricanes

Predictions: Record 9-3 Conf: 5-3 Third in the conference and not happy about it…

I can hear the Miami faithful screaming already. Spare me. This offensive line returns only one starter from a unit that was pitiful last season. Tyronne Moss is coming off an injury and the wide receivers were dreadful last season. I don’t know what all the fuss is about.

It’s hard to understand the logic that continually suggests that the loss of players is a great concern but the loss of coaches is hardly mentioned. The Miami coaching staff has six new coaches. While the decision to shake up the staff may have been a great idea it still takes time to build cohesion and it will have an impact on this year’s team.

The defense could be the best in the nation under 13 year coordinator Randy Shanon. They return a lot of talent. They are physical and fast. They will keep them in every game but will that be enough?

Key game: Florida State 9/3

Right out of the gate all the questions stated above will be answered. If the Hurricanes beat Florida State it surely will be because their offensive line played well and the offense was efficient. Another game to be careful of will be @ Louisville 9/16. Again, if the offensive line is suspect then the Cardinals, who have a Big East title in their sites, could be a nightmare for the Hurricanes.

North Carolina Tar Heels

Predictions: Record 7-5 Conf: 4-4 Bowl Bound and thrilled

Is head coach John Bunting on the hot seat? Yes, but it’s nothing a bowl game won’t cure. It may be now or never for the Heels. This is a senior heavy team with a strong front seven on defense and a running game that could prove to be special in Heel history. If Ronnie McGill can stay on the field and healthy he could be the first Tar Heel back to pass a thousand yards since Jon Linton in 1997.

Nebraska sophomore transfer Joe Dailey should get the starting nod but needs to improve on the 19 interceptions he threw in 04, his only year as a starter at Nebraska. They will win games with strong, aggressive defensive play, and by scoring more then the 19 points per game they scored in 05.

Their schedule is a killer. Unlike the VA Tech’s and Miami’s of the world this team limits the cupcakes to one. They play nine teams that were in bowl games in 05 and they play at Notre Dame, Clemson and Miami. They will be hunting an upset while their focus must be on games they are supposed to win.

Key Game: All Home Games

They play @ Clemson, Miami, and Notre Dame. Home games against Rutgers, Furman, South Florida, Wake Forrest, and NC State are games the Heels need to find a way to win to fulfill a bowl-bound prediction.

Virginia Cavaliers

Predictions: Record 6-6 Conf: 3-5 Waiting for next season

The Cav’s are in a rebuilding year. Gone are key cogs from an outstanding recruiting class a few years ago. They include athletic QB Marques Hagans, RB Wali Lundi, kicker Connor Hughes and defensive standouts like LB Kai Parham and Ahmad Brooks who was dismissed from the team. The middle of the defense is weak, and where run heavy teams may help Georgia Tech, they could exploit UVA.

It has been an unsettling off season for head coach Al Groh. He had to replace four coaches who left for other opportunities, and as was stated in conjunction with the Hurricanes, it’s not easy to simply change a coaching staff and not miss a step or two. There have also been academic concerns for some players and three others were arrested after an incident with a frat house.

It all adds up to change and change takes time to adjust to. The good news is UVA has another excellent recruiting class preparing to step forward and take the reins, it just won’t happen this season.

Key Game: @ Pittsburgh 9/2, @ Georgia Tech 9/21

If they come out of the gates hot, and survive these two games, this team could find themselves 6-0 heading into an all ACC finish beginning October 14 against Maryland and ending at VA Tech on November 25. Then again…not.

Duke Blue Devils

Predictions: Record 1-11 Conf: 0-8

I was prepared to write something very different regarding the upcoming season for Duke fans. I was prepared to defend an upset over Virginia and a record of 4-7, but alas, a foolish mistake by a young quarterback, Zach Asack, has sabotaged any chance for such a Cinderella story…hey, four wins would qualify as a Cinderella story for this team.

Their defense should be better, but the offensive line is replacing four starters, again, and the quarterback has never taken a snap in college. An added benefit to playing Duke football is that they play as tough a schedule as you will find in the nation and this year is no different. In addition to their work in the ACC the Blue Devils decided to add a trip to Alabama to their schedule to take on the Crimson Tide.

It seems fair to suggest that the VA Tech Hokies should exchange some of their cupcakes for the man size teams that Duke takes on.

Key Game: Any game they can win!

Duke plays Division I-AA Richmond week one. They better win or it could be goose eggs all around for Duke Football, but if you really want to be optimistic then you can keep a lookout for that upset special against UVA.

- Stephen Winslow

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Once again the NCAA wants us to think it is looking out for the best interest of the players. New rules this year will shorten the length of games, some say by as many as 10 to 20 plays. The NCAA says its to lessen the risk of injury. Of course, we all know it's because TV is tired of four-hour games.

Friend of the Nation Michelle Kaufman says we shouldn't count on Team USA winning it all.

Here's the latest on former Maryland star Lonny Baxter, who is accused of firing a gun within two blocks of the White House.

Xavier Lee is no longer battling for a starting position, but the Florida State quarterback did impress his coaches in Saturday's scrimmage.

Virginia Tech's defense made a statement in the Hokies' scrimmage.

Tommy Bowden is concerned about penalties in Clemson's scrimmage.

And the Daily Progress has a breakdown of Virginia's quarterbacks.

If you're a UVa. fan, or just a college basketball fan in general, you won't want to miss out on "Mad About U: Four Decades of Basketball at University Hall." Chris Graham and Patrick Hite talked with more than 60 former players, coaches and fans about their memories of U Hall and UVa. basketball's biggest moments. The book will be available at select retail outlets beginning Oct. 5, but you can pre-order now at www.madaboutu.net or at Amazon.com.

Still waiting for my Colin-oscopy
Still nothing from Colin Cowherd - who claims to want to punch a Virginia football fan in the neck, but has yet to take me up on my offer to let him get a shot in at me.
Hmmm ...
It's interesting how one can make such blanket statements as Cowherd, the host of ESPN Radio's "The Herd," offered about Virginia football fans ...
I'm getting ahead of myself here - so for those of you just joining us ...
"UVa. football is the softest bunch of cream puff, bowtie wearing, brie-cheese-eating, ascot-wearing wussies I have ever seen in my life," Cowherd said on the air during a discussion of the top states for interest in college football after a listener had called in to make the case for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
"There's not a softer bunch of cookie-dough-eating wienies than the UVa. football program," Cowherd said.
"Those guys wear makeup to games. That is the biggest bunch of fru fru, daiquiri-drinking, non-alcohol-beer-chugging wienies I have ever seen in my life.
"Dude, do you know what the most popular drink (is) at UVa. football tailgating? Zima! Unbelievable.
"I ought to punch UVa. people in the neck. Don't ever come on my show and brag about your football," Cowherd said.
So back to what I was saying about blanket statements - he puts this out there, and then somebody comes along to offer him a chance to swing for the fences, and what do we hear from him? Nothing.
I'm beginning to wonder who the bowtie- and ascot- and makeup-wearing, brie-cheese- and cookie-dough-eating, daiquiri-drinking, non-alcohol-beer-chugging, Zima-loving fru fru-cream puff-wussie-weanie really is.
Hint: It's the guy who couldn't hack it at Eastern Washington (motto: "Colin Cowherd dropped out of here, proving that we at least have some standards").
- Chris Graham

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UVa.'s Deyon Williams hopes to return to the field by Sept. 21. Meanwhile, Virginia coach Al Groh is focused on just coaching the team and not what people say about him - like "That @@%&@#$%&& couldn't coach a pee-wee team to a championship." Of course, that's just an example. We would never say bad things about Coach Groh at ACC Nation.

Here's a story from the N&O on the release of ACC basketball schedules yesterday. For links to each school's schedule, visit our post from yesterday.

Clemson loses linebacker to broken ankle. The injury came shortly after ACC Nation talked with Tommy Bowden. An ACC Nation jinx? We hope not.

Miami coach Larry Coker is firm when says former Hurricane Willie Williams won't be returning to the team. Well, firm in the sense that he left the door open just a little bit.

Jeff Bowden is happy with what he sees from FSU so far this summer.

Virginia Tech's Cary Wade just wants to stay healthy.

For a limited time, order "Mad About U: Four Decades of Basketball at University Hall" and get a discount off the cover price. Chris Graham and Patrick Hite talked with more than 60 former players, coaches and fans about their memories of U Hall and UVa. basketball's biggest moments. The book will be available at select retail outlets beginning Oct. 5, but you can pre-order direct at www.madaboutu.net or at Amazon.com.

ACC men's basketball schedules released

Football season hasn't even started, but several ACC schools have released their men's basketball schedules. Links are below.

Boston College: press release and schedule

Clemson: press release, schedule

Duke: press release and schedule

Florida State: press release, schedule

Georgia Tech: press release, schedule

Maryland: press release and schedule

Miami: press release, schedule

North Carolina: press release and schedule

North Carolina State: press release, schedule

Virginia: press release and schedule

Virginia Tech: press release and schedule

Wake Forest: press release, schedule

Couldn't happen to a better guy
Former Miami backup linebacker Willie Williams might wish that his posse had kept its collective mouth shut.
Williams, who asked UM to release him from his scholarship last month, reportedly upset over not having cracked the starting lineup, is having a hard time finding a new college to call home.
The news this week showed just how desperate he might be getting - he sought a spot on the roster at Pearl River Community College in Mississippi, which is, to its credit, the top-ranked junior-college team in this year's preseason polls.
That said, it's still a juco - and, significantly, it doesn't want Williams.
"He failed to reach some stipulations we set, and I'll just leave it at that," coach Tim Hatten said of his decision to not offer Williams a spot on his team.
It's hard to figure that Williams, who had a lengthy criminal record prior to enrolling at Miami, would fail to reach somebody else's stipulations, isn't it?
Being a backup for the 'Canes is probably looking pretty good at this point.
- Chris Graham

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With super sophomore James Davis and sensational freshman C.J. Spiller in front of him, Clemson running back Reggie Merriweather is the forgotten man. But Clemson coach Tommy Bowden said his team had injury problems at running back last year, so he's happy to have three talented players at that position. "Three's not too many, I know that much," Bowden told ACC Nation in an interview this week.

Florida State is not dwelling on the loss of receivers Fred Rouse and Kenny O'Neal. Meanwhile, Bobby Bowden comments on his team's first scrimmage.

Miami cornerback hopes to put injuries behind him as he gets ready for the season.

Friend of the Nation Jeff White gives an update on Deyon Williams and the battle for starting center, among other items, in his latest edition of UVa. notes. Jeff, along with Mike Harris, also offers some ACC notes.

Georgia Tech's Philip Wheeler may not get the attention he deserves, but, according to the AJC's Mike Knobler, Wheeler is just as talented on the defensive side of the ball as Calvin Johnson is on the offensive side.

A former NC State swimmer gets a big payday.

Meanwhile, another former Wolfpack athlete is in more trouble. Koren Robinson was charged with drunken driving and fleeing police officers, and his future with the Minnesota Vikings is in doubt.

And Virginia Tech basketball gets another commitment.

For a limited time, order "Mad About U: Four Decades of Basketball at University Hall" and get a discount off the cover price. Chris Graham and Patrick Hite talked with more than 60 former players, coaches and fans about their memories of U Hall and UVa. basketball's biggest moments. The book will be available at select retail outlets beginning Oct. 5, but you can pre-order direct at www.madaboutu.net or at Amazon.com.

ACC Nation (weekend of Aug. 18) - Listen here
ACC Nation previews two of the favorites to end up in Jacksonville for the ACC football title game in December. Patrick and Chris talk with Tommy Bowden, Clemson head coach, about the Tigers’ chances this year, while Mike Stevens of WDBJ TV 7 in Roanoke, Va., visits with the guys to talk Virginia Tech football.
Chris tells us why he doesn’t agree with the listeners’ selection of David Thompson for Mount ACCmore, while Patrick defends the choice of one of the all-time great college basketball players. Then they give their choices for the final two figures that should be enshrined.
In Around the ACC, updates on two strange stories involving former ACC players: Adrian McPherson, who played football at Florida State, got run over by an NFL mascot last weekend, and former Maryland basketball player Lonny Baxter was arrested for firing a gun near the White House.
Plus, the Sound and the Fury, where Patrick and Chris debate if college teams should reduce the length of practice time leading up to the season.
That and more on ACC Nation.

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Maryland wide-receivers coach, Bryan Bossard, needs his players to mature in a hurry.

Injuries are starting to add up for the Hurricanes.

Darrell Blackman is learning to play wide receiver for the Wolfpack.

If he can stay healthy, Jason Snelling may be Virginia's starting tailback this year.

Clemson freshman cornerback Crezdon Butler's talent may keep him from being redshirted this season.

Lawrence Timmons may be the next in line of great FSU linebackers.

Here's a photo and audio preview of Georgia Tech and the ACC by the AJC's Tony Barnhart. Meanwhile, Mike Knobler takes a look at future GT schedules.

Former Maryland basketball player arrested after shots were fired near the White House.

T.J. Bannister is leaving UVa. and going to Liberty.

Herb Sendek wins his first battle with Sidney Lowe.

Coach K and Team USA complete an unbeaten exhibition schedule.

Here's a photo gallery of some FSU football fans . We're partial to pictures two and seven.

And ESPN asks, Which is better, the NFL or college football?

"Mad About U: Four Decades of Basketball in University Hall" is available now a discount off the cover price. Visit www.madaboutu.net to order.

I demand a recount
The people have spoken, but ...
Maybe democracy ain't what it's cracked up to be.
It's hard to argue against Everett Case as far as his inclusion on Mount ACCMore - our shrine to Atlantic Coast Conference sports - is concerned.
But as great a player as North Carolina State's David Thompson was, the conference would be what it is today if he had never taken the floor once for the Wolfpack.
Ditto for Michael Jordan and Ralph Sampson and Christian Laettner and ... well, you name the player.
Players have an impact on college athletics for a year or two or three - four at the most.
Coaches like Case and North Carolina's Dean Smith and Duke's Mike Krzyzewski and Clemson's Frank Howard and Florida State's Bobby Bowden are the cornerstones of college sports.
I would throw television pioneer C.D. Chezley into that mix as well - for making the ACC must-see TV long before any marketing flunky ever thought of pushing a night of bad comedy as being the same.
But we have David Thompson ready to go up on our mountain.
I would demand a recount - but I'm not sure that I'm ready for a protracted legal battle involving pregnant chads and dimpled chads and the rest.
Sigh ...
- Chris Graham

Cut and run
Virginia's season might turn on the stress fracture suffered by star wideout Deyon Williams earlier this month.
And now the Washington Redskins' run at a Super Bowl title might be on the line as Redskins Nation awaits word on the status of tailback Clinton Portis, injured in Washington's preseason loss to Cincinnati last night.
How else can the case be made that the extended football preseason is anachronistic in this day and age of 12-months-a-year training?
"Four games is ridiculous. Then you play a 16-game season and the playoffs behind that," Portis said after the Skins-Bengals game, his arm in a sling after he partially dislocated his left shoulder making a tackle on an interception.
"For whoever's watching: Let's get rid of some of these games," said Portis, a University of Miami product.
I'm right there with you, man.
I'm right there with you.
- Chris Graham

New ACC Nation polls

Two new polls are up at ACC Nation. Vote for the football teams you think will win both the Coastal and Atlantic Divisions of the ACC this year. Vote here.

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Here's a shocker: Sean Glennon has been named Virginia Tech's starting quarterback. Frank Beamer told anyone who would listen it was an open battle, but everyone around the program knew Glennon would eventually be the man.

Miami's Sam Shields has seven touchdowns in seven days, and some say he is the next superstar for the Hurricanes. Here are some other Miami football notes from our friends at the Miami Herald.

Christian Olsen finally gets his shot at UVa.

Friend of the Nation Emily Badger has this story on a 33-year-old walk-on hoping to reach his dream of playing football at Florida State.

N.C. State is hoping to have running backs Toney Baker and Andre Brown on the field together as much as possible this season.

A former member of the Wolfpack, Philip Rivers, has started off hot for the San Diego Chargers this preseason. Meanwhile, Justin Burke is getting comparisons to Rivers, although Chuck Amato hasn't decided if he should redshirt the State freshman.

Boston College's Tom O'Brien is also taking a long look at his freshmen.

The Georgia Tech secondary is showing signs of life.

Everyone around Clemson football, except maybe the fans and media, seems fine about Will Proctor at quarterback.

And former Miami running back Clinton Portis dislocated his shoulder in the Washington Redskins' first preseason game this year.

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North Carolina State needs a mean streak, according to Chuck Amato.

Wake Forest held Fan Fest as the countdown to Wake's season opener continues. Wake Forest is the only ACC team that allows fans and media access to all of their practices.

The "The Jack" or not "The Jack?" That's the question at UVa.

Florida State's Myron Rolle more than just a student of the game.

Carolina's Barrington Edwards plans on letting actions, not mouth, speak for him this season.

Larry Coker suspended four players for Miami's opener against FSU. Now he might be losing one more to injury.

When will Jordan Steffy play? It's a question the Maryland quarterback hears often.

Virginia Tech's David Clowney says the Hokies will be fine if they just throw the ball. Meanwhile, a Tech tight end got most of the buzz during the team's first scrimmage.

Marcus Jones ready to be the man at Duke after quarterback Zack Asack was suspended for the season.

Chan Gailey not happy with GT offense.

And former Florida State quarterback Adrian McPherson got sacked by the Titan's mascot during a preseason game Saturday night.

Order "Mad About U: Four Decades of Basketball at University Hall." In chronicling the history of UVa's former basketball arena, Chris Graham and Patrick Hite talked with players, coaches and fans, including Terry Holland, Debbie Ryan, Jeff Lamp, Heather and Heidi Burge, Mac McDonald, Wally Walker, Dawn Staley, Jeff Jones, Richard Morgan, Dan Bonner, Bryant Stith, Wendy Palmer, Bobby and Ricky Stokes, Val Ackerman, Gus Gerard, Craig Littlepage and many more. Reserve your copy today and get a discount off the cover price.

Still haven't heard from Cowherd
Colin Cowherd likes picking on Virginia football fans. Me, I'm beginning to like picking on Colin Cowherd.
The ESPN radio monkey, who famously dismissed UVa. fans in a rant that included, among other non sequiturs, the use of the word "fru fru," has yet to respond to my invitation to have his people get in touch with mine to set up a time for him to punch a real live Virginia person, namely, me, in the neck, as he claims to have wanted to do.
I'm not surprised. I mean, this Cowherd guy is expert at getting himself in way, way over his head.
Case in point: his ESPN show, which replaced Tony Kornheiser on the network's daily lineup when Mr. TK decided that he'd had enough of licking the boots of the radio division of the Worldwide Leader and began to focus his attention on the TV side and the boots of the people who run things over there.
The selection of the Portland, Ore., media sensation and Eastern Washington dropout turned more than a few heads - which promptly made moves to engage the hands attached below to change the dial.
In spite of this, as Cowherd's ESPN.com Web page describes, the host was named "Personality of the Year" for 2005 by none other than Sports Illustrated.
Seems to me that somebody was playing a joke there - and forgot to tell our buddy Colin. You know, how SI always gives ESPN a tough time, like, for example, when ESPN forgets that it pretends to be a media organization and declines to comment on its firing of one of its own, long-time "Baseball Tonight" analyst Harold Reynolds - so they thought they'd offer a carrot and give an award to one of the blowhards who hasn't yet run afoul of the suits in Bristol.
And then they had a devilish idea - to give the award to the campus idiot, you know, in the name of being ironic.
I realize, of course, that I shouldn't use big words like ironic if I'm expecting our Eastern Washington dropout friend to try to follow along.
Er, so what I meant to say there was that they thought it was funny to give the doofus who has no idea himself as to why he was given a national-radio gig out of the clear blue sky an important-sounding award.
In that context, it's not surprising that we see Colin Cowherd picking on Virginia football fans - the vast majority of whom actually graduated from college, one, and two, who root for a football team that, while it's not on par with Southern Cal, Oklahoma or Notre Dame, isn't known solely for having been beaten 95-21 by the University of Houston back during their run-up-the-score days.
That's right, Colin. We play better football, we're smarter, and at least a few of us can take a punch in the neck from a weenie from EW (school motto: "It is worth the paper that it's printed on, thanks for asking") without getting all that worked up about it.
My people are waiting ...

O'Brien likes 'BC rule'
They're calling it the "BC rule" - the one that the Atlantic Coast Conference instituted for the 2006 season that should prevent what happened to Boston College last December from happening again.
The Eagles, who finished in a tie for first in the Atlantic Division, were sent out to Boise, Idaho, for the MPC Computers Bowl, after several teams that it had bettered in the conference standings were given more attractive bowl matchups.
BC coach Tom O'Brien is understandably pleased to see the new rule - which more rigidly ties bowl bids to the conference standings - take effect.
"I think all along that we felt that it should be decided on the field, by what you do on the field," O'Brien said on the "ACC Nation" radio show last week.
"If you beat teams on the field, and they finish lower than you, they should not be rewarded with a higher-profile bowl game than the one that you're sent to," O'Brien said.
"Obviously, we're happy with this," O'Brien said.
- Chris Graham

ACC Nation (weekend of Aug. 11)
On the show this week, Patrick and Chris continue their ACC football previews with a look at Wake Forest and Virginia.
Jim Grobe, head coach at Wake, joins the guys to talk about his Demon Deacons, while UVa. beat writer Jeff White of the (Richmond) Times Dispatch calls in with the latest on the Cavaliers.
Plus, the guys discuss Dick Vitale's summertime college basketball rankings, and talk Clemson and Carolina football in the Sound and the Fury.
And Win the Shirt Off Chris' Back returns. See just how much ACC trivia you know.
Click here to listen.

Contenders?
Couldn't help but notice who Sports Illustrated college-football writer Stewart Mandel included in his list of national-championship contenders this week.
Sure, Notre Dame - sure, Ohio State.
USC - gotcha.
Florida State, Michigan, Miami, Nebraska - right, right, right, right.
But ... Georgia Tech?
Seriously?
OK, so they have the best wide receiver not getting paid, Calvin Johnson.
Other than that, though, they have ...
A quarterback in Reggie Ball who looks great on paper - he's a four-year starter, he's mobile, has a strong arm.
But Ball doesn't seem to have progressed the way everybody assumed he would when he took over as the starter coming out of camp in 2003.
Neither has the rest of coach Chan Gailey's program, quite honestly.
It's great being known for having the most imaginative defensive schemes in the game under defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta - but the primary goal on that side of the ball should be to stop the other team from scoring, and the Yellow Jackets were in the middle of the pack in the ACC last year in that stat.
Throw in a brutal schedule that includes an opener with Notre Dame and tough road tests at Virginia Tech, Clemson and in-state rival Georgia, and ... there's absolutely no way in Hades that Georgia Tech is going to do anything other than be one of the top contenders for being sent out to Boise in late December.
- Chris Graham

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Ted Roof is making his Devils sweat in the weeks leading up to Duke's opener.

Florida State starts preparing for its opener against Miami. The Hurricanes also started practice, and the team's receivers are vowing they will have a good season.

Virginia's Keith Payne doesn't look like a freshman. Meanwhile, one big question for the Cavaliers is how much depth the offensive line will have this season.

Randy King of the Roanoke Times writes that, although Frank Beamer hasn't named his starting quarterback, there are signs that point to who it will be.

Dennis Erickson is back coaching at Idaho (and if Larry Coker doesn't get his team to a BCS bowl, he might be back at Miami next year).

And Team USA almost blew one.

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Coach K's nightmare comes to life
I was just about ready to declare USA Basketball back on track when ...
Did I miss something - or did we almost lose to Brazil?
I don't get this - not at all.
We have the best players in the best league on the planet playing on one team - with supposedly the best coach since Red Auerbach in charge of the substitutions.
So ... why can't we beat teams made up of players who are subs in the NBA or stars in secondary and tertiary leagues in their home countries and elsewhere?
Another question - why don't we have a center on this team?
(No, Brad Miller doesn't count - he might be seven feet tall, but he shoots threes and can't defend the post.)
Yet another question - we're relying on Kirk Heinrich to shoot threes for us?
I hate to say this out loud - but yes, we're going to miss not having J.J. Redick on this team.
(Not to worry - there are plenty of Dukies to go around - though you have to figure that Shane Battier isn't going to last much longer. I saw him try to flop the other night against Puerto Rico, but the international refs are already on to him - they called him for a block.)
On a tangentially related note, I'm beginning to wonder whether we should still call the NBA champs "world champs" - I mean, it seems pretty obvious why this would come to mind, doesn't it?
- Chris Graham

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Sure it's almost football season, but a little college basketball never hurt anyone. Dick Vitale is out with his summertime rankings. He has six ACC schools in his top 40, including No. 1 North Carolina, but Virginia isn't among those teams. I call a foul on Dickie V. UVa. deserves to be ahead of both Florida State and Maryland, both of which are in Vitale's rankings.

More basketball? OK, maybe, just maybe Coach K knows what he's doing. Team USA is now 2-0 in exhibition games as it prepares for the World Championships. Still, I'm not cheering for the Americans.

Frank Beamer isn't ready just yet to name a starting quarterback for the Hokies. Also, Randy King of the Roanoke Times has the latest on Roland Minor following a car accident.

Fred Rouse and Kenny O'Neal may be gone, but the FSU coaches are happy with their current receivers.

The Charlotte Observer's Ken Tysiac holds a Q & A with Boston College's Tom O'Brien. We talked with O'Brien on ACC Nation this past weekend.

Georgia Tech tight end Wayne Riles hopes to play again this season following back surgery.

Baby J is ready to make a splash at Miami.

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Ken Tysiac of the Charlotte Observer has 10 questions for the upcoming season, and some of them actually involved ACC schools.

Then there are these five questions about Miami.

Jeff Bowden, the much criticized offensive coordinator for Florida State, spoke about the upcoming season with the Tallahassee Democrat. And, although there are those still upset with Bowden, Friend of the Nation Emily Badger writes that there is very little drama this preseason.

There's no quarterback battle at N.C. State this year, but Marcus Stone needs to be more consistent if the Wolfpack want to win.

Virginia Tech's Frank Beamer hopes to put a stop to what some say has been an undisciplined program the past few years.

There is a battle at North Carolina, and Joe Dailey, the former Nebraska quarterback, hopes to win it.

Virginia's Nate Lyles is back practicing after a scary injury last November. That is among the UVa. notes from Friend of the Nation Jeff White.

Clemson linebacker Nick Watkins has more on his mind than football.

Mike Pressler, the former Duke lacrosse coach who resigned after a rape scandal this past spring, has a new job.

Be sure to order "Mad About U: Four Decades of Basketball at University Hall" now because, for a limited time, you can get $10 off the cover price. This is a must have for all UVa. and college basketball fans.