Continue reading »]]> We keep going with @HokieGuru’s series and today we are looking at Wake Forest. The Deacs are that team you can’t ever underestimate.

Good evening from @HokieGuru.  I’m here today to discuss the ACC spring football practice with each bloggers from each of the 12 Atlantic Coast Conference teams.  What follows is our interview with Jake Sloan from @BloggerSoDear.   Here’s his bio:  Jake is a 2009 and 2010 alumnus of Wake Forest University and is currently a CPA in the NC Triad area.  He also manages the Wake Forest athletics blog, Blogger So Dear, Twitter Account.  He is here to discuss Wake Forest football.  Our interview is below:

@HokieGuru:  Tell us about your spring game – how was the turnout?  Was the team well received?

@BloggerSoDear:  While the Wake Forest Spring Game is never going to generate a huge turnout like some of our ACC counterparts, the turnout was pretty solid by WFU standards.  Although the end of the season did not go as planned, last year was a big bounce back year after a rough campaign in 2010.  I feel that the fanbase was energized by making a bowl and has pretty high expectations with the return of several key players.

@HokieGuru: What are some of the major strengths coming out of spring practice?

@BloggerSoDear: Obviously, it is always nice to feel secure with the QB position.  Tanner Price put up good numbers last season and should be ready to make another jump in his junior year.  The other two areas that I feel best about are the secondary and WR corps.  CB Merrill “Bud” Noel was a freshman All-American last season and Kevin Johnson, AJ Marshall and Dominique Tate should be solid as well.  Junior safeties Daniel Mack and Duran Lowe will need to step up and take over the leadership roles that Cyhl Quarles and Josh Bush left behind, which they are more than capable of doing.  With the depth at corner, I also would not be surprised if Marshall or Kenny Okoro make the move to safety.

With the departure of WR Chris Givens to the NFL, the door is open for Michael Campanaro to step into the limelight.  Campanaro had some spectacular moments last year and I’m certain that the coaching staff will figure out numerous ways to get the shifty slot receiver the ball as often as possible next season.  It will be interesting to see who steps up and becomes the clear #2 and #3 receivers behind Camp. Matt James and Brandon Terry are prime candidates, both standing at 6’5”, but neither have a lot of ACC experience.  My money for the #2 spot is on Terence Davis, who returned last season after missing the previous one with an ACL tear.  Other candidates include senior Quan Rucker and promising redshirt freshman Sherman Ragland.  There is plenty of depth here, it is just a matter of one or two of them separating themselves from the pack to try to replace some of Givens’ amazing production last season.  

@HokieGuru: What are some of the major weaknesses coming out of spring practice?  In other words, what do you think Wake Forest will be working on in August before the first game?  What are the questions that you think have to be resolved?

@BloggerSoDear:  As always it seems with WF football, the biggest questions are on the lines.  Wake lost four offensive lineman to graduation, including 49ers draftee Joe Looney, so for much of the Spring Coach Grobe focused on getting an idea of the depth chart here.  New OL Coach Jonathan Himebauch will need immediate production from inexperienced guys including Antonio Ford, Daniel Blitch, Dylan Heartsill, Cody Preble and DL-convert Ramon Booi.  This group joins returning center Garrick Williams and will need to gel quickly in order to keep Price off his backside and to open up some running lanes for Josh Harris and Orville Reynolds.

On the other side of the ball, the lack of size and skill alongside the Deacons’ MVP Nikita Whitlock is alarming.  Wake’s move to the 4-3 last year was an effort to use their LB depth to mask this weakness, but pressuring the QB and stopping the run continued to be problem areas.  It will important for the coaching staff to address this, as someone other than Whitlock has to be able to consistently get into the backfield and make plays.

@HokieGuru: Fall will be here before we know it – what position concerns you the most?

@BloggerSoDear:  As I mentioned above, the OL worries me the most.  Price obviously needs time back there and this line is just way too inexperienced.  If he has to run for his life every series it could be a long season.

@HokieGuru: Who are the new recruits that you are impressed with the most?  Are there any that you think will get some major playing time right away?

@BloggerSoDear:  As you know, Grobe’s philosophy revolves around redshirting a vast majority of his freshmen.  Unless one of the big linemen come in and surprise, the only freshmen likely to see the field right away will be one of the tight ends, Zach Gordon or Anthony Rook.  The Deacs lost their top two TE’s to graduation so that’s a big hole that will need to be filled by a youngster.  Redshirt freshmen that I look to have an impact are WR Sherman Ragland, DE Desmond Floyd and ILB Brandon Chubb.  

@HokieGuru: Based on what you saw/read from spring practice, do you think Wake Forest will be better than last year?  Why or why not?

@BloggerSoDear:  With an improved defense, a more experienced Tanner Price running the show, and two solid, healthy running backs in Harris and Reynolds, I would set the bar at 7 wins, a slight improvement over last year.  Again, whether or not the lines perform even at an average level will be the key determining factor in Wake’s season.  

@HokieGuru: Give us the pulse of the Wake Forest football program – what are the Demon Deacons bloggers/fans thinking right now on the status of the program?

@BloggerSoDear:  With the dumpster fire of a basketball program that Wake has right now, I think most Deacon fans are really looking forward to getting back out to BB&T Field and watching a man who knows what he’s doing on the sidelines.  Last year the team made a significant leap forward and was just a missed FG at Clemson away from playing in the ACC Championship Game again.  Jim Grobe made some difficult coaching decisions in the offseason, which pleased many that felt he needed to shake things up and get some new ideas in the program.  I think the majority of the fanbase, including myself, feels that things are going back in the right direction.  

Become a fan of the ACC on Facebook and follow the ACC on Twitter.

Continue reading »]]> Clemson is up next in @HokieGuru’s Ask a Blogger series. Can they defend the ACC title?

Good evening from @HokieGuru.  I’m here today to discuss the ACC spring football practice with each bloggers from each of the 12 Atlantic Coast Conference teams.  What follows is our interview with @CUBOSCO on Clemson University football.  @CUBOSCO, James Bostic, is a lifelong Tiger fan and 2005 graduate of Clemson currently residing in Virginia.

He is a current graduate student at Johns Hopkins and writes a Clemson blog called Tiger Times.  Without further ado, here’s our interview below:

@HokieGuru:  Tell us about your spring game – how was the turnout?  Was the team well received?

@CUBOSCO: An estimated 25,000 people showed up for the Annual Orange-White Scrimmage at Death Valley. It was the first time Clemson fans were given a chance to get a glimpse of what life will be like on defense under the leadership of new Defensive Coordinator Brent Venables. It was also an chance for fans to get a taste of what Tiger fans can expect from the offensive side of the ball with a team returning lots of firepower at the skills positions. The shadow cast from the Orange Bowl debacle has loomed large from most outside of the program, while most returns coming out of spring ball is that the Orange Bowl was put to bed months ago and there is still a lot for Clemson fans to be excited about going into the fall.

@HokieGuru: What are some of the major strengths coming out of spring practice?

@CUBOSCO: It has been alluded to by several media outlets that the return of Andre Ellington for his senior season was Clemson’s biggest signing in 2012. I have to agree. His return gives Clemson a proven run threat going into the fall. Quarterback Tajh Boyd returns along with Freshmen All-American Sammy Watkins, DeAndre Hopkins, Martavis Bryant and Charone Peake at the receiver position. There is a collection of talent on the offensive side of the ball that I fully expect to rewrite the record books at Clemson.

On the defensive side of the ball defensive lineman Grady Jarrett emerged throughout the spring. One of Jarrett’s linemates DeShawn Williams showed improvement throughout drills. The light seemed to come on at the linebacker position for Lateek Townsend and Justin Parker. It seems that guys who will be needed in the fall are stepping and putting themselves in position to be productive come fall.

@HokieGuru: What are some of the major weaknesses coming out of spring practice?  In other words, what do you think Clemson will be working on in August before the first game?  What are the questions that you think have to be resolved?

@CUBOSCO: Clemson replaces three starters on the offensive line. Brandon Thomas who played guard last year made the permanent move to left tackle where he played sparingly last year after Phillip Price went down. We all know it starts up front and Coach Morris has made it clear that this team needs to be more physical up front. Tyler Shatley moved over to guard from DT, Kalon Davis is a youngster who will be counted on along with Giff Timothy. Not a lot of depth or experience along the offensive front for the Tigers and that will be something to watch throughout the summer and into the fall.

Similar story on the defensive line, there are questions at the end position. Malliciah Goodman has played some but will be counted on for significant snaps. Corey Crawford is another player who has a lot of promise but the lack of experience concerns first year coordinator Brent Venables. Like the offensive line the lack of depth and experience is cause for concern going into the summer.

@HokieGuru: Fall will be here before we know it – what position concerns you the most?

@CUBOSCO:Both lines are concerns. Football is simple, it begins and ends along the lines of scrimmage and how well the young guys hold up will likely go a long way in determining if the Tigers can make a return trip to Charlotte.

@HokieGuru: Who are the new recruits that you are impressed with the most?  Are there any that you think will get some major playing time right away?

@CUBOSCO: Clemson had eight early enrollees. Kevin Dodd will be called on to play this fall at DE. Bradley Pinion a punter could get thrown to the fire early on as Clemson seeks to replace Dawson Zimmerman. The guy who could garner the most time as a true freshman is Travis Blanks a defensive back out of Tallahassee. It will be difficult for many youngsters to get on the field on offense barring injury.

@HokieGuru: Based on what you saw/read from spring practice, do you think Clemson will be better than last year?  Why or why not?

@CUBOSCO: It is hard to say at this point. A huge reality is the way the schedule sets up with division road games at Florida State, at Boston College (Chestnut Hill is a House of Horrors for CU), and at Wake Forest. The returning skill on offense on paper could make the 2012 offense as potent as any in the nation. The questions at offensive line and how quickly the unit comes together looms large over the success we can expect to see this fall.

There were many reports this spring about improved gap integrity along the defensive line and fewer missed tackles by linebackers. If true, it will be refreshing come fall and could be key in a run for a conference title.

I do think this team will be better than last year but that does not mean necessarily that the 2012 team will make it to Charlotte. We will know a lot about the Atlantic Division race by the end of September after the Tigers have back to back road games to Tallahassee and Chestnut Hill. Hopefully the experience of last season will allow the 2012 team to hit its stride going into conference play.

@HokieGuru: Give us the pulse of the Clemson football program – what are are the Tigers bloggers/fans thinking right now on the status of the program?

@CUBOSCO: There is no question among fans that the beat down in the Orange Bowl looms large. There are not words to describe what it was like to sit in Sun Life Stadium and watch your team get beat by 37 but the reality is the 2011 team won the ACC Championship in emphatic fashion. To beat the Kings of the ACC twice in the way the 2011 team did when NO ONE expected it reminds fans of how good things were at one point. The slide at the end of the season left a sour taste in the mouths of Tiger fans. You couple that with the third straight loss to South Carolina and I think you have a more realistic fanbase going into the fall.

I think most people outside of Clemson are giving Clemson too much credit going into 2012. This of course sets up for the “Clemson being Clemson” and the Coach Swinney pot shots. Love him or hate him, the man was able to do something that has not been down at Clemson in a long time. What you see is what you get from Coach Swinney, he is not contrived, the guy is emotional, while he rubs people the wrong way at times, he is not a cyborg. If you get a chance take a few minutes to read up on Coach Swinney and his story. He is a coach that has been learning on the fly. Since parting ways with Billy Napier after the 2010 season and the removal of Kevin Steele after the 2011 campaign it shows that he is not afraid to make changes. Coach Swinney has assembled a tremendous staff, recruited well and raised expectations. With all of that as a reality there is reason for optimism that Clemson can be in the conversation for another ACC Title in 2012.

Become a fan of the ACC on Facebook and follow the ACC on Twitter.

Continue reading »]]> This is the topic I prefer to talk about. Previewing teams, opponents etc. I really don’t like talking about money expansion side, though I did say my peace today on the topic. Let’s get on with @HokieGuru’s great series as he talks with Boston Colleg’s own @BCMike22.

Good evening from @HokieGuru.  I’m here today to discuss the ACC spring football practice with each bloggers from each of the 12 Atlantic Coast Conference teams.  What follows is our interview with @BCMike22.  He is one half of BCDraft.com (he says he is arguably the lesser half lol), a Boston College (BC) athletics blog that is dedicated to “drafting” all things Boston College related.  He enjoys home brewing, blogging sports over working, and talking about himself in the third person. Here we go with our interview below!!!

@HokieGuru:  Tell us about your spring game – how was the turnout?  Was the team well received?

@BCMike22: Well, let’s talk about the elephant in the room first.  The turnout was not 200 as many have lazily reported.  The actual number is somewhere around 1,500-1,750 based on numerous, numerous eyewitness accounts.  Now, let’s not ignore the fact that 1,500 is a number that is plenty shame worthy on it’s own…it absolutely is…but this random 200 number was originally sourced to some lazy hack who threw up a Bleacher Report article and well, we all know what sort of qualifications you need to get published there.

Why was the turnout so bad?  Reason 1-45 is Frank “ #FireSpaz “ Spaziani, the man responsible for sinking this ship faster than anyone could have possibly imagined.  There is precious little excitement from fans and GDF (Gene DeFilippo, Boston College AD) made it that much worse claiming that what the fans and alums thought “doesn’t matter” and that Spaz is the “best coach we’ve had in 15 years”.  

If you’re unfamiliar with that quote, I’ll let it sink in.  Go ahead and re-read that.  Take time to reflect on past BC football coaches that took us to the A3CG, then think about Jerry York, who just won his third NCAA Hockey title (fourth overall with BC) in five years.

Yes, in GDF’s eyes, Spaz > York.  

I digress.

So the fan support from the die-hards isn’t there–and that’s when you’re in a really dark place.  There’s just no excitement from anyone.  Now the other factors which played a role, but certainly not one that influenced droves of people from not going…it was cold, raining for a solid day, and high winds, so the rain was a stinging rain (in my best Forest Gump voice), not exactly the environment you take your kids to sit out in the elements for three hours in.

The only excitement surrounding this program currently is an eye on 2013 and a hope of a wish of a dream of a prayer that if this season turns out as poorly as most expect, we’ll have a new name on the door on the office of the Head Coach of football at Boston College.

@HokieGuru: What are some of the major strengths coming out of spring practice?

@BCMike22: As much as everyone knows that we’ll miss Keeks (Carolina Panthers’ 9th overall pick, LB Luke Kuechly), linebackers are probably the strongest position on the team and even though the defense was put out on the field to get worn down constantly last season, they really did play pretty well overall.  LB’s Kevin Pierre-Louis (“KPL”), Sean Duggan (from Keeks’ HS in Cincy, IIRC), Steele Divitto, Nick Lifka, Andre Lawrence, and Nick Clancy would all, I believe, likely start just about anywhere in the ACC.  They are a really strong group.  Not saying they’re all better than every other ACC team out there, but I’m willing to say each would very likely make the top three on any one team.  KPL is the one to watch, great instincts and incredible athleticism.

@HokieGuru: What are some of the major weaknesses coming out of spring practice?  In other words, what do you think Boston College will be working on in August before the first game?  What are the questions that you think have to be resolved?

@BCMike22: What, you mean other than Frank Spaziani?  Well, because Chase Rettig hasn’t had enough problems thrown his way, the powers that be decided a third OC in three years would be fun.  Enter: Doug Martin, former HC at Kent State.  Martin is a Steve Logan disciple (we all love and miss Steve Logan, btw), so there’s some hope there…but still, it’s yet another new system with new lingo and new routes and new blocking schemes, etc.  You can’t ever expect new systems to be 100% by the start of the first game.

@HokieGuru: Fall will be here before we know it – what position concerns you the most?

@BCMike22: Head Coach.

@HokieGuru: Who are the new recruits that you are impressed with the most?  Are there any that you think will get some major playing time right away?

@BCMike22: I would be very surprised to hear of any of the true freshman cracking the two deep.  I’ve heard good things about Canadian Joel Zoungrana (I’m going to start calling him “Joey Z” soon), a supposed two star WR, but the recruiting services don’t tend to think anyone north of the Mason-Dixon line can play football, let alone the lower 48.  He might get some PT, I don’t know.

@HokieGuru: Based on what you saw/read from spring practice, do you think Boston College will be better than last year?  Why or why not?

@BCMike22: There’s not a lot of reason for optimism right now.  

@HokieGuru: Give us the pulse of the Boston College football program – what are the Eagles bloggers/fans thinking right now on the status of the program?

@BCMike22: #FireSpaz

Become a fan of the ACC on Facebook and follow the ACC on Twitter.

Continue reading »]]> I’ve obviously been following the Florida State Big 12 story with alot of interest. I would prefer the ACC stays together, but I’m not here to discuss the merits of why FSU and by extension why Clemson or anyone should stay. I’m not going bash any football school for their lack of success and whether it led us to this point or not.

It really doesn’t matter anymore. Florida State is mad. Their fans are worked up, and 11 ACC members are waiting on what the Noles do next. If you’re dismissing FSU’s recent actions as sabre rattling, I would disagree with you. I think they are dead serious at investigating this move to the Big 12. Do I think it’s imminent? Not necessarily, the president of Florida State said enough in his statement Monday that I believe Florida State isn’t united at the highest levels on whether a move should be made. That said I’m sure of two things.

1) If the ACC stays status quo hoping this will blow over and FSU will simply decide the ACC is a better fit then I don’t like the conference’s chances of keeping the Seminoles.

2) Even a down Florida State football team is still the ACC’s biggest football brand name, and football drives everything. If the Noles take Clemson with them, that 17 Million dollar contract will take a significant nosedive. You think the gap between the ACC and the rest of the country is big now? Try a TV negotiation without Florida State and Clemson and watch the other ACC football schools like Virginia Tech, NC State, Miami, and Georgia Tech start looking at their own interests.

This is a critical point, the decision can go either way at the moment. Here are 5 things that can bring Florida State back into the fold and ease the Nole fanbase. While most FSU fans favor the move, the ones I’ve talked to are open to discussion.

1) Just Listen to Florida State

The TV deal is done, so another 3 Million dollars isn’t on its way. There are other considerations though, the buyout, the travel, the loss of geographic footprint, the hopeless attempt to catch Texas in spending money. I don’t care if the Big 12 deal is 50 Million, Florida State and anyone that joins will never come close to matching what Texas can spend.

Catching Florida a team not in your conference and play once a year is one thing. Try going through Texas and Oklahoma maybe twice and playing virtual road championship games. That’s not the road to the National Title. Florida State has several reasons to stay, and maybe just maybe they have some wishes that can reasonably be met. I have an idea what some are, but not all. Bring them and the rest of the ACC to the table.

2) Make the Television Deal more transparent.

From Tier 3 to backloading this Television Deal has caused more confusion and mis-information than I could have imagined. People were still calling into Clemson sports radio yesterday complaining the Basketball schools could still sell their third teir basketball rights. All I could think was WOW, this is so misunderstood.

The Pac 12′s super mega deal is so backloaded. The Pac 12 is making 15 million a team in its first years, not 21 Million. Sit down with FSU officials and explain this to them. Is the deal a home run? No but it’s not nearly as bad as being reported.

3) Adjust Bowl Payouts

I’m not talking about huge differences in revenue earnings. You can keep the TV deal 100% shared equally, but did you know the ACC made 40 Million dollars in bowl revenue last year? They split the money equally after allotting for travel expenses.  That’s nice. A communal farm is a nice idea too, but just about nobody wants to live in one.

How about give a larger share to teams that make bowls, and even larger share to teams that make the playoffs and BCS games. Florida State wants to be a football school, let them earn it on it the field knowing there could be a sizable payout at the end. At the very least bring it to a vote.

4) Modify Divisions

I don’t think we’ll ever get the true North South Division, but maybe slightly adjust it. Move Miami to the Atlantic and NC State to the Coastal, and give FSU a natural rival of Virginia Tech or Georgia Tech. There is no reason that FSU plays Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech as rarely as they do. NC State will get more opportunities to play Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech as well.

5) Make Schedule more football friendly

This is not the first time I’ve written about this. Guess who Auburn played after their game with Clemson last year? Florida Atlantic. Clemson got the honor of playing Florida State, after Florida State tangled with Oklahoma. Come on really? I will say this again again as well. In their in-state rival games the ACC teams are playing conference games, while their SEC brethren are playing FCS teams or have BYE weeks.

Become a fan of the ACC on Facebook and follow the ACC on Twitter.

Continue reading »]]> Sleepy middle of May nothing much going on, nothing to see… yeah right! The story of Florida State’s interest in the Big 12 is dominanting the headlines.

Of course we have to check in with what Florida State blogger Tomahawknation thinks of the situation, especially after FSU president Eric Barron made several statements today that sure made it seem like he was in favor of staying in the ACC.  

The full comments can be found at ESPN. Oh Boy… This is changing by the minute.  I don’t even know what to comment, but the administration at FSU clearly has some things to work out between each other. That said the door is not shut in either direction for FSU going or staying. I would expect the ACC to take FSU concerns seriously and attempt to get things resolved. 

Boston College blogger BCInterupption has their own take on the expansion thinge. For pure entertaintment you should follow both @Tomahawknation and @BCinterruption discuss the potential for the Noles move. Twitter Gold!

How about we discuss some actual football. Clemson blog ShakintheSouthLand takes a look at the Pistol Formation in Clemson’s offense.

TarHeelFanBlog says they are not scared to play at Indiana in next years ACC\Big 10 challenge. It’s time the ACC took back this challenge!

ACCBlogger gives us a recruiting update for the NC State football team.

StreakingtheLawn reviews the Cavaliers series win over Georgia Tech, and think it gives them a shot at hosting a regional.

Become a fan of the ACC on Facebook and follow the ACC on Twitter.

Continue reading »]]> Pure craziness the last 48 hours from the Florida State Seminoles. Will they stay will they go? I don’t know, but what I do know is that they are playing in the ACC in 2012. So we have a spring review interview from site contributor @HokieGuru. Let’s check it out.

Good evening from @HokieGuru.  I’m here today to discuss the ACC spring football practice with each bloggers from each of the 12 Atlantic Coast Conference teams.  What follows is our interview with@saintwarrick. Jeff is a Florida State graduate (c/o 2000) who spreads his absurdity via Twitter, urban graffiti and airplane banners.  He is here today to discuss Florida State spring football.  Here we go with our interview below!!!

@HokieGuru:  Tell us about your spring game – how was the turnout?  Was the team well received?

@saintwarrick: The spring game was awesome of course; no one owns the spring like FSU football! — (We’re BACK!) — With post-spring top 25 lists being released by pundits nationwide, it’s virtually the only time one can find FSU in the top 10 these days. Where once Seminoles could boast of 14 straight top-4 finishes, now we can celebrate 12-ish straight springs of “being BACK.” (FYI: Those ‘BACK’ banners hang next to our Signing Day national title trophies, presented by Golden Flake). But even with FSU “BACKness” assured, spring game turnout was down from last year by about 14,000 (allegedly). Last year’s attendance was about 54,000, and this year’s number might reflect a little bit less enthusiasm for this year’s team, despite the Noles poised to be BACK.

@HokieGuru: What are some of the major strengths coming out of spring practice?

@saintwarrick: Well, outside of FSU’s strong showing in the pre-preseason polls (BACK!) , the defense is still good, but we know that. Ends Bjoern Werner and Brandon Jenkins are two of the top players in the nation at their position, and Werner didn’t even play in the spring game. He’ll be fine for the fall. Defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan also was hurt (MCL tear), but he’ll be fine for August. The FSU defense showed well and no one was injured, and that was all that was required. The ’Noles should have one of the top defensive units in the nation this season with talent such as Greg Reid, LaMarcus Joyner and Xavier Rhodes in the backfield and Nick Moody, Christian Jones and Vince Williams patrolling the middle. The only real losses are cornerback Mike Harris and linebacker Nigel Bradham. Everyone else from the two-deep returns. Also, FSU opens against two FCS opponents this season, and Jernigan may eat an opposing player in one of those games, so tune in for that. As for the offense, it did not answer any of its questions (quarterback, offensive line), but that’s something that only the fall can accomplish.

@HokieGuru: What are some of the major weaknesses coming out of spring practice?  In other words, what do you think Florida State will be working on in August before the first game?  What are the questions that you think have to be resolved?

@saintwarrick: The top three question spots for FSU are offensive line, offensive line and offensive line. Outside of that, the offensive line also could use some work. In all seriousness, how this unit plays this fall will go a long way toward deciding if FSU is Orange Bowl-good for Belk Bowl-good. Modern Southern style at affordable prices aside, if FSU can even manage to push into C-plus territory along the offensive front, FSU should be in Charlotte for an entirely different reason: the ACC championship game. A couple linemen that should contribute missed the spring with injuries, so this area is a work in progress. FSU went very young along the O-line late last season (starting four freshmen at times), and FSU fans are hoping that will pay off this year. There is talent there, but this unit will be question mark up until the opening gun. Guard Josue Matias is one to watch this fall.

@HokieGuru: Fall will be here before we know it – what position concerns you the most?

@saintwarrick: It’s the EJ Manuel show for the second year in a row. This is high-flying, pass-first-and-last Florida State, and quarterback will always be the centerpiece here. Manuel took a step back after some great relief performances in 2010, but injuries (shoulder injury, broken leg) were largely to blame. But Manuel’s confidence still suffered, and fans must ask if the Manuel they saw at the end of last season — 65 yards passing against Florida; scoreless first half against Notre Dame — is the Manuel they will get this season, even when healthy.

Manuel looked OK during the spring, but no one could touch him in scrimmages and several players had to run extra stadium steps for sneezing on him accidentally. Or so I heard. A great debate among the fanbase is how much must Manuel be asked to rush the ball, weighing benefit against injury. Manuel may be a suspect passer, but he is a superb runner and coaches should exploit this weapon, injury risk be damned. If you’re not going to run the QB, backup Clint Trickett might be the better passing option and has shown he can run the offense. This isn’t a direct (or fair) comparison for EJ, but if you have Tommie Frazier in the backfield, you don’t run the Air Raid.

@HokieGuru: Who are the new recruits that you are impressed with the most?  Are there any that you think will get some major playing time right away?

@saintwarrick: FSU is starting to look like the old days in terms of depth, so it will be tough going for the newbies. New running back Mario Pender showed some spark in the spring. He’s pretty speedy, but he’s looking up at a couple people on the depth chart, including last year’s freshman breakout: Devonta Freeman. Receiver Marvin Bracy, a world-class sprinter, should open some eyes with his speed come fall, but he hasn’t set foot on campus. Maybe he will get some time at returner. Daniel Glauser could be in the rotation on the offensive line come fall, as almost every piece up front is a fluid situation. But the freshman drawing most of the buzz is a redshirt freshman receiver: Kelvin Benjamin. He’s an athletic freak at 6-foot-6, 240 pounds, but how much time will he really see at FSU’s deepest position, behind more experienced talent? Right now, he’s more myth than man.

@HokieGuru: Based on what you saw/read from spring practice, do you think Florida State will be better than last year?  Why or why not?

@saintwarrick: It’s a wonder the ACC even released their schedule at all with the talent FSU will field this season. The league should’ve just advanced FSU to UNDEFEATED in the standings and acquired a BCS waiver for FSU into the, uh … Super Bowl, or whatever they call those top-level bowls these days; for an FSU fan, it’s really hard to remember back that far. The only thing that could’ve really dampened expectations were injuries, and FSU was lucky this spring. If that luck holds this fall, there’s no reason FSU shouldn’t have two losses or fewer in the regular season as the schedule sets up well with Clemson and Florida both visiting Tallahassee. The QB is back, the running game looks strong, the receivers are stacked and the defense looks elite. What could go wrong?

@HokieGuru: Give us the pulse of the Florida State football program – what are the Seminoles bloggers/fans thinking right now on the status of the program?

@saintwarrick: Fans are a little more cautious this year (especially with regards to the offense), and no spring scrimmage will change their mind. This is a “Prove It” year for Jimbo and the ’Noles. The offense is on Jimbo, and this is the make-it or break-it year. Anything less than an ACC title (or an at-large BCS bowl berth) will be damning for the program’s direction. But don’t worry, that famous FSU fan patience (win the national title or the kitten gets it) will certainly show through. Jimbo’s on the hot seat to produce an ACC title, not necessarily to keep his job. Pencil the Noles in for 10-2* or better. We’re Back!
(*–Same thing I said last year. Panic!)

Become a fan of the ACC on Facebook and follow the ACC on Twitter.

Continue reading »]]> I had an article all prepared for today about the future of the college football playoffs. Then a bomb got dropped on Saturday for the ACC. All the talk of Florida State and/or Clemson moving had been relegated to bloggers and message board fodder. They just went up about 10 notches with this interview with Florida State BOT Andy Haggard at Warchant.com.

This interview was stunning to say the least. Were they rants of an outgoing BOT member? Maybe in part, but they can’t be dismissed. They can’t be dismissed one single bit.

Here’s what we know, the Florida State fanbase was irate over the ACC’s new TV deal which inspite of increasing the conference’s per team payout by 4 million dollars still trailed the Big 12′s new deal by $3 Million. The Big 12′s deal was 20 Million dollars. The SEC’s upcoming deal might be in the 23-27 Million deal. The 3rd Tier argument as we discussed here is over blown, and in large part mis-understood.

Unfortunately that is immaterial at this point. Maybe you can say FSU’s decline as a football program played a key role in the ACC’s inability to garner a better deal. I would agree, but that has become immaterial as well. The fact is now a person of significant position at Florida State has echoed the sentiments of the general fan base, a day after Florida State’s AD Randy Spetman said the Noles were committed to the ACC.

This might speak to as much at the Nole’s apparently dysfunctional leadership as anything, but the ACC now has a problem. If Florida State leaves for the Big 12, then they almost assuredly will try and take Clemson with them. The ACC without their two biggest football fanbases is probably not something they want to think about. The conference is not in a position to remain relevant if both Clemson and FSU leave. As long as the Big 12 had the Texas and Oklahoma football programs together, that conference would live on. There are no such signature programs in the ACC

There simply hasn’t been enough winning the last 10 years and every conference team played a role in that.

What is the ACC going to do? What can they do? Is the damage too far gone?

Honestly I don’t know. There are just too many variables in play.

Can the ESPN deal be modified for additional money? Did the ACC really let schools retain tier 3 basketball rights but not football as said in the interview? While I think this is monetarily not that significant, I can understand the displeasure the message would send to the football schools.

The validity of this appears to be false, but as anything else on the internet got blown out of proportion. See below from Jim Lamar of the Tallahassee Democrat. In fact in Lamar’s article for the Democrat he describes how the Tier 3 rights were basically completely misunderstood by Haggard.

At least partially Haggard is not nearly as well informed as you might believe. The truth of the actual situation probably lies somewhere between “there are no problems with the ACC” and Haggard’s passionate, but clearly wrong on some facts rant against the conference.

That said Florida State has major concerns that the ACC must address.

Can the ACC expand again and raid the Big East for 1 more team in an attempt to force Notre Dame to join a conference? Adding 2 more Big East teams won’t help the situation. Notre Dame would have to be part of the equation. This would seem like a ploy of desperation though considering the Irish have repeatedly stated their desire to stay independent.

Is it worth it to the ACC to try and create some model of unequal revenue sharing? This is dangerous and it nearly destroyed the Big 12 and has currently created a mess between the football and basketball schools in the Big East. The ACC would have to be very careful with this one.

Would realigning the Divisions or modifying the schedule to be more football friendly help? The fact that UGA, FLA, and South Carolina have Byes or weak non-conference games before playing in-state ACC rivals that play conference games the week before makes no sense.

In my opinion the situation can be saved. Even with increased revenue Florida State and Clemson still probably aren’t too keen on paying the 20 Million buyout or playing outside their geographic footprint. Clemson in particular is a bus ride away from 5 different ACC schools. Florida State and Clemson will undoubtedly play second fiddle to Texas and Oklahoma in the Big 12, but have the potential to be the ACC’s 2 flagship football schools.

The point remains. John Swofford and the ACC must act quickly to work something out with Florida State.

What will it be? Well that’s their job to figure out.

The ACC Spring Meetings start Sunday and the agenda just got changed.

Become a fan of the ACC on Facebook and follow the ACC on Twitter.

Continue reading »]]> Today we continue @HokieGuru’s Ask A Blogger series with a look at the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

Past Ask A Blogger - ACC Spring Football Reports

 North Carolina | Duke | Miami | Virginia Tech | Maryland | Virginia

Good evening from @HokieGuru.  I’m here today to discuss the ACC spring football practice with each bloggers from each of the 12 Atlantic Coast Conference teams.  What follows is our interview with@younglefhander on Georgia Tech football.  He is Adam Brand, writer for The Victory Formation. He is an Atlanta native who bleeds white and gold.  Here we go with our interview below!!!

@HokieGuru:  Tell us about your spring game – how was the turnout?  Was the team well received?

@younglefhander: Attendance was phenomenal.  About 18,000 fans showed up, which is close to double last year’s attendance (also I’m fairly certain this outdrew the Hawks game just down the street that same night).  The GTAA really went all out this year, and moved the event to a Friday night, and partnered with a local radio station to stage both a pre and post game concert.  It was definitely an event for the entire fanbase this year, whereas in the past, it was little publicized, and reserved mainly for the diehards.

@HokieGuru: What are some of the major strengths coming out of spring practice?

@younglefhander: Depth is definitely the biggest strength I saw this spring.  Talent abounds at the skill positions on offense, as well as in the secondary on defense.  Not only are there a lot of talented athletes, but a lot of these guys are ready to contribute.

@HokieGuru: What are some of the major weaknesses coming out of spring practice?  In other words, what do you think Georgia Tech will be working on in August before the first game?  What are the questions that you think have to be resolved?

@younglefhander: The biggest question is definitely at the quarterback position.  Tevin Washington is the incumbent, and has the starting job, for now.  He’s been pushed throughout the spring by Synjyn Days and redshirt freshman Vad Lee.  If Washington keeps the job through the end of summer, I still expect we’ll see plenty of Lee this year.

@HokieGuru: Fall will be here before we know it – what position concerns you the most?

@younglefhander: Again, we head back to the quarterback position.  Washington is certainly capable, but he definitely has a ceiling, as the Jekyll and Hyde nature of last season showed.  I want to see more of Vad Lee, but I also understand that experience and cohesion are big components of this offense, and Washington gets the nod on both counts.  My hope is that Lee comes on strong in late summer camp, and earns some playing time.

@HokieGuru: Who are the new recruits that you are impressed with the most?  Are there any that you think will get some major playing time right away?

@younglefhander: Paul Johnson’s offense is such that not many freshmen see significant playing time, as there’s so much to learn.  There are certainly guys that can come in and carry the ball well right away, but as Coach Johnson says, they have to learn what to do when they don’t have the ball in their hands.  The learning curve is pretty steep for new guys, so I don’t expect many guys to contribute right away on that side of the ball.  

On defense, however, there are a couple that I look forward to seeing get on the field.  Defensive end Francis Kallon is an athletic freak, and while he’s still raw (he’s only played organized football for a couple of years), his natural ability is off the charts.  Another guy I’m looking forward to seeing is Adam Gotsis, a defensive tackle from Australia.  Again, his football skills may be on the raw side, but his Aussie rules background gives him a good sense of leverage, and the perfect demeanor for a nasty tackle in Al Groh’s revamped 3-4

@HokieGuru: Based on what you saw/read from spring practice, do you think Georgia Tech will be better than last year?  Why or why not?

@younglefhander: I think this year’s team will definitely be better than last year’s, although sometimes that’s not reflected in wins and losses.  This year’s schedule is tougher, so it’s possible for the team to be better and yet not win as many games.  There’s definitely more talent on defense than last year, and switching from a 2 gap to a 1 gap scheme should benefit the defensive line.  On offense, a lot depends on what happens at quarterback.  Tevin Washington can lead this team to 8 or maybe 9 wins, but that assumes maximum efficiency.  Days and Lee both have the ability to make something out of nothing, and that’s something Washington simply cannot do.  

Another encouraging sign I saw this spring was the evolution of the offense.  Last season, Georgia Southern (coached by former Georgia Tech assistant Jeff Monken, and quarterbacked by former Yellow Jacket Jaybo Shaw) utilized Johnson’s base scheme with new wrinkles including pistol and diamond formations, and had great success.  I also found some great information on Navy (coached by former Johnson assistant Ken Niumatololo) practice techniques wherein they utilize shotgun and pistol formations. 

In the open Georgia Tech scrimmages I attended, the pistol formation was used a considerable amount, and while it didn’t appear at all in the spring game (the offense was as vanilla as you can get), I expect to see packages designed for Vad Lee that incorporate the new formations.  The added wrinkles on offense give opponents something else to consider and gameplan for, while they don’t really differ that much in terms of technique for the offense.

@HokieGuru: Give us the pulse of the Yellow Jackets football program – what are the Georgia Tech bloggers/fans thinking right now on the status of the program?

@younglefhander: The Georgia Tech fanbase is always a difficult one to read.  You can ask ten different people, and get ten different answers.  For some, expectations remain absurdly high, and attaining anything short of the ridiculous goals this group sets is seen as abject failure.  For others, the state of the program depends on the outcome of one game (and surprisingly, not just the georgia game. Ask those same ten people, and you’ll get “have to beat Clemson” or “gotta beat Virginia Tech”).  

For me, I think this is an eight win team, with an outside shot at nine or ten wins.  I can’t say that’s anything other than positive.  I do think that there are certain benchmarks that the program needs to hit in order to be considered successful, and while Coach Johnson may be a little behind on a couple of them, on the whole, the program is headed in the right direction.  That’s something I haven’t felt comfortable saying since Joe Hamilton was a junior.

Become a fan of the ACC on Facebook and follow the ACC on Twitter.

Continue reading »]]> Time to check on the Virginia Cavaliers. Can they build on last season? Let’s find out in @HokieGuru’s next Spring recap and preview interview.

Past Ask A Blogger - ACC Spring Football Reports

 North Carolina | Duke | Miami | Virginia Tech | Maryland | Georgia Tech

Good evening from @HokieGuru.  I’m here today to discuss the ACC spring football practice with each bloggers from each of the 12 Atlantic Coast Conference teams.  What follows is our interview with @WillsWorldMN.  Will Ojanen, writer for SCACCHoops. Based in Eagan, Minnesota.  He is here to discuss Virginia football.  Here we go with our interview below!!!

@HokieGuru:  Tell us about your spring game – how was the turnout?  Was the team well received?

@WillsWorldMN: By Virginia standards, it was pretty good, around 8000. It’s not going to draw the same way Ohio State or Alabama will, but that’s still a fairly impressive number.

@HokieGuru: What are some of the major strengths coming out of spring practice?

@WillsWorldMN: Running back is atop the list. With Perry Jones, Kevin Parks, and Clifton Richardson back there, the Hoos will rack up plenty of rushing yards. I like the linebackers defensively. It’s not star studded, but it’s a very solid group. I’m high on Laroy Reynolds. I think he will be an all ACC type linebacker this year.

@HokieGuru: What are some of the major weaknesses coming out of spring practice?  In other words, what do you think Virginia will be working on in August before the first game?  What are the questions that you think have to be resolved?

@WillsWorldMN: There are a few that come to mind. I don’t know what to expect in the receiving game. Michael Rocco showed he is a capable quarterback, but it’s a matter of who is going to catch the ball outside of Jones. I think Tim Smith, Dominique Terrell, and Darius Jennings are going to be catching the bulk of the passes, but I really have no idea how reliable they will be yet.

I’m also concerned about the secondary. With both safeties gone plus Chase Minnfield, teams are going to be throwing at UVA early on to test it. Demetrious Nicholson is the only starter back in the secondary, and he’s only a sophomore. He’ll be fine, but what happens after that?

Of all of my concerns, special teams is the biggest. The kicker and punter are gone, and we really don’t know who is going to hold down those spots until fall practice. I don’t think anyone came out ahead at either spot. The biggest change to me would be to make sure Perry Jones doesn’t try to return a punt when the ball is surrounded by three players from the other team.

@HokieGuru: Fall will be here before we know it – what position concerns you the most?

@WillsWorldMN: I think Virginia will be able to get points, but the question is will they be able to stop anybody. The secondary is the biggest concern to me, as I think teams will test them early on. I could see UVA getting in a few shootouts this year.

@HokieGuru: Who are the new recruits that you are impressed with the most?  Are there any that you think will get some major playing time right away?

@WillsWorldMN:Eli Harold is the gem of the recruiting class. He’ll need to put on some weight, but I can see him playing some meaningful snaps as a freshman at defensive end. The same can be said for Kwontie Moore and Michael Moore. I could see them playing some as a freshman. I think Canaan Severin could be a name offensively that could be a contributor right away at wide receiver. He has the size (6-3, 215) to be a red zone target. Anthony Cooper is another receiver I think could see a few snaps this year as well.Quarterback Greyson Lambert had a nice spring, but I think he redshirts this year.

@HokieGuru: Based on what you saw/read from spring practice, do you think Virginia will be better than last year?  Why or why not?

@WillsWorldMN: I think there is some optimism this year. After the fourth game of the season, the schedule is pretty light until they go to Virginia Tech to close out the year. Games 2-4 could be the answer to how good they can be this year (Penn State at home, at Georgia Tech and at TCU). I will be happy if they can get one of those. As for a record, if they can catch a break or two, they could match last year’s win total, but I’m going to go with 7-5 for now.

@HokieGuru: Give us the pulse of the Virginia football program – what are the Wahoos bloggers/fans thinking right now on the status of the program?

@WillsWorldMN The pulse is probably as strong as it’s been since the beginning of the Al Groh regime. Mike London and staff have done a good job of recruiting so far. Taking control of the Tidewater region has been the number one goal of recruiting, and there has been some success in that department. The talent pool is improving, and I think in a year or two, they could be a consistent factor in the ACC again. London got a contract extension in the offseason, which he deserved. But there’s still one thing that he needs to do to get the fanbase to worship him: beat Virginia Tech. It’s been nearly a decade, and I don’t know how long the fanbase will tolerate losing to the Hokies.

Become a fan of the ACC on Facebook and follow the ACC on Twitter.

Continue reading »]]> We interrupt your regularly schedule expansion, third tier rights banter to discuss some actual football. That’s what I’m ready for…

Past Ask A Blogger - ACC Spring Football Reports

 North Carolina | Duke | Miami | Virginia Tech  | Virginia | Georgia Tech

Good evening from @HokieGuru.  I’m here today to discuss the ACC spring football practice with each bloggers from each of the 12 Atlantic Coast Conference teams.  What follows is our interview with @TerrapinNation.   Here’s the dude’s bio verbatim:  “self-proclaimed expert on Terps hoops. Creator of Terps Insider.”  Without further ado, here’s our interview below:

@HokieGuru:  Tell us about your spring game – how was the turnout?  Was the team well received?

@TerrapinNation: Well, I’ve got to be perfectly honest, with the Capital Classic that same day, I ended up missing the spring ‘game’. That said, I don’t know if I can honestly speak to the turnout or the reception of the team by the fans. Being that this year’s spring game was not, in fact, an actual game, I’m guessing turn out was sparse, a couple of thousand maybe.

@HokieGuru: What are some of the major strengths coming out of spring practice?

@TerrapinNation: Some major strengths coming out of spring practice? To be perfectly honest, I don’t know if this team has any major strengths at this point. Joe Vellano and Kenny Tate missed most or all of the spring. There is no depth at QB or OL and Maryland’s top rusher is a true soph with true freshmen that should be pushing him. The two bright spots for the Terps this spring were RB Brandon Ross and WR Nigel King. I expect King to have a breakout season.

@HokieGuru: What are some of the major weaknesses coming out of spring practice?  In other words, what do you think Maryland will be working on in August before the first game?  What are the questions that you think have to be resolved?

@TerrapinNation: To say the offense is young would probably be a huge understatement. Maryland needs to get their frosh QBs and RBs in this summer and get them reps, stat! Have heard from several folks that expect Albert Reid to come in and possibly earn the starting tailback job this season.

@HokieGuru: Fall will be here before we know it – what position concerns you the most?

@TerrapinNation: O line. Losing Max Garcia to Florida was a huge blow. CJ Brown is still not all that experienced and you can only roll him out so many times. The defensive secondary will be a big question mark as well.

@HokieGuru: Who are the new recruits that you are impressed with the most?  Are there any that you think will get some major playing time right away?

@TerrapinNation: Well, I already touched on this above. I think there are several freshman that will come in and be major contributors for the Terps from day one. Besides Albert Reid, Stefon Diggs is maybe the most highly sought offensive player to chose to play in College Park in memory. New offensive coordinator Mike Locksley will figure out ways to get him touches. I think Wes Brown could see minutes this season as well at the tailback spot. Brown and Reid could be a future Thunder & Lightning duo for the Terps.

@HokieGuru: Based on what you saw/read from spring practice, do you think Maryland will be better than last year?  Why or why not?

@TerrapinNation: Honestly, I’m not sure. It would seem there is no place to go but up, however the Terps had a huge amount of attrition and are playing under two new coordinators.

@HokieGuru: Give us the pulse of the Maryland football program – what are the Terrapin Nation bloggers/fans thinking right now on the status of the program?

@TerrapinNation: Honestly, I think it’s pretty split. Nabbing Stefon Diggs was a big boost for the program and a statement nationally that Maryland is going to recruit at a high level. That said, players continued to leave and Maryland appears to have not been able to capitalize on the momentum of Diggs’ commitment. This season will be very telling.

Become a fan of the ACC on Facebook and follow the ACC on Twitter.