Bowden plants his spear

We are always talking about the traditions of college football are what make it the best game played. Watching outgoing FSU coach Bobby Bowden plant the flaming Seminoles' flag at midfield before the Gator Bowl today was an emotional moment. Wasn't real pleased with the outcome of the game, but a great moment.

Bowl Preview: Konica Minolta Gator Bowl

Konica Minolta Gator Bowl
Municipal Stadium, Jacksonville, Fla.
West Virginia vs. Florida State
Date: Jan. 1
Time: 1 p.m.
TV: CBS
Line: West Virginia -2.5

About West Virginia (9-3): The Mountaineers of the sweater-vested and slightly confused Bill Stewart have been very close to being very good. They've also been very close to being very bad. Which I guess puts them about where they should be.

Intangibles:
Coach not retiring: -2
Chick as mountaineer: +2
Pat Lazear rap sheet: (redacted)

About Florida State (6-6): Bobby Bowwden is retiring (sniff, sniff) - about eight years too late of course. The 'Noles finally put together a somewhat effective offense this year and the pass defense sucked. geesh. Of course, FSU has no business being in this game but due to St. Bobby's "retirement" road show, they get a New Year's Day Bowl.

Intangibles:
Terry Bowden: -1
Tommy Bowden: -2
Jeff Bowden: -3
Dadgum: -1

Impact player: Noel Devine. This midget needs to get the ball more. Gotta feed the kids, ya know?

Bowl slogan: "We'll fill the seats no matter how ridiculous it may seem."

Little known fact: Chris Rix no longer plays for Florida State. I miss those days.

Watchability (1-5): 2.8

The pick: Florida State 28, West Virginia 24

Have a nice championship game, ACC...

Just when the ACC was under the impression that next week's ACC Championship game, held somewhere in the Tampa Bay metropolitan area (uh, home to which ACC school?), would be somewhat meaningful, the SEC showed up this weekend to return it to obscurity.

Georgia, whose season has resembled the Edmund Fitzgerald, ran the ball down Georgia Tech's throat and knocked the Yellow Jackets out the top 10 with a 30-24 win.

Earlier in the day, the other half of next week's title game, Clemson, got slobberknocked by a horrifically mediocre South Carolina team, 34-17. 34 points? To South Carolina?

Have fun in Tampa with all 1,437 fans that show up next week, ACC. Don't worry. They can't take their TV contract away from you - yet.

And just to rub it in, Florida kicked the bejeezus out of FSU, as Tebow finally earned his angel wings.
"Will heaven be playing H-back for the 49ers, Pa?"
"Yes, Timmy, I think it will be. But first you must continue the Lord's work by slaying the dark one - Saban."

JEFFYBOY, IS THAT YOU? DADGUMMIT, I'M SORRY I FIRED YOU.

The remainder of the Bobby Bowden era got the ol' "CLEAR!" chest paddle treatment tonight, as the 'Noles rallied to beat UNC in Chapel Hill. (Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl here we come!)

Earlier, Bobby Bowden let some reporters know that he was well aware that he was in the last year(S) of his coaching career.

Oh Bobby, you're 80 buddy, you're in the last years OF YOUR LIFE. Rent an RV, see one of your 348 grandchildren. Buy a condo. But quit pretending that you're coaching a college football team.

T.K. Wetherell - King of England?

The whole Bobby Bowden fire/retire/stand idly on sideline for another year issue continues to swirl in Tallahassee.

Any way you look at this thing, it's a mess.
And then erstwhile Florida State University president T.K. Wetherell added nothing to this conversation with today's statement to the media.

Essentially, Wetherell says FSU isn't going to decide anything until the season is over. Of course, since he's the president of a university that gives away diplomas and everything, he couldn't say it in such a simple way.


"FSU does not make coaching changes in the middle of the season," Wetherell said. "… To quit on a team or coaches in mid-season is not the Seminole way — not the 'Unconquered' way.

"What message would it send to anyone — friend or foe — to do that at this time?"

Is that a press release or a Tennyson poem?

End of the line for Bowden?

This can't be the way Bobby Bowden wanted to wrap up his career as a coaching legend. By now Bowden figured he'd have about 20 more wins than Joe Paterno and he'd just collect ACC championships and wins without doing much work. Watch this video and you'll see he's none too happy and he's feeling the pressure, much like he did in the mid-1970s as WVU's coach.




Check out the poor attempt at a joke when he talks about women. Coach Bowden, or as one of my childhood friends likes to call him, The Old Liver Spot, isn't looking too good these days.

Observations from Saturday's games (Sept. 19)

This isn't easy to do right now. I'm trying to watch my Mountaineers at Auburn, so my observations may be random and incoherent.

So let's get to the 'Eer's observations for today.

1. Bad day for Utah. Looks like two BCS Busters are going down today. Oregon failed to beat Boise State, but give the Ducks credit for taking down Utah and the nation's longest winning streak. Florida State and BYU are still playing, but the Seminoles have gone to Provo, Utah, and appear to be doing what Oklahoma couldn't the first week of the season. Can you believe the 'Noles almost lost to Jacksonville State?

2. USC upset. Did anyont really think the Trojans wouldn't find a way to lose a Pac-10 game on the road this season? Pete Carroll may be a great recruiter and coach, but he's too flaky. The Pac-10 isn't good enough to do this year in and year out.

3. Hot seat. Virginia's Al Groh jumped ahead of Colorado's Dan Hawkins as the most likely to get fired before the end of the season. The Cavaliers 37-34 loss to Southern Miss may have sealed his fate. Not too far behind is Maryland's Ralph Friedgen, whose Terrapins lost to Middle Tennessee State, 32-31, at home.

4. Holy Pitt. Let's not crown the Panthers the Big East champ just yet, but Pitt has avoided the normal early season slip up that we've come to know under Dave Wannstedt. Beating Navy 27-14 is bigger than it may appear. The Midshipmen are always a tough foe, and even Bill Stull is playing OK.

5. No moral victories. How did Tennessee hang with Florida today? Easy. Monte Kiffin's defense. He outcoached Urban Meyer (just don't tell UF fans because they'll want to argue with you for an hour). If the Vols had any offense, they'd be creating the ol' man with the win.

6. Statement game. Maybe I'm alone in thinking this, but Iowa's 27-17 victory over Arizona was important for the Big Ten. The Wildcats may be a middle of the pack, lower-tier bowl team from the Pac-10, but Iowa hasn't been that impressive this year. Should be an interesting game next week when the Hawks travel to Penn State.

7. Weakens the cause. As much as Iowa's win helps the Big Ten, Purdue's loss to Northern Illinois gives ammonition to those who trash the conference.

8. Best option. Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy remain the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy, but Cal's Jahvid Best should top the list. His five-TD performance in a road win at Minnesota was impressive.

9. Not sure. Butch Davis has a great defense at North Carolina, and the Tar Heels may be 3-0. But can anyone tell me if they are really an ACC contender?

10. Alabama shower. After about an hour delay because of inclement weather, one of ESPN's talking heads said about the Auburn fans who waited in the stands during the downpour: "they just took off their shirts and took a free shower." Timing was good, it was their day to shower.

Miami-Florida State (Live Blogging! WooHoo!)

If anyone's paying attention

Miami 7, FSU 0
First quarter - Yikes. Nice start for the 'Canes and Jacory Harris at QB. Was that a 12-year old girl who caught the touchdown pass? i've never seen a football player that skinny in my life. Fast girl, though.

Miami 7, FSU 7
This might be the rarest of rare finds in recent Miami-FSU game - one with two quarterbacks who seem competent and don't spend the entire game running for their lives and throwing interceptions. Randy Shannon is leading the world in timeouts used.

Second quarter - This is actually a well-played game. Sorry, but I'm a little shocked. Recent games in this series have been sloppy, emotion-filled games filled with crazy plays and turnovers. Heck, I don't think there's even been a personal foul yet! Is this really Miami-FSU?

Miami 7, FSU 10
Okay - decent offensive line play, no personal fouls, competent quarterbacking and now an FSU kicker NOT named Sebastian Janikowski kicks a 52-yarder??? This is not Miami - Florida State.

Miami 14, FSU 10
I don't know who Mark Whipple is, other than the new Hurricanes' offensive coordinator, but Miami just put together a great drive to take the lead right before halftime. About 1,000 times better than what Patrick Nix was calling a year ago.

Halftime - first big mistake goes to FSU as Christian Ponder throws a pick in the end zone when they were in FG range.

Third quarter

And there's the first personal foul, right on the second half kickoff - and it's on the KICKER for Miami. Somewhere, Michael Irvin weeps.

Miami 14, FSU 16
Short field helps as Ponder scores on a QB draw after another Miami penalty. Nice start to the second half for FSU. And the 'Noles miss the extra point. That's the FSU kicking game I know and love.

So much for good quarterback play. Deep in his own end, Ponder throws up two prayers down the sideline. Miami gets good field position and Harris immediately throws a pick on his own prayer. I think we're officially back to form.

Miami 14, FSU 23
Another nice drive by the 'Noles. Miami's defensive discipline and tackling have disappeared. Be interesting to see if Shannon can convince them they're still in this game. Their body language isn't showing that.

Miami 17, FSU 23
Wow. Never mind. I counted them out a little early. A huge kickoff return by Graig Kooper, a nice pass and, oops, FSU's defense stiffens and forces a FG.

Miami 24, FSU 23
The 'Canes rally and take the lead. Didn't see that one coming at all. Harris looks solid but it's Graig Kooper who is really carrying Miami.

Miami 24, FSU 31
This has turned into one hell of a football game. Back and forth. A blitzer hits Harris, the ball pops into the air, gets picked off and returned for a TD. And Harris is holding his arm. FSU goes for two and....gets it on a slant. Big conversion.

Miami 31, FSU 31
Damn. nice drive. Harris to Cooper. nice move on that one.

Miami 31, FSU 34
Pet Peeve. I don't like the deep fade route as the checkoff when the defense is blitzing. I think it's hard to complete. (This comes from years of watching Ohio State football.)
Anyway, FSU settles for the FG and the lead with 4 minutes left.

Miami 38, FSU 34
Holy crap what a throw by Harris to get the ball to the two. TD Canes with 1:53 left.

Final Miami 38, FSU 34
wow. great finish. FSU WR should have caught that one. The ball hit him in the facemask and bounced down.

2009's best non-conference matchups

With all of the talk about teams trying to make their non-conference schedules as easy as possible I decided it was time to look at the 2009 schedule and give you the 10 best non-conference match ups.

Here are my picks.

1. USC at Ohio State (8 p.m. EST, Sept. 12, ESPN): Buckeyes hope to end their big-game struggles at the Horseshoe against the Trojans. USC crushed OSU last year 35-3, but the Buckeyes are 23-1 under Jim Tressel in non-conference home games.

2. Alabama vs. Virginia Tech (8 p.m. EST, Sept. 5, ABC): Alabama is back in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game. Last year the Tide shocked Clemson en route to a perfect regular season. The Hokies hope to represent the ACC in a much better light than Clemson. This game features two of the nation's best defenses and the crowd will be electric.

3. Oregon at Boise State (10:15 p.m. EST, Sept. 3, ESPN): I almost picked this as the top game because the Ducks are traveling to a non-BCS school putting their whole season on the line. The Ducks will also have a new coach and uniforms that will undoubtedly clash with the blue turf. Great game, though, with two Top 15 teams getting the season started on a Thursday night. This is a must watch. If the Broncos win they're probably 12-0 in 2009.

4. Georgia at Oklahoma State (3:30 p.m. EST, Sept. 5, ABC): Georgia didn't play well in big games last season, and Mark Richt could use a win in this game in a serious way. However, when the Bulldogs agreed to this road game Oklahoma State was a middle of the pack Big 12 program. Things are different now and I won't be suprised a bit to see the Cowboys win this game easily.

5. West Virginia at Auburn (7:45 p.m. EST, Sept. 19, ESPN): This was a great game last year in Morgantown. But this year WVU is without Pat White, doesn't have the homefield edge and the Tigers will want to exact a bit of revenge. Think Morgantown is crazy on a Thursday night? Wait until the Mountaineers see Jordan-Hare Stadium. Crazy.

6. Oklahoma at Miami (TBA, Oct. 3, TBA): This matchup brings back memories of Brian Bosworth and Barry Switzer vs. Vinny Testaverde and Jimmy Johnson. Unfortunately for the Hurricanes they aren't quite talented enough to hang with the Sooners. Sam Bradford and the Sooners should have a better outcome this time in Miami.

7. Florida State at Florida (TBA, Nov. 28, TBA): Great rivalry that has been dominated by the Gators of late. The Seminoles are getting better, but Tim Tebow and UF will get another win in 2009.

8. Nebraska at Virginia Tech (3:30 p.m., Sept. 19, ABC): Big 12 vs. ACC. This is another opportunity for the ACC to gain a bit of respect nationally. The Cornhuskers could do the same with a win in front of a hostile crowd at Lane Stadium. Winner of this one gains a lot of traction.

9. Notre Dame at Pittsburgh (TBA, Nov. 14, TBA): Do you remember last year's overtime thriller? I do. I was sitting in a bar in Columbus waiting for a Blue Jackets game to get underway. This game always seems to have a number of twists and turns to keep it exciting. I expect more of the same this year as Pitt believes it can win the Big East and the Irish try to remain relevant. Now if we could just get Penn State to play Pitt or WVU again.

10. Illinois at Cincinnati (TBA, Nov. 27, TBA): The timing isn't the best for Cincinnati as this game is sandwiched between West Virginia and at Pitt. The Bearcats are good enough to repeat as Big East champs, and Illinois is experienced. The winner here could position itself for a solid bowl game.

Preseason: ACC rankings

Continuing our way-too-early preseason conference predictions, it is time to look at ACC.

Atlantic Division
1. Florida State
Key players: QB Christian Ponder, DE Kevin McNeil, FB Marcus Sims, LB Kendall Smith.
Predicted record: 9-3
Maybe I'm reaching by having FSU reach the top of the division. There have been plenty of distractions for the Seminoles, starting with the NCAA trying to take away 14 victories from Coach Bowden. It doesn't help that the Noles had to suspend receiver Rod Owens and the NCAA didn't grant Corey Surrency another year of eligibility. FSU may also start three or four freshmen.

2. North Carolina State
Key players: TB Toney Baker, QB Russell Wilson, S Clem Johnson, LB Ray Michael.
Predicted record: 9-3
The Wolfpack are ready to make a move in year three under Tom O'Brien. N.C. State played an almost perfect game against rival North Carolina last year, so expect more of that this season. The Pack are deep at QB with Russell Wilson and Mike Glennon, who could be starting at a few other ACC programs.

3. Wake Forest
Key players: QB Riley Skinner, DT Boo Robinson, WR Jordan Williams, CB Brandon Ghee.
Predicted record: 7-5
This sounds odd to say, but the Demon Deacons were decimated by the NFL Draft, especially on defense (see Aaron Curry). Word out of Winston Salem is the defense isn't in as bad of shape as many may think. Expect a lot more for Riley Skinner this fall, and never underestimate the genius of Jim Grobe.

4. Maryland
Key players: QB Chris Turner, TB Da'Rel Scott, WR Torrey Smith, DB Terrell Skinner.
Predicted record: 7-5
Ralph Friedgen has dropped almost 100 pounds. That's not good news for the Denny's and Waffle House's around College Park. There is positive news about the Terps defense, which is is important in the ACC. Offensively Friedgen usually works miracles, but can he do it with quarterback Chris Turner?

5. Clemson
Key players: RB C.J. Spiller, QB Willy Korn, WR Jacoby Ford, LB Kavell Conner, DE Ricky Sapp.
Predicted record: 6-6
Dabo Swinney is the coach. I could probably stop here. But the first-year coach has a quarterback controversy as both Willy Korn and Kyle Parker are listed as starters for the upcoming season. Besides, this is Clemson. The Tigers will find a way to be mediocre again.

6. Boston College
Key players: DE Austin Giles, LB Mark Herzlich, QB Dominique Davis, RB Josh Haden.
Predicted record: 4-8
Let's not even get into the whole coaching fiasco this winter. Boston College has been one of the ACC's best teams the past two years. But there are too many question marks and the devastating news that ACC Defensive Player of the Year Mark Herzlich has cancer could mean a long season in Chestnut Hill.

Coastal Division
1. Virginia Tech
Key players: QB Tyrod Taylor, TB Darren Evans, S Dorian Porch, LB Cody Grimm.
Predicted record: 10-2
Tyrod Taylor is a unique talent, and if he stays healthy could lead the Hokies to a memorable season. Defensively, Virginia Tech could be the best in the ACC when all is said and done. Special teams remain a strength, but the Hokies may be weaker than normal at kicker.

2. Georgia Tech
Key players: QB Josh Nesbitt, TB Jonathan Dwyer, C Sean Bedford, LB Sedric Griffin, DE Robert Hall.
Predicted record: 9-3
The rest of the ACC will be a little more comfortable defending against Paul Johnson's triple-option. The Jackets are also more comfortable with the system, so GT could be the team to knock off Virginia Tech.

3. North Carolina
Key players: QB T.J. Yates, DE E.J. Wilson, TB Shaun Draughn, LB Bruce Carter.
Predicted record: 8-4
The Tar Heels are all about defense, which is a normal trait under Butch Davis. The offense should be solid, but finding experience at receiver is still a priority (especially trying to replace do-everything receiver Hakeem Nicks.

4. Miami (FL)
Key players: QB Jacory Harris, TB Graig Cooper, C A.J. Trump, DT Joe Joseph, CB Ryan Hill.
Predicted record: 6-6
I like that the U won't have any doubts at quarterback with Robert Marve off to Purdue and Jacory Harris taking all of the snaps now. However, Miami is still very young, has a tough schedule and must adjust to two new coordinators. The defense is extremely athletic.

5. Duke
Key players: QB Thaddeus Lewis, LB Vincent Rey, RB Re'quan Boyette.
Predicted record: 4-8
I want to believe the Blue Devils will make bigger strides under David Cutcliffe in his second year, but this is Duke. Thaddeus Lewis may have to carry this team on his shoulders for Duke to reach .500.

6. Virginia
Key players: WR Mikell Simpson, OG B.J. Cabbell, LB Steve Greer, QB Jameel Sewell, FB Rashawn Jackson.
Predicted record: 3-9
Al Groh is desperate this season. He fired his son last year and has turned the offense over to Gregg Brandon. Jameel Sewell returns at quarterback after missing last season with an injury. It's going to be a long season in Charlottesville.

Dadgummit, y'all are just mean

Shockingly, Bobby Bowden thinks the NCAA's recommended penalty of taking away past victories from his FSU program is "too stiff." Bowden, who is one game behind JoePa in all-time victories in Division I, could lose as many as 14 wins under the ruling. FSU athletes across all sports apparently cheated in an online music history class.

Online music history. And there was cheating? Get out.

"Does the punishment fit the crime? I think that's the thing, that's the thing we gotta find the answer to right there," Bowden said.

Uh, Bobby, I think when the NCAA hands down a punishment, they do it specifically with the crime in mind. In fact, I'd say that is EXACTLY WHAT DETERMINES THE PUNISHMENT. HENCE THE ENTIRE CRIME AND PUNISHMENT FACTOR.

Even FSU has standards

Even though it involved notorious rules-breaker Florida State, and the very lenient Bobby Bowden (damn he's getting tougher in his old age), it comes as no surprise that Seminoles wide receiver Preston Parker was dismissed from the team.

Parker was arrested Saturday morning and charged with DUI after police found him passed out behind the wheel of his car at a McDonald's, according to the Tallahassee Democrat.

Even FSU couldn't let Parker stick around any longer. This had to be a tough decision since the Seminoles are thin at receiver. In 2008, Parker led all wide receivers with 40 catches.

Punter and actor

Florida State put up 42 points in crushing Wisconsin in the Champs Sports Bowl Saturday. But Seminoles punter Graham Gano was named the game's MVP. If you watched the game (or just watch the highlights below) and you'll see why.

Not only is he an excellent punter (and he'll probably get his name called during the spring NFL Draft), but a pretty good actor as well. Check out the great performance at around the 2:10 mark. There's no way the Wisconsin defender touched him.

Bowl Preview: Champs Sports Bowl

Champs Sports Bowl

Citrus Bowl, Orlando

Wisconsin vs. Florida State

Date: Dec. 27

Time: 4:30 p.m.

TV: ESPN

Line: Florida State -5.5

About Wisconsin: The Badgers had a long overdue implosion this year, splitting into a thousand pieces after losing to Michigan (Michigan!), Ohio State and Penn State in consecutive weeks. That sound you heard was not Barry Alvarez’ offspring microwaving another parrot, though, it was the crushing weight of expectations falling on Bret Bielema’s ginormous head.

Intangibles:

Darrell Bevell at QB: +2

Jump Around: -4

Wisky marching band hazing: -5

Wisky marching band hazing by having chicks make out with each other: +9

About Florida State: Rumors abound that Bobby Bowden is still coaching this team. We call bunk on that one, unless you count wearing a letterman’s jacket and answering sideline reporter questions as “coaching.” Other than that, same old FSU. Can’t run or throw. On defense, stick 13 guys in the box and blitz.

Intangibles:

Tallahassee: -5

Burt Reynolds: +6

Lee Corso: -2

Chief Oscewhatshisface and flaming spear: +9

Impact Player: FSU quarterback Chris Rix. What’s that? Rix isn’t there anymore? Oh whatever, they all play like they’re Chris Rix. I’m still picking Rix.

Bowl slogan: “Orlando: the only reason to be in Florida and not be near an ocean.”

Little known fact: FSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher didn’t get the Auburn job because he has a $5 million buyout as the “coach-in-waiting” for the Noles. I don’t even have a $12 buyout.

Watchability (1-5): 3

The Pick: Florida State 18, Wisconsin 16

Slippery when wet

Clearly Florida State didn't do anything well last Saturday. The football team struggled to get the ball in the end zone, while Tim Tebow may have won the Heisman Trophy again with his one-man show.

Field conditions didn't just impact the players. It seems FSU's band, especially the tuba players, had trouble with their footing.

ACC Report

Special Report

Retired Coach Rick
ACC Correspondent

The ACC will be watched in 10 bowl games if the bowl sponsors get it right. Ten out of 12 teams qualified. Virginia and Duke are the two who are definitely staying home.

Maybe the ACC figured out the bowl system way before everybody else did. They believe in sharing. The recruiting season is going to improve for every school as a result of this exposure.

Boston College and Virginia Tech in the championship game again is a blessing for these two teams. BC will win the Championship.

Everyone talks about the young talent of VT. The Hokies are not the team with the best young talent in the ACC. Miami, Florida State and North Carolina have the best young players.

The defenses will catch up to Georgia Tech's offense over the offseason. They will have the time to get it done. North Carolina State surprised me the most. Will Virginia start a new trend with short quarterbacks who can run. It makes sense. The best running backs are short and can hide behind their offensive line. Why can't a quarterback?

The ACC should be very proud of their teams and their accomplishments. This was a coming out year (party) for ACC and their members. We are ready for the bowl season. I am going to make a prediction at this time and say the bowl teams from the ACC will win 80 percent of the bowl games they play. The ACC is two years away from playing in the BCS Championship.

I'll make bowl predictions after they are announced

Ramblings from the Retired One

Special Report

Retired Coach Rick
ACC Correspondent

Here are my latest rants after the weekend action:

* The fans at Notre Dame should have thrown the snowballs at the people who hired SHREK as the head football coach, not the players. Gophers with the title of coach in their previous job should never be hired. Notre Dame's coach never played a down of college football. A person who played at Tinker Toy Tech or Sam Houston Institute of Technology (good ol' SHIT) would do a better job than what is going on at ND today. Maybe Southern Cal will give ND the final reason for letting Shrek quit honorably. The knee injury has hampered his thinking.

* Here is the way the BCS can get the matchup it needs. Florida State upsets Florida. Florida beats Alabama. This way the BCS can have USC, Texas and Oklahoma to choose from. This will stop the SEC dominance for one year.

* How many teams from each conference should receive bowl bids.

1. ACC (7)
2. Big East (5)
3. Big Ten (6)
4. Pac-10 (5)
5. Big 12 (7)
6. SEC (8)
7. BCS Busters (3)
8. Other conferences (as few as possible)
   

* Will Virginia Tech D-Coordinator Bud Foster finally get a job as a head football coach?

* Is Cincinnati's Brian Kelly headed to Tennessee? That would be an interesting mix.

* Who will be the all time winningest college football coach? Who will make the long haul? I am betting on Bobby Bowden. He is six years younger than Grandpa Joe.

* What are the chances Rich-Rod will be able to get out of his Michigan deal so he can go to Clemson? He would fit in better at Clemson. He can get players like Pacman Jones and Chris Henry into Clemson way before he ever will at Michigan.

* West Virginia may be getting the best QB/WR duo East of the Mississippi as their two top recruits this year.

* Iowa put together a nice run at the end of the season.

* I'll let you know my coach of the year and Heisman choice next week.

* Turkey and college football go hand in hand.

ACC Report

Special Report

Retired Coach Rick
ACC Correspondent

The youngsters on some of the ACC's best teams let their inexperience dominate them this past weekend. Maybe the mature coaches at Florida State helped pull them through. Maryland did its impersonation of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde again.

I saw Boston College's backup QB play in high school and he is going to be a good one, but let's hope they don't make it to the championship. He is not ready. A Florida State-Georgia Tech rematch would be good. I thought Tech was very lucky last time.

FSU, Boston College, Georgia Tech, Miami, Virginia Tech, North Carolina and Maryland deserve to be in bowl games this year. If the SEC, Big 12, Pac-10 or Fat 10 had the same type of inter-league records everyone would be saying what great conferences, while the ACC is mocked. Do you think there might be some unknowledgable reporters out there?

It is nice to watch a conference where the final week counts. The biggest disappointment of course is Clemson. The biggest surprise is Miami. It is a conference with a lot of great young talent and they will keep beating each other for a couple of more years. In two years, watch out one of the ACC teams will be in the BCS championship game.

Rome was not built in a day.

ACC Report

Special Report

Retired Coach Rick
ACC Correspondent

Maryland is at it again. Win one they shouldn't. Win two they should and lose one they shouldn't. Miami is the beneficiary. They could now be in the ACC championship game now that North Carolina has three league losses.

The winner of the Florida State/Maryland game this week will represent the Atlantic Division. As long as it is not Wake Forest. Miami has to take care of business. The 'Canes close the season with back-to-back road games. First they face nemesis Georgia Tech on Thursday and then go to North Carolina State the following Saturday.

A Florida State vs. Miami championship game could be big. The game is in Tampa and when they played each other earlier in Miami it was a shoot out.

The next couple of weeks will provide a lot of minor bowls a choice of bowl starved alumni out of the ACC the chance to spend their money on a nice trip to warm weather before basketball kicks in. I think two of the ACC bowl recipients will pull major upsets in their bowl games.

There are two potentially great games this week. FSU vs. Maryland and the Miami vs. Tech. I think one of them will be a blow out. I am not saying which one. All other teams are watching these two games.

ACC Report

Special Report

Retired Coach Rick
ACC Correspondent

The ACC is the most balanced conference in the country. Eight out of 12 teams have winning records. Eleven members of the conference still have a chance to become bowl eligible. I think eight will participate in a bowl game.

The biggest disappointment is going to be the conference championship game. The Atlantic division needs Florida State in the game, not Wake Forest. We want excitement not a sleeping pill. North Carolina vs. FSU would be perfect.

The ACC is gaining more respect now than at any other time. They have the best group of coaches in the country.
I have to say I was surprised when Duke's David Cutcliffe said he was not interested in the Tennessee job. I don't think Clemson will keep the interim coach. They will do a national search and find a better fit. Some rumors are they would like to sign Tommy Tuberville from Auburn. Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster seems to make a lot of people's short list for coaching vacancies. He always seems to finish second on those lists in the end. There has to be a reason.

Maryland pulled their normal stuff again. Win a big game, get everybody excited then lose one they shouldn't. Boston College had a great win. Any time Notre Dame loses it is great. They haven't had any class since Ara retired. We will find out how real Miami is over the next couple weeks.

Final thought: Isn't it strange that the ACC has two head coaches that never played college football?