Nicks: one-man highlight reel

If not for Pat White having possibly his best game ever (at least passing), North Carolina's Hakeem Nicks would have been the Meineke Car Care Bowl MVP Saturday. He had three play-of-the-day type touchdown catches for the Tar Heels, and potential ESPY nominee, first-down catch.

This was probably Nicks' final game as a Tar Heel since he should leave early for the NFL. While Nicks' performance against West Virginia in Charlotte wasn't enough to get past the Mountaineers (thanks to White's fourth-quarter TD pass to Alric Arnett), his one-man show should equate to millions more and possibly a late first round selection in the NFL Draft in April.

Not sold? Watch this nifty behind the back, one-handed grab for a first down.

ACC Report 1

Special Report

Retired Coach Rick
ACC correspondent

Clemson is still the best team in the conference. Tommy Bowden, like his daddy, seems to lose a game every year he should not have lost. He will win one he shouldn't win.

North Carolina, Miami and Florida State are the future of the ACC. They have the best young players in the conference. They will determine which teams play in the conference championship. Virginia Tech and Boston College are done. They will be big wins for everyone. Georgia Tech can surprise but not enough to make a difference. Duke just hopes to be good enough to qualify for a bowl game. Any bowl game.

I was hoping North Carolina State would be better. I really like coach Tom O'Brien. He is one of the better coaches in college football. I just don't think it is a good mix. The alumni does not have the patience to build a winner. They look for instant gratification in all sports.

UNC, UM, FSU and Clemson hold the future of ACC football in their hands.