ACC: Florida State Seminoles
Rumors, rumors and more rumors ...
- ACC commish John Swofford said talk of the Big 12 and any ACC schools are just rumors. I believe him.
- TCU's AD has since tried to clarify his comments.
- Virginia Tech AD Jim Weaver doesn't see change happening in the leauge anytime soon.
- Nor does Georgia Tech AD Dan Radakovich.
- What's going to happen with all of this? Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know."
- Gregg Doyel says Florida State will be the death of the ACC.
- One of the top prospects in the state of Maryland chose Georgia Tech over the Terps.
- Several Duke football players had a life-changing experience in Ethiopia.
- Former UNC running back Mike Voight, the second-leading rusher in North Carolina history and a two-time ACC Player of the Year, has died.
Video: Best of spring -- Florida State
May, 24, 2012
May 24
10:30
AM ET
By
Heather Dinich | ESPN.com
Heather Dinich talks about the improvement of Florida State's offensive line, particularly at the tackle position.
Is anyone else ready for a game more than usual this year?
- Is Florida State back as a national title contender? Athlon Sports debates.
- Ivan Maisel and Beano Cook discuss big news happening in the Big 12, including possible expansion.
- First the BCS commissioners have to hammer out how the playoff will work.
- No. 52 is a tough jersey number to live up to at the U, but Denzel Perryman is ready to try.
- This is awesome. Talk about making good use of the offseason.
- Suspended Virginia Tech kicker Cody Journell won't find out his fate until this summer.
WEEK 4
Welcome back to the ACC’s ultimate road trip. In case you’re just joining us, this series is your ticket to each of the best games in the ACC every week. These are the games that – if you had the money and the time – you would want to be at this fall. The season is still a long ways off, but here in the blogosphere, we’re already into Week 4:
Saturday, September 22
Why: Without question this will be the game of the week and one of the most important matchups in the Atlantic Division race. It will feature two programs with top 10 recruiting classes and two experienced quarterbacks in Tajh Boyd and EJ Manuel. Both programs have questions to answer on the offensive line. Miami at Georgia Tech will be an important game for the Coastal Division race, but expectations aren’t nearly as high for those two programs as they are for Clemson and Florida State right now. This will be the first ACC game of the season for Clemson, but a win over Auburn in the season opener and the Tigers could be rolling into Tally with a 3-0 record. With a win over Wake Forest, Florida State should also be 3-0 after beating up on creampuffs Murray State and Savannah State. Both Clemson and Florida State are bringing in the kind of talent that could contend for a national title, but they’re also in each other’s way. Who will get stepped on first?
More in this series:
Welcome back to the ACC’s ultimate road trip. In case you’re just joining us, this series is your ticket to each of the best games in the ACC every week. These are the games that – if you had the money and the time – you would want to be at this fall. The season is still a long ways off, but here in the blogosphere, we’re already into Week 4:
Saturday, September 22
- Memphis at Duke
- Clemson at Florida State
- Miami at Georgia Tech
- Maryland at West Virginia
- East Carolina at North Carolina
- The Citadel at NC State
- Virginia at TCU
- Bowling Green at Virginia Tech
- Army at Wake Forest
Why: Without question this will be the game of the week and one of the most important matchups in the Atlantic Division race. It will feature two programs with top 10 recruiting classes and two experienced quarterbacks in Tajh Boyd and EJ Manuel. Both programs have questions to answer on the offensive line. Miami at Georgia Tech will be an important game for the Coastal Division race, but expectations aren’t nearly as high for those two programs as they are for Clemson and Florida State right now. This will be the first ACC game of the season for Clemson, but a win over Auburn in the season opener and the Tigers could be rolling into Tally with a 3-0 record. With a win over Wake Forest, Florida State should also be 3-0 after beating up on creampuffs Murray State and Savannah State. Both Clemson and Florida State are bringing in the kind of talent that could contend for a national title, but they’re also in each other’s way. Who will get stepped on first?
More in this series:
In keeping with the theme this week of “coaches we love to hate,” ESPN.com is looking for some villains today.
The truth is, the ACC is comprised of a bunch of nice guys. (Maybe that's the problem.)
Jim Grobe? The kind of guy you’d want to invite to your family picnic.
Frank Beamer? Could make a run for grandfather of the year.
David Cutcliffe? The man would probably give you a lift to class if you needed one.
There’s one current coach, though, who has separated himself as the league’s most recent villain, and he did it with one breath last week.
Hint: “If that [jumping to the Big 12] is what's best for Florida State, then that's what we need to do."
Jimbo Fisher apparently didn’t get the memo about the company line.
Meet your villain, ACC fans, your one, unabashed detractor in a league that boasts unity and is determined to keep its stability. Fisher has since tried to back off of that comment, telling reporters at the ACC spring meetings he’s “not a decision-maker,” and that FSU is hap-hap-happy in the ACC.
(Unless, of course, the Big 12 comes calling.)
Fisher is an SEC-bred football coach stuck in a, well, basketball conference. He would fit perfectly in one of college football’s big boy conferences. He’s tailor-made for it, guilty of at least half of the seven deadly sins: greed, pride, and Big 12 envy. Even Nick Saban should be fearing Fisher, a relentless recruiter who has beaten his former boss for several of the nation’s top prospects in the state of Alabama.
It’s the rest of the ACC, though, that should be wary of this villain.
While Fisher isn’t the one calling the shots in Tallahassee, it’s naïve to think he can’t influence them. If he wants out, people will listen. We did. Almost as soon as those words were spoken -- “then that’s what we need to do” -- the Twitter world lit up. Expansion rumors got new life. There appeared to be mixed messages coming out of Tallahassee. Everyone was talking, but not to each other. Fisher’s comments gave validity to the notion that Florida State would even consider leaving the ACC -- $20 million exit fee and all.
Fisher endorsed Florida State flirting with the possibility of leaving the ACC -- arguably one of the most devastating scenarios the league could face. It was a survival-of-the-fittest, every-man-for-himself kind of statement.
It was as if he (sniff, sniff) thought there was something better out there. Or worse, that Florida State was better than the ACC.
Not anymore.
The ACC and Florida State have been together since 1991. They’ve been together through good times and bad.
The ACC needs Florida State. And in a conference full of nice guys, it needs its villain, too. After all, it only takes one national title to become a hero overnight.
The truth is, the ACC is comprised of a bunch of nice guys. (Maybe that's the problem.)
Jim Grobe? The kind of guy you’d want to invite to your family picnic.
Frank Beamer? Could make a run for grandfather of the year.
David Cutcliffe? The man would probably give you a lift to class if you needed one.
[+] Enlarge
Joshua S. Kelly/US PRESSWIREJimbo Fisher's comments about leaving the ACC put him at the top of the conference's villain list.
Joshua S. Kelly/US PRESSWIREJimbo Fisher's comments about leaving the ACC put him at the top of the conference's villain list.Hint: “If that [jumping to the Big 12] is what's best for Florida State, then that's what we need to do."
Jimbo Fisher apparently didn’t get the memo about the company line.
Meet your villain, ACC fans, your one, unabashed detractor in a league that boasts unity and is determined to keep its stability. Fisher has since tried to back off of that comment, telling reporters at the ACC spring meetings he’s “not a decision-maker,” and that FSU is hap-hap-happy in the ACC.
(Unless, of course, the Big 12 comes calling.)
Fisher is an SEC-bred football coach stuck in a, well, basketball conference. He would fit perfectly in one of college football’s big boy conferences. He’s tailor-made for it, guilty of at least half of the seven deadly sins: greed, pride, and Big 12 envy. Even Nick Saban should be fearing Fisher, a relentless recruiter who has beaten his former boss for several of the nation’s top prospects in the state of Alabama.
It’s the rest of the ACC, though, that should be wary of this villain.
While Fisher isn’t the one calling the shots in Tallahassee, it’s naïve to think he can’t influence them. If he wants out, people will listen. We did. Almost as soon as those words were spoken -- “then that’s what we need to do” -- the Twitter world lit up. Expansion rumors got new life. There appeared to be mixed messages coming out of Tallahassee. Everyone was talking, but not to each other. Fisher’s comments gave validity to the notion that Florida State would even consider leaving the ACC -- $20 million exit fee and all.
Fisher endorsed Florida State flirting with the possibility of leaving the ACC -- arguably one of the most devastating scenarios the league could face. It was a survival-of-the-fittest, every-man-for-himself kind of statement.
It was as if he (sniff, sniff) thought there was something better out there. Or worse, that Florida State was better than the ACC.
Not anymore.
The ACC and Florida State have been together since 1991. They’ve been together through good times and bad.
The ACC needs Florida State. And in a conference full of nice guys, it needs its villain, too. After all, it only takes one national title to become a hero overnight.
Out with the old, in with the new. The ACC has lost a lot of talent from 2011, including arguably the best player in the conference in former Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly. There are still a lot of names for fans to be excited about, though, as we get closer to summer camp. Which players in the conference will emerge as the best? Well, based on past performances and their bubbling potential, here’s the first guess. As part of “College Football Live’s” 100 Days Till Kickoff countdown, here’s a look at the top 10 players in the ACC:
1. Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson: He broke all of the ACC’s single-season pass receiving records, finishing the 2011 season with 82 catches for 1,219 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was one of the most exciting, explosive players in the country as a true freshman. Watkins averaged 25 yards on 33 kickoff returns, including an 89-yard touchdown against Maryland.
2. David Amerson, CB, NC State: He led the FBS with 13 interceptions -- six more than any other player. It was the most in the FBS since 1968 and tied as the second-best total in FBS history. He broke the ACC’s single-season interception record in the upset of No. 7-ranked Clemson. He also broke the school’s 73-year-old single-season interception record of nine.
3. Giovani Bernard, RB, UNC: He was the leading freshman rusher in the nation. His total of 1,253 rushing yards was the third best by a freshman in ACC history. He also had 13 touchdowns on 239 carries, and was third in the ACC with 96.4 rushing yards per game. He had 45 catches for 362 yards and a touchdown.
4. Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech: Thomas set a school record for rushing touchdowns in a season by a quarterback with 11, and he broke the school's single-season total offense record set by Tyrod Taylor in 2010. His 234 completions, 391 attempts and 3,013 yards passing all rank second in school history for a single season.
5. Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson: He completed 298 of 499 pass attempts for 3,828 yards, 33 touchdowns and 12 interceptions over 14 starts. He completed 59.7 percent of his passes and had a 141.2 pass efficiency rating. He also had 218 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. He had 4,046 total yards and was responsible for a school-record 38 touchdowns.
6. Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech: Fuller played at nickel back/whip linebacker and corner. He had an interception in the Sugar Bowl against Michigan, and eight tackles against Clemson in the ACC title game. He finished 2011 with 14.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He also had two interceptions, nine passes defended, five quarterback hurries, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble.
7. Joe Vellano, DT, Maryland: Vellano led the FBS in tackles by a defensive lineman with 7.8 per game. He finished third on the team with 94 tackles, had 7.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, four pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles. His jaw-dropping 20 tackles against Georgia Tech was unforgettable.
8. Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State: He was second in the ACC with eight sacks for a loss of 62 yards, and had 12 tackles for a loss of 79 yards. He finished with 41 tackles, one pass breakup and five quarterback hurries. He was the team defensive MVP of the nation’s No. 4-ranked defense, and he was still disruptive despite facing double teams throughout the entire season.
9. Bruce Taylor, LB, Virginia Tech: He only played in eight games in 2011 before a season-ending injury, but Taylor still had 53 tackles, seven TFLs and five sacks. He led Tech in tackles in 2010 with 91 and in TFLs (15.5) and was second in quarterback sacks (6.0). He also had four pass breakups and eight quarterback hurries.
10. Rashad Greene, WR, Florida State: Despite missing four games with injuries, Greene led FSU in receiving with 38 catches, 596 receiving yards, and seven touchdown catches as a true freshman. He averaged 15.7 yards a catch and 14.7 yards on three runs from scrimmage.
[+] Enlarge
Douglas Jones/US PresswireSophomore Sammy Watkins already owns all of the conference's single-season receiving records.
Douglas Jones/US PresswireSophomore Sammy Watkins already owns all of the conference's single-season receiving records.2. David Amerson, CB, NC State: He led the FBS with 13 interceptions -- six more than any other player. It was the most in the FBS since 1968 and tied as the second-best total in FBS history. He broke the ACC’s single-season interception record in the upset of No. 7-ranked Clemson. He also broke the school’s 73-year-old single-season interception record of nine.
3. Giovani Bernard, RB, UNC: He was the leading freshman rusher in the nation. His total of 1,253 rushing yards was the third best by a freshman in ACC history. He also had 13 touchdowns on 239 carries, and was third in the ACC with 96.4 rushing yards per game. He had 45 catches for 362 yards and a touchdown.
4. Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech: Thomas set a school record for rushing touchdowns in a season by a quarterback with 11, and he broke the school's single-season total offense record set by Tyrod Taylor in 2010. His 234 completions, 391 attempts and 3,013 yards passing all rank second in school history for a single season.
5. Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson: He completed 298 of 499 pass attempts for 3,828 yards, 33 touchdowns and 12 interceptions over 14 starts. He completed 59.7 percent of his passes and had a 141.2 pass efficiency rating. He also had 218 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. He had 4,046 total yards and was responsible for a school-record 38 touchdowns.
6. Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech: Fuller played at nickel back/whip linebacker and corner. He had an interception in the Sugar Bowl against Michigan, and eight tackles against Clemson in the ACC title game. He finished 2011 with 14.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He also had two interceptions, nine passes defended, five quarterback hurries, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble.
7. Joe Vellano, DT, Maryland: Vellano led the FBS in tackles by a defensive lineman with 7.8 per game. He finished third on the team with 94 tackles, had 7.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, four pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles. His jaw-dropping 20 tackles against Georgia Tech was unforgettable.
8. Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State: He was second in the ACC with eight sacks for a loss of 62 yards, and had 12 tackles for a loss of 79 yards. He finished with 41 tackles, one pass breakup and five quarterback hurries. He was the team defensive MVP of the nation’s No. 4-ranked defense, and he was still disruptive despite facing double teams throughout the entire season.
9. Bruce Taylor, LB, Virginia Tech: He only played in eight games in 2011 before a season-ending injury, but Taylor still had 53 tackles, seven TFLs and five sacks. He led Tech in tackles in 2010 with 91 and in TFLs (15.5) and was second in quarterback sacks (6.0). He also had four pass breakups and eight quarterback hurries.
10. Rashad Greene, WR, Florida State: Despite missing four games with injuries, Greene led FSU in receiving with 38 catches, 596 receiving yards, and seven touchdown catches as a true freshman. He averaged 15.7 yards a catch and 14.7 yards on three runs from scrimmage.
Welcome back to the ACC’s ultimate road trip. In case you’re just joining us, this series is your ticket to each of the best games in the ACC every week. These are the games that -- if you had the money and the time -- you would want to be at this fall. The season is still a long ways off, but here in the blogosphere, we’re already into Week 3:
Saturday, September 15
Why: In theory, this should not be one of those years the lil' ol' Deacs get the edge. If Florida State is as good as many expect it to be this year, the Noles shouldn’t have to worry about beating the smallest school in the BCS, right? Florida State’s defensive line should be the difference against a Wake Forest offensive line that will feature four new starters. But ... BUT ... this is the ever-unpredictable ACC, where Wake Forest beat Florida State in 2006, 2007 and 2008. And 2011. The Deacs have won in Tallahassee before. They were a surprise contender in the Atlantic Division race last year, coming within a field goal of playing for the title. Jim Grobe has made it clear not to count his teams out. Another win over the Noles and they're right back in it again.
More in this series:
Saturday, September 15
- Boston College at Northwestern
- Furman at Clemson
- North Carolina Central at Duke
- Wake Forest at Florida State
- Virginia at Georgia Tech
- Connecticut at Maryland
- Bethune-Cookman at Miami
- North Carolina at Louisville
- South Alabama at NC State
- Virginia Tech at Pittsburgh
Why: In theory, this should not be one of those years the lil' ol' Deacs get the edge. If Florida State is as good as many expect it to be this year, the Noles shouldn’t have to worry about beating the smallest school in the BCS, right? Florida State’s defensive line should be the difference against a Wake Forest offensive line that will feature four new starters. But ... BUT ... this is the ever-unpredictable ACC, where Wake Forest beat Florida State in 2006, 2007 and 2008. And 2011. The Deacs have won in Tallahassee before. They were a surprise contender in the Atlantic Division race last year, coming within a field goal of playing for the title. Jim Grobe has made it clear not to count his teams out. Another win over the Noles and they're right back in it again.
More in this series:
Our series taking a look at the most important game on the schedule this year for each ACC school continues today with Florida State. For those of you just tuning in, this is a look at which games will reveal the most or have the biggest impact on the 2012 race.
Florida State
Most important game: Nov. 8 at Virginia Tech
Why it’s important: No, it’s not a division game, but it could be a must-win league game on a Thursday night in November in Lane Stadium. You could argue the Sept. 22 game against Clemson will be the most important -- and there's no question it should help determine the Atlantic Division winner. But the Noles will have home-field advantage that weekend and be motivated by last year's loss to the Tigers. Games in November tend to matter more.
Winning at Virginia Tech is daunting enough, but add title-game implications to the mix and it quickly becomes must-see TV. It could also be a sneak preview of this year’s ACC championship game in Charlotte, the site of the last meeting between the programs.
Florida State has the advantage of a bye week heading into the matchup, while the Hokies will be coming home from a road trip to Miami and playing back-to-back Thursday night games. Virginia Tech has owned the ACC since it joined the league. Florida State hasn’t won the crown since 2005. This year, the Hokies are literally in the way of Florida State’s attempt at a comeback. If this season is going to be any different for the Noles, Florida State can’t afford to come up short in this game.
Florida State
Most important game: Nov. 8 at Virginia Tech
Why it’s important: No, it’s not a division game, but it could be a must-win league game on a Thursday night in November in Lane Stadium. You could argue the Sept. 22 game against Clemson will be the most important -- and there's no question it should help determine the Atlantic Division winner. But the Noles will have home-field advantage that weekend and be motivated by last year's loss to the Tigers. Games in November tend to matter more.
Winning at Virginia Tech is daunting enough, but add title-game implications to the mix and it quickly becomes must-see TV. It could also be a sneak preview of this year’s ACC championship game in Charlotte, the site of the last meeting between the programs.
Florida State has the advantage of a bye week heading into the matchup, while the Hokies will be coming home from a road trip to Miami and playing back-to-back Thursday night games. Virginia Tech has owned the ACC since it joined the league. Florida State hasn’t won the crown since 2005. This year, the Hokies are literally in the way of Florida State’s attempt at a comeback. If this season is going to be any different for the Noles, Florida State can’t afford to come up short in this game.
Florida State. Big 12. SEC. Rumors. Sigh ...
- On second thought, maybe this is a good time to jump ship ...
- What kind of a ripple effect will the new SEC-Big 12 bowl have?
- The ACC could lose its spot at the playoff table.
- That means FSU, Virginia Tech, Clemson and Miami should start looking out for themselves.
- Is luring Notre Dame to the league the answer?
- In other news, Virginia Tech kicker Cody Journell could have his suspension lifted.
- Heart problems haven't deterred NC State tight end Asa Watson.
- Miami's quarterback situation just got even more interesting.
- Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson doesn't see much merit in Twitter.
My colleague Mark Schlabach has released his post-spring top 25, and the ACC has fared well:
7. Florida State
16. Clemson
23. Virginia Tech
25. Georgia Tech
I've got the first three in the same order in my post-spring conference power ranking, but I've apparently got more faith in NC State than Schlabach (and probably a lot of other people). Call it instinct. Call it a gut feeling. Call it Mike Glennon's ability to throw the ball, but I think the Wolfpack have the potential for a special season this year -- more so than Georgia Tech.
I do believe the Yellow Jackets can win the Coastal Division this season, but I'm still not sold on Al Groh's defense or on Tevin Washington as a difference-maker at quarterback. Washington is good -- he has proven he can run the offense. But can he PASS the offense? Especially without two of the top receivers from a year ago? Georgia Tech still seems to be lacking the player who can dazzle us like Jonathan Dwyer and Joshua Nesbitt did in years' past. And up front, there are questions on defense.
NC State, on the other hand, has a drop-back passer who is ready to show the rest of college football that he can hit his receivers just about anywhere on the field, and he's got an experienced offensive line to work with. This program seems ready to turn the corner under coach Tom O'Brien, and if there is a fourth ACC team worthy of a preseason top 25 nod, NC State would get my vote.
7. Florida State
16. Clemson
23. Virginia Tech
25. Georgia Tech
I've got the first three in the same order in my post-spring conference power ranking, but I've apparently got more faith in NC State than Schlabach (and probably a lot of other people). Call it instinct. Call it a gut feeling. Call it Mike Glennon's ability to throw the ball, but I think the Wolfpack have the potential for a special season this year -- more so than Georgia Tech.
I do believe the Yellow Jackets can win the Coastal Division this season, but I'm still not sold on Al Groh's defense or on Tevin Washington as a difference-maker at quarterback. Washington is good -- he has proven he can run the offense. But can he PASS the offense? Especially without two of the top receivers from a year ago? Georgia Tech still seems to be lacking the player who can dazzle us like Jonathan Dwyer and Joshua Nesbitt did in years' past. And up front, there are questions on defense.
NC State, on the other hand, has a drop-back passer who is ready to show the rest of college football that he can hit his receivers just about anywhere on the field, and he's got an experienced offensive line to work with. This program seems ready to turn the corner under coach Tom O'Brien, and if there is a fourth ACC team worthy of a preseason top 25 nod, NC State would get my vote.
It feels like forever since I've done one of these. Wait, it has been ...
Nathan in Kingsport, Tenn., (Currently in Panama City, Fla.) writes: Welcome back HD!! I wanted to ask your opinion on the future schedule of Virginia Tech. They have received flack in recent years for taking a break from playing tough OOC opponents and playing a "cupcake" OOC schedule. However looking beyond this season, the Hokies will play Alabama in '13, Urban Meyer led Ohio State in '14 and '15 and Wisconsin in '16 and '17. How does that stack up against the rest of the conference and do you think this will end up hurting or helping the Hokies and the ACC? Thanks!
HD: Good to be back, thanks. I can't say how it stacks up against the rest of the conference, Nathan, because those nonconference schedules change so often (See: West Virginia vs. FSU). I think it will only help the Hokies and the ACC, though. I realize Virginia Tech hasn't exactly made the most out of its big games, but I think a close loss to Michigan is more respectable than beating up on the likes of Arkansas State. The perception of the ACC will never change unless its schools continue to line up those games.
Paul in New Jersey writes: HD The ACC is becoming the BE which means it will be centered on the basketball programs, not football. Your take?
HD: I think that's bunk. Say what you will, but Florida State and Miami are still football schools. So is Clemson. And Georgia Tech. And Virginia Tech. I say ACC fans should stop complaining about the perception that it's a hoops conference and embrace it. You guys have great basketball. Brag about it. Meanwhile, it's up to the football teams to do their part and win. Speaking of the ACC's image problem ...
Muhammad Ashraf in Charlotte, N.C., writes: You know, I get that FSU hasn't won big in a decade - but I vehemently disagree with people like Mike Bianchi when he says FSU only has itself to blame for the ACC's "image problem".Yea, the only program that's won a national title for the conference right? The only program that plays in a bowl EVERY year, and wins them 80% of the time. I concede that VT has been the best ACC team since 2005, but the Hokies and Clemson are the biggest reasons for the ACC's "image problem". They beat up on teams in conference and then get embarrassed EVERY TIME they play a quality non-conference opponent.
HD: OK, but, um, at least Virginia Tech and Clemson have put themselves in position to get embarrassed?
Jason in Piedmont, SC, writes: Welcome back HD!!! With Mike Bellamy out of the picture now, do you think there are any changes in the team expectations for Clemson in the coming season? I know he's crazy fast and he made a couple of game breaking plays last year, but there are a lot of people on the Tigers' depth chart with RB by their name. Who do you think benefits the most?
HD: I think the knee-jerk reaction would be to lower expectations because of what happened to Sammy Watkins AND the news about Bellamy, but the reality of the situation is that Bellamy caused more headaches than he racked up yardage. I'm told he's a good kid, but he didn't do what he had to in order to be a great running back at Clemson. You can't miss what you didn't have, right? I think there is enough other talent at the position that the Tigers will be fine. They should be more concerned about who is doing the blocking for them.
Nathan in Kingsport, Tenn., (Currently in Panama City, Fla.) writes: Welcome back HD!! I wanted to ask your opinion on the future schedule of Virginia Tech. They have received flack in recent years for taking a break from playing tough OOC opponents and playing a "cupcake" OOC schedule. However looking beyond this season, the Hokies will play Alabama in '13, Urban Meyer led Ohio State in '14 and '15 and Wisconsin in '16 and '17. How does that stack up against the rest of the conference and do you think this will end up hurting or helping the Hokies and the ACC? Thanks!
HD: Good to be back, thanks. I can't say how it stacks up against the rest of the conference, Nathan, because those nonconference schedules change so often (See: West Virginia vs. FSU). I think it will only help the Hokies and the ACC, though. I realize Virginia Tech hasn't exactly made the most out of its big games, but I think a close loss to Michigan is more respectable than beating up on the likes of Arkansas State. The perception of the ACC will never change unless its schools continue to line up those games.
Paul in New Jersey writes: HD The ACC is becoming the BE which means it will be centered on the basketball programs, not football. Your take?
HD: I think that's bunk. Say what you will, but Florida State and Miami are still football schools. So is Clemson. And Georgia Tech. And Virginia Tech. I say ACC fans should stop complaining about the perception that it's a hoops conference and embrace it. You guys have great basketball. Brag about it. Meanwhile, it's up to the football teams to do their part and win. Speaking of the ACC's image problem ...
Muhammad Ashraf in Charlotte, N.C., writes: You know, I get that FSU hasn't won big in a decade - but I vehemently disagree with people like Mike Bianchi when he says FSU only has itself to blame for the ACC's "image problem".Yea, the only program that's won a national title for the conference right? The only program that plays in a bowl EVERY year, and wins them 80% of the time. I concede that VT has been the best ACC team since 2005, but the Hokies and Clemson are the biggest reasons for the ACC's "image problem". They beat up on teams in conference and then get embarrassed EVERY TIME they play a quality non-conference opponent.
HD: OK, but, um, at least Virginia Tech and Clemson have put themselves in position to get embarrassed?
Jason in Piedmont, SC, writes: Welcome back HD!!! With Mike Bellamy out of the picture now, do you think there are any changes in the team expectations for Clemson in the coming season? I know he's crazy fast and he made a couple of game breaking plays last year, but there are a lot of people on the Tigers' depth chart with RB by their name. Who do you think benefits the most?
HD: I think the knee-jerk reaction would be to lower expectations because of what happened to Sammy Watkins AND the news about Bellamy, but the reality of the situation is that Bellamy caused more headaches than he racked up yardage. I'm told he's a good kid, but he didn't do what he had to in order to be a great running back at Clemson. You can't miss what you didn't have, right? I think there is enough other talent at the position that the Tigers will be fine. They should be more concerned about who is doing the blocking for them.
Now that spring practices are over, it’s time to re-evaluate the ACC pecking order for 2012. There wasn’t much change at the top from the pre-spring power rankings, but Georgia Tech did get a slight bump, along with two teams on Tobacco Road. Here’s a look at the latest ACC power rankings:
1. Florida State: The Noles’ defensive line should be one of the deepest and best in the conference, if not the country, and they’ve got an outstanding quarterback in EJ Manuel. If the young offensive line can mature quickly and the running game improves from 2011, there’s no reason the Seminoles shouldn’t be contending for the ACC title.
2. Clemson: The Tigers could open the season without star receiver Sammy Watkins, who is awaiting his punishment after he was arrested on misdemeanor drug charges, but as long as he’s in the lineup and the offensive line is playing well, Clemson has enough talent to defend its 2011 ACC title.
3. Virginia Tech: It’s hard to forget how the Hokies fared against Clemson in two meetings last season, but they enter this season with the better defense. The question is how quickly the revamped offensive line can come together, and who will emerge as the next star running back.
4. NC State: This team is quietly preparing a championship-caliber roster. Quarterback Mike Glennon is still under the radar, and he’s got an experienced offensive line to work with. This is a team that could surprise some people.
5. Georgia Tech: The Jackets had a promising spring, but the defensive line has to replace two of three starters, and last season’s atrocious special teams still have a lot to prove. One thing is for sure: These guys will be able to run the ball on just about anyone.
6. Wake Forest: Much like the rest of its division, Wake Forest’s success will hinge in part on how quickly the new starters on the offensive line come together. The Demon Deacons have an experienced and much-improved quarterback in Tanner Price, and last year they made a statement that they’re not to be overlooked in the ACC race.
7. North Carolina: The two biggest questions for the Tar Heels are how quickly they can adapt to and execute a new system under first-year coach Larry Fedora, and where they will find their motivation now that the NCAA has banned them from the postseason. This spring revealed a positive outlook for the new offense, which should give quarterback Bryn Renner a chance to shine.
8. Virginia: The ACC’s 2011 Coach of the Year has quickly raised expectations, but they should be tempered because seven starters have to be replaced on defense. Michael Rocco is the undisputed starting quarterback -- unless Alabama transfer Phillip Sims has something to say about it.
9. Miami: With Stephen Morris out this spring with a back injury, quarterback transfer Ryan Williams had a chance to impress the coaches. The position is one of many questions still looming for the Canes, a young team still waiting for closure from an NCAA investigation.
10. Maryland: The Terps had a good spring and were able to move forward with players who wanted to be there. It was a positive vibe, but coach Randy Edsall is still tangled in the shadow of last year’s two-win season. He’ll have to improve upon it without the services of former quarterback Danny O’Brien.
11. Boston College: Several offseason staff changes were embraced this spring, and quarterback Chase Rettig made strides under yet another offensive coordinator, Doug Martin. The Eagles have to find a way to win without two of their most valuable players in running back Montel Harris, who was dismissed from the team, and linebacker Luke Kuechly, who left early for the NFL.
12. Duke: The Blue Devils had a good spring and are still buying into the philosophies of coach David Cutcliffe. They’ve been on the verge of making the postseason before, but fans are looking for them to finally break through in Year 5 under Cutcliffe. Quarterback Sean Renfree can get them there if they minimize the turnovers and play better defense.
1. Florida State: The Noles’ defensive line should be one of the deepest and best in the conference, if not the country, and they’ve got an outstanding quarterback in EJ Manuel. If the young offensive line can mature quickly and the running game improves from 2011, there’s no reason the Seminoles shouldn’t be contending for the ACC title.
2. Clemson: The Tigers could open the season without star receiver Sammy Watkins, who is awaiting his punishment after he was arrested on misdemeanor drug charges, but as long as he’s in the lineup and the offensive line is playing well, Clemson has enough talent to defend its 2011 ACC title.
3. Virginia Tech: It’s hard to forget how the Hokies fared against Clemson in two meetings last season, but they enter this season with the better defense. The question is how quickly the revamped offensive line can come together, and who will emerge as the next star running back.
4. NC State: This team is quietly preparing a championship-caliber roster. Quarterback Mike Glennon is still under the radar, and he’s got an experienced offensive line to work with. This is a team that could surprise some people.
5. Georgia Tech: The Jackets had a promising spring, but the defensive line has to replace two of three starters, and last season’s atrocious special teams still have a lot to prove. One thing is for sure: These guys will be able to run the ball on just about anyone.
6. Wake Forest: Much like the rest of its division, Wake Forest’s success will hinge in part on how quickly the new starters on the offensive line come together. The Demon Deacons have an experienced and much-improved quarterback in Tanner Price, and last year they made a statement that they’re not to be overlooked in the ACC race.
7. North Carolina: The two biggest questions for the Tar Heels are how quickly they can adapt to and execute a new system under first-year coach Larry Fedora, and where they will find their motivation now that the NCAA has banned them from the postseason. This spring revealed a positive outlook for the new offense, which should give quarterback Bryn Renner a chance to shine.
8. Virginia: The ACC’s 2011 Coach of the Year has quickly raised expectations, but they should be tempered because seven starters have to be replaced on defense. Michael Rocco is the undisputed starting quarterback -- unless Alabama transfer Phillip Sims has something to say about it.
9. Miami: With Stephen Morris out this spring with a back injury, quarterback transfer Ryan Williams had a chance to impress the coaches. The position is one of many questions still looming for the Canes, a young team still waiting for closure from an NCAA investigation.
10. Maryland: The Terps had a good spring and were able to move forward with players who wanted to be there. It was a positive vibe, but coach Randy Edsall is still tangled in the shadow of last year’s two-win season. He’ll have to improve upon it without the services of former quarterback Danny O’Brien.
11. Boston College: Several offseason staff changes were embraced this spring, and quarterback Chase Rettig made strides under yet another offensive coordinator, Doug Martin. The Eagles have to find a way to win without two of their most valuable players in running back Montel Harris, who was dismissed from the team, and linebacker Luke Kuechly, who left early for the NFL.
12. Duke: The Blue Devils had a good spring and are still buying into the philosophies of coach David Cutcliffe. They’ve been on the verge of making the postseason before, but fans are looking for them to finally break through in Year 5 under Cutcliffe. Quarterback Sean Renfree can get them there if they minimize the turnovers and play better defense.
Our series taking a look at the most important game on the schedules this year for each ACC school continues today with Clemson. For those of you just tuning in, this is a look at which games will reveal the most or have the biggest impact on the 2012 race.
Clemson
Most important game: Sept. 22 at Florida State
Why it’s important: Both teams have legitimate chances to win the Atlantic Division title, and this game should produce the frontrunner. It’s the first league game of the season for Clemson, and the first of back-to-back road trips against division opponents. It will feature two of the ACC’s top quarterbacks in EJ Manuel and Tajh Boyd, but the key will be how Clemson’s offensive line handles Florida State’s defensive line.
On paper it’s a matchup the Noles should win up front, as Clemson has to replace three starters. In the bigger picture, both Clemson and Florida State have set the standard in ACC recruiting, and this game will help determine which program is making better use of that talent. If Clemson is going to defend its 2011 title, this is a game the Tigers can’t afford to lose.
More in this series:
Clemson
Most important game: Sept. 22 at Florida State
Why it’s important: Both teams have legitimate chances to win the Atlantic Division title, and this game should produce the frontrunner. It’s the first league game of the season for Clemson, and the first of back-to-back road trips against division opponents. It will feature two of the ACC’s top quarterbacks in EJ Manuel and Tajh Boyd, but the key will be how Clemson’s offensive line handles Florida State’s defensive line.
On paper it’s a matchup the Noles should win up front, as Clemson has to replace three starters. In the bigger picture, both Clemson and Florida State have set the standard in ACC recruiting, and this game will help determine which program is making better use of that talent. If Clemson is going to defend its 2011 title, this is a game the Tigers can’t afford to lose.
More in this series:
Video: Top 20 roundtable -- Florida State
May, 17, 2012
May 17
4:57
PM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
"College Football Live's" panel of experts preview Florida State's upcoming season.
The ACC has announced game times and TV networks for all home games for the league in its first three weeks of the season, as well as for all of its 2012 Thursday night games on ESPN and all of national television games confirmed to date.
The 2012 Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship Game, which will be played Dec. 1 in Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., will be nationally televised by either ABC, with an 8 p.m. kickoff, or ESPN at 7:45 p.m.
This year's Chick-fil-A Kickoff will feature both NC State and Clemson. NC State faces Tennessee on Friday, Aug.31, in a 7:30 p.m. game which will be nationally televised by ESPNU. Clemson will play Auburn on Saturday, Sept. 1, in a 7 p.m. contest that will be nationally televised by ESPN.
The ACC's full schedule for the first three weeks is as follows:
The 2012 Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship Game, which will be played Dec. 1 in Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., will be nationally televised by either ABC, with an 8 p.m. kickoff, or ESPN at 7:45 p.m.
This year's Chick-fil-A Kickoff will feature both NC State and Clemson. NC State faces Tennessee on Friday, Aug.31, in a 7:30 p.m. game which will be nationally televised by ESPNU. Clemson will play Auburn on Saturday, Sept. 1, in a 7 p.m. contest that will be nationally televised by ESPN.
The ACC's full schedule for the first three weeks is as follows:
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Heather Dinich
Dinich covered ACC and Big Ten football for five seasons before joining ESPN.com in November 2007. She's an Indiana grad but somehow her favorite day of the week is Saturday.
