ACC: Miami Hurricanes
Going head-to-head is nothing new for Miami quarterbacks Stephen Morris and Ryan Williams.
They’ve been competing against each other since high school.
Who had the edge then? Depends on whom you ask.
“If you ask Ryan, I’m sure he probably did,” Morris said. “But that was a preseason game. During the regular season, we’re both 1-1.”
Who has the edge now? TBD.
Morris and his good friend Williams are both competing to be Miami’s starting quarterback this fall, and both are tired of watching from the sideline. Williams, a transfer from Memphis, had to sit out last year because of NCAA transfer rules. Morris took the backseat to former starter Jacory Harris, who won his job back last year after missing the season opener against Maryland because of the NCAA investigation. Morris has the edge in experience, but he missed spring practices to recover from a back injury. Williams took advantage of the extra snaps, but the competition will continue throughout summer camp.
“Me and Ryan have been together forever,” Morris said. “We came in in the same class and went through Nike camp together, and played against each other a couple of times. It’s definitely a lot more funnier, just because we go against each other with our records we had in high school and stuff like that.
“Just knowing Ryan and where he comes from, and knowing he has a great family, a great relationship with his parents, and a great relationship with my parents as well, it just makes things more comfortable,” Morris said. “At the same time, the flip side is that it could be a little more personal. But at the end of the day, we’re all going for the same position and we’re all behind each other.”
Morris, who had optional back surgery before spring practices began, said he has felt no lingering effects and that he has been able to do everything the coaches have since asked of him. It’s been a while, though, since he was leading the offense.
Morris played in five games and started one last season, the opener against Maryland. He completed 26-of-37 passes (70.3 percent) with no touchdowns and two interceptions. As a freshman, Morris played in six games and started four when Harris suffered a concussion. He threw for 1,240 yards with seven touchdowns and nine interceptions.
While at Memphis in 2010, Williams started 10 of 12 games and completed 165 of 290 passes for 2,075 yards and 13 touchdowns. In the spring game, he completed 15 of 27 passes for 167 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions.
“It was a lot of fun, but it was a big learning experience for me, being able to go out there and run the offense, getting a lot of reps and just getting back on the field after sitting out a year,” Williams said. “I feel like I did pretty good. … If I go out and do what I’m supposed to and do what I’m capable of, I feel like I have a pretty good chance to win the job.”
So far, though, they’re both still even at 1-1 in this competition.
They’ve been competing against each other since high school.
Who had the edge then? Depends on whom you ask.
“If you ask Ryan, I’m sure he probably did,” Morris said. “But that was a preseason game. During the regular season, we’re both 1-1.”
Who has the edge now? TBD.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Kerry SmithRyan Williams, competing to be the starting quarterback at Miami, showed effectiveness as Memphis' starter in 2010.
AP Photo/Kerry SmithRyan Williams, competing to be the starting quarterback at Miami, showed effectiveness as Memphis' starter in 2010.“Me and Ryan have been together forever,” Morris said. “We came in in the same class and went through Nike camp together, and played against each other a couple of times. It’s definitely a lot more funnier, just because we go against each other with our records we had in high school and stuff like that.
“Just knowing Ryan and where he comes from, and knowing he has a great family, a great relationship with his parents, and a great relationship with my parents as well, it just makes things more comfortable,” Morris said. “At the same time, the flip side is that it could be a little more personal. But at the end of the day, we’re all going for the same position and we’re all behind each other.”
Morris, who had optional back surgery before spring practices began, said he has felt no lingering effects and that he has been able to do everything the coaches have since asked of him. It’s been a while, though, since he was leading the offense.
Morris played in five games and started one last season, the opener against Maryland. He completed 26-of-37 passes (70.3 percent) with no touchdowns and two interceptions. As a freshman, Morris played in six games and started four when Harris suffered a concussion. He threw for 1,240 yards with seven touchdowns and nine interceptions.
While at Memphis in 2010, Williams started 10 of 12 games and completed 165 of 290 passes for 2,075 yards and 13 touchdowns. In the spring game, he completed 15 of 27 passes for 167 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions.
“It was a lot of fun, but it was a big learning experience for me, being able to go out there and run the offense, getting a lot of reps and just getting back on the field after sitting out a year,” Williams said. “I feel like I did pretty good. … If I go out and do what I’m supposed to and do what I’m capable of, I feel like I have a pretty good chance to win the job.”
So far, though, they’re both still even at 1-1 in this competition.
WEEK 5
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 5:
Saturday, September 29
Ok, ok, NC State at Miami.
Why: I’ve done the Landover/Virginia Tech thing, and it was a better matchup and game with Boise State. The Cincy game doesn’t exactly scream sellout. NC State at Miami should be a decent game, but if the Wolfpack is going to be a serious contender this year, it has to win some conference road games. Winning at North Carolina and at Clemson will be extremely difficult. This is a great opportunity for Tom O’Brien, as it is still early in the schedule for a young Miami team, and the Canes will have already played three of four games on the road, including two league games. This is also a good chance to get to Miami, and that’s one stop in the ACC you just can’t miss. Of all of these games, don’t be surprised if the Duke-Wake Forest game is the most entertaining, but that game will likely be more meaningful to Duke’s bowl chances than it will the conference race.
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 5:
Saturday, September 29
- Clemson at Boston College
- Duke at Wake Forest
- NC State at Miami
- Florida State at South Florida
- Middle Tennessee at Georgia Tech
- Idaho at North Carolina
- Louisiana Tech at Virginia
- Virginia Tech at Cincinnati (FedEx Field, Landover, Md.)
Ok, ok, NC State at Miami.
Why: I’ve done the Landover/Virginia Tech thing, and it was a better matchup and game with Boise State. The Cincy game doesn’t exactly scream sellout. NC State at Miami should be a decent game, but if the Wolfpack is going to be a serious contender this year, it has to win some conference road games. Winning at North Carolina and at Clemson will be extremely difficult. This is a great opportunity for Tom O’Brien, as it is still early in the schedule for a young Miami team, and the Canes will have already played three of four games on the road, including two league games. This is also a good chance to get to Miami, and that’s one stop in the ACC you just can’t miss. Of all of these games, don’t be surprised if the Duke-Wake Forest game is the most entertaining, but that game will likely be more meaningful to Duke’s bowl chances than it will the conference race.
More in this series
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.
Chat!
- Georgia Tech WR Micheal Summers was set on the Jackets from the start.
- Miami running back Mike James has earned his way to the top of the depth chart.
- ESPN Insider Travis Haney took at look at Clemson's BCS chances.
- Miami has made drastic improvements in the weight room this offseason.
- At least two athletic directors in the ACC don't sense any real change in the league anytime soon.
- This just in: ACC football is relevant, and it's paying off.
- Clemson coach Dabo Swinney saw red flags during Mike Bellamy's recruiting process.
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.
Miami quarterback Stephen Morris said he and the players aren’t concerned about the highly-publicized NCAA investigation that is still looming over the program.
“Today was the first day I’ve been asked about it, and I told everybody, ‘We’re not worried about it at all,’” Morris told ESPN.com in a telephone interview. “I haven’t thought about it until today, when everyone was asking questions about it. Our vibe around here is championship, that’s the first thing we’re looking forward to, and we’re really not concerned about what the NCAA has to say about it. Our mindset is really set on one thing, and we’ll go from there, depending on what the NCAA has to say.”
Morris said the team hasn’t been given any indication as to when the program might get some closure on the matter.
“Our thing is, we’ve just been listening to coach [Al] Golden,” Morris said. “Coach Golden says everything will be OK. That’s what we’re going off of.”
“Today was the first day I’ve been asked about it, and I told everybody, ‘We’re not worried about it at all,’” Morris told ESPN.com in a telephone interview. “I haven’t thought about it until today, when everyone was asking questions about it. Our vibe around here is championship, that’s the first thing we’re looking forward to, and we’re really not concerned about what the NCAA has to say about it. Our mindset is really set on one thing, and we’ll go from there, depending on what the NCAA has to say.”
Morris said the team hasn’t been given any indication as to when the program might get some closure on the matter.
“Our thing is, we’ve just been listening to coach [Al] Golden,” Morris said. “Coach Golden says everything will be OK. That’s what we’re going off of.”
The FSU chatter seems to have died down a bit today ...
- Not before Bobby Bowden had a chance to weigh in, of course. His message? Stay in the ACC.
- The new 'lost helmet' rule could create some controversy.
- There was a standing-room only crowd for the funeral of former Miami AD Paul Dee.
- Hokies' beat writer Andy Bitter took an in-depth look at opponent Austin Peay.
- Former Wake Forest defensive end Nate Bolling is now throwing his weight around in NASCAR.
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.
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:
Here's a look at those who made names for themselves, those who fine-tuned some strengths and those who burst onto the scene this spring in the ACC.
WR DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson: Hopkins had seven catches for 120 yards and a touchdown in the Tigers' spring game, including five for 100 in the first quarter. Coach Dabo Swinney called him the team's spring MVP, and he and Sammy Watkins could form the top receiver tandem in the nation.
RB Rolandan Finch, Boston College: Finch will have to carry a bigger load with Montel Harris off the team, and he stepped up in the spring game when the three men ahead of him were all banged-up, rushing for 196 yards on 27 carries. He will likely battle with Andre Williams for the top spot this fall, though both figure to see plenty of time.
LT Cameron Erving, FSU: The converted defensive tackle impressed this spring, as the sophomore is one of two new tackles the Seminoles are breaking in on the offensive line, a unit that may just be the deciding factor on whether FSU can return to the national elite this season. Coach Jimbo Fisher has called the 6-foot-5, 304-pound sophomore a future NFL starter.
QB Ryan Williams, Miami: Coach Al Golden said this week that Stephen Morris has been medically cleared, and he will likely enter a full-on quarterback competition with Williams, the Memphis transfer who saw most of the action this spring and played well, despite a sub-par spring game.
TE Jake McGee, Virginia: The converted quarterback caught two passes for 81 yards and figures to be a reliable target this fall after a subpar performance for the Cavaliers' tight ends last season.
CB Demetrious Nicholson, Virginia: Coach Mike London named him the team's most distinguished freshman this spring, but he will have to grow up fast. After playing almost every snap last fall, he is the veteran of the Cavaliers' secondary in 2012.
DT Luther Maddy, Virginia Tech: Maddy was named the Hokies' defensive MVP of this spring. The rising sophomore has said he has adjusted to the speed of the game after a freshman year that featured seven starts, and he figures to be a key on a line that will anchor Virginia Tech's defense this season.
WR DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson: Hopkins had seven catches for 120 yards and a touchdown in the Tigers' spring game, including five for 100 in the first quarter. Coach Dabo Swinney called him the team's spring MVP, and he and Sammy Watkins could form the top receiver tandem in the nation.
RB Rolandan Finch, Boston College: Finch will have to carry a bigger load with Montel Harris off the team, and he stepped up in the spring game when the three men ahead of him were all banged-up, rushing for 196 yards on 27 carries. He will likely battle with Andre Williams for the top spot this fall, though both figure to see plenty of time.
LT Cameron Erving, FSU: The converted defensive tackle impressed this spring, as the sophomore is one of two new tackles the Seminoles are breaking in on the offensive line, a unit that may just be the deciding factor on whether FSU can return to the national elite this season. Coach Jimbo Fisher has called the 6-foot-5, 304-pound sophomore a future NFL starter.
QB Ryan Williams, Miami: Coach Al Golden said this week that Stephen Morris has been medically cleared, and he will likely enter a full-on quarterback competition with Williams, the Memphis transfer who saw most of the action this spring and played well, despite a sub-par spring game.
TE Jake McGee, Virginia: The converted quarterback caught two passes for 81 yards and figures to be a reliable target this fall after a subpar performance for the Cavaliers' tight ends last season.
CB Demetrious Nicholson, Virginia: Coach Mike London named him the team's most distinguished freshman this spring, but he will have to grow up fast. After playing almost every snap last fall, he is the veteran of the Cavaliers' secondary in 2012.
DT Luther Maddy, Virginia Tech: Maddy was named the Hokies' defensive MVP of this spring. The rising sophomore has said he has adjusted to the speed of the game after a freshman year that featured seven starts, and he figures to be a key on a line that will anchor Virginia Tech's defense this season.
I’m stealing a page from the Pac-12 playbook and taking a look at the single most important game on the schedule this year for each ACC school. Just how meaningful these games are will obviously change as the season unfolds, but in looking at the schedules and knowing what we do right now, these are the games that will reveal the most or have the biggest impact on the 2012 ACC race. We’ll go in alphabetical order, starting today with Boston College:
Most important game: Sept. 1 vs. Miami
Why it’s important: Because Boston College has started each of the past two seasons with a loss in conference play, only to spiral into a 0-4 hole. This is the perfect opportunity for the Eagles to make a statement early that they are better than they were a year ago. If ever there were a time to take advantage of Miami, this is it. The Canes have to replace 12 starters, including their quarterback, and BC will have home-field advantage. A win over Miami could snowball into a 3-0 start heading into the Clemson game, as wins over Maine and Northwestern aren’t unfathomable before BC heads into the bye week. BC was able to beat Miami last year on the road in the season finale, but in order for the Eagles’ November games to mean anything, they’ve got to get off to a better start in ACC play. The Miami game could set the tone for the season, and because it’s a conference game (as opposed to say, UMass), we’ll know from the start if BC is any better.
Most important game: Sept. 1 vs. Miami
Why it’s important: Because Boston College has started each of the past two seasons with a loss in conference play, only to spiral into a 0-4 hole. This is the perfect opportunity for the Eagles to make a statement early that they are better than they were a year ago. If ever there were a time to take advantage of Miami, this is it. The Canes have to replace 12 starters, including their quarterback, and BC will have home-field advantage. A win over Miami could snowball into a 3-0 start heading into the Clemson game, as wins over Maine and Northwestern aren’t unfathomable before BC heads into the bye week. BC was able to beat Miami last year on the road in the season finale, but in order for the Eagles’ November games to mean anything, they’ve got to get off to a better start in ACC play. The Miami game could set the tone for the season, and because it’s a conference game (as opposed to say, UMass), we’ll know from the start if BC is any better.
How many more days 'til kickoff??
- Florida State and Miami only have themselves to blame for the ACC's image problem.
- Georgia Tech lured a running back into its 2013 recruiting class.
- One ESPN executive provided some background on the ACC's latest TV contract.
- You can expect ACC commish John Swofford to try to portray the deal in a better light today.
- Former Miami coach Jimmy Johnson has earned his place in the Hall of Fame.
- Mike Bellamy's career at Clemson has come to a close.
Earlier this morning we looked at who in the Atlantic Division has the most to prove. The Coastal Division is up next:
1. Duke coach David Cutcliffe. It’s time for Cutcliffe to prove his program is still heading in the right direction, and the most obvious way for him to do that is to lead the Blue Devils to a bowl game. Cutcliffe will be entering his fifth season in Durham, and while he’s been painfully close to a breakthrough winning season -- losing eight games over the past two years by seven or fewer points -- he will ultimately be judged by the win column.
2. North Carolina. The Tar Heels have to prove they can run Larry Fedora’s new offense. They have to prove they can run defensive coordinator Vic Koenning’s new 4-2-5 scheme. But most of all, they have to prove that once again, they can overcome change and the NCAA. There is no bowl game to play for this year. They’ll have to prove they can find their own motivation.
3. Georgia Tech defensive coordinator Al Groh. It will be the third season in Groh’s 3-4 scheme, and Georgia Tech fans are looking for more improvement from the group. That could be tough to come by, considering the Jackets have to replace two starters up front.
4. Miami quarterback Stephen Morris. We learned this spring that Memphis transfer Ryan Williams can and will challenge Morris. With Morris sidelined this spring with a back injury, Williams had his chance to shine -- much like Morris has had his opportunities at the expense of former starter Jacory Harris. It’s up to Morris to reassert himself as the leader of the offense.
5. Virginia Tech’s offensive line. Yes, all of the hype is around who will be the next great running back after the early departure of David Wilson, but they’ll all be going nowhere fast if the guys up front don’t get it together. The good news for the Hokies is that this group had a good spring. The key now is to build upon that in summer camp.
6. Virginia’s secondary. This group has to replace three starters from a year ago and more than 90 combined career starts. The Hoos will depend on young players this year, and Demetrious Nicholson, who has 13 starts, is now the veteran of the group.
1. Duke coach David Cutcliffe. It’s time for Cutcliffe to prove his program is still heading in the right direction, and the most obvious way for him to do that is to lead the Blue Devils to a bowl game. Cutcliffe will be entering his fifth season in Durham, and while he’s been painfully close to a breakthrough winning season -- losing eight games over the past two years by seven or fewer points -- he will ultimately be judged by the win column.
2. North Carolina. The Tar Heels have to prove they can run Larry Fedora’s new offense. They have to prove they can run defensive coordinator Vic Koenning’s new 4-2-5 scheme. But most of all, they have to prove that once again, they can overcome change and the NCAA. There is no bowl game to play for this year. They’ll have to prove they can find their own motivation.
3. Georgia Tech defensive coordinator Al Groh. It will be the third season in Groh’s 3-4 scheme, and Georgia Tech fans are looking for more improvement from the group. That could be tough to come by, considering the Jackets have to replace two starters up front.
4. Miami quarterback Stephen Morris. We learned this spring that Memphis transfer Ryan Williams can and will challenge Morris. With Morris sidelined this spring with a back injury, Williams had his chance to shine -- much like Morris has had his opportunities at the expense of former starter Jacory Harris. It’s up to Morris to reassert himself as the leader of the offense.
5. Virginia Tech’s offensive line. Yes, all of the hype is around who will be the next great running back after the early departure of David Wilson, but they’ll all be going nowhere fast if the guys up front don’t get it together. The good news for the Hokies is that this group had a good spring. The key now is to build upon that in summer camp.
6. Virginia’s secondary. This group has to replace three starters from a year ago and more than 90 combined career starts. The Hoos will depend on young players this year, and Demetrious Nicholson, who has 13 starts, is now the veteran of the group.
Don't forget the chat today!
- Feeling lucky? Might want to bet on a few ACC quarterbacks this fall. The league is loaded.
- Here's a look at what the new ACC/ESPN deal could mean for Georgia Tech.
- FSU and the Big 12 haven't talked, but everyone is still talking.
- FSU is the ACC's top money maker, but it still trails nine SEC schools.
- There are plenty of mixed messages coming out of Tally.
- Syracuse has no immediate plans to join Pitt's fight against the Big East.
- Is Miami's new football policy fair to its athletes?
- Just how big are the nonconference openers for NC State and Clemson this year?
Over a span of five seasons, former Miami coach Jimmy Johnson helped set the elite standard that so many Hurricanes fans are still desperately clamoring for today.
In May of 1984, Johnson came to Coral Gables from Oklahoma State and took what Howard Schnellenberger built and topped it with what many consider to be one of the best college football teams in the sport’s history.
Led by Vinny Testaverde, Miami’s first Heisman Trophy winner, the Canes finished the 1986 regular season 11-0 and were ranked No. 1 in the country for 15 weeks. It was the school’s first undefeated season. Johnson rose to the top of college football with his program, where he compiled a stunning 52-9 record and won one national championship. In 1987, Johnson led Miami to a 12-0 finish, including a 20-14 win over Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl to win the national title. During his final three seasons in Miami, Johnson lost a total of two games.
In 1989, Johnson moved on to the Dallas Cowboys, where he coached from 1989-1993 and won back-to-back Super Bowls -- one of only six coaches in the NFL to accomplish that feat. In 1996, he came back to Miami to coach the Dolphins. Schnellenberger left the door open for Johnson, but he knocked it down with a Hall of Fame career.
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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.
