ESPN College Football

Here's a quick recap of the latest practices, with information and quotes provided by the sports information directors at each school who releases them:

CLEMSON

The Tigers had their first scrimmage on Tuesday and got in about 100 snaps in a little over two hours.

Offensive highlights: Kyle Parker completed 9 of 18 passes for 114 yards. He did not throw and interception and ran for a score on a 14-yard run. Tajh Boyd completed 7 of 18 passes for 71 yards. He had a 13-yard run for a score that culminated a 75-yard drive early in the scrimmage.

Rod McDowell was the top rusher with 76 yards on 12 carries. He had a 22-yard run and a 34-yard run on the same drive. Andre Ellington gained 45 yards in 11 carries, while Jamie Harper had seven carries for 35 yards. Ellington had the only rushing touchdown among the running backs with a 15-yard score.

Five different receivers had two catches apiece. Dwayne Allen had 2-49, including a 36-yard completion from Parker. Drew Traylor had 2-29, Terrance Ashe had 2-28 and Marquan Jones had 2-11. Jaron Brown had 2-14 and also had an 18-yard run.

Defensive highlights: Andre Branch intercepted a tipped pass and raced 25 yards for a score. Tig Willard was the top tackler with seven, while Brandon Maye, Coty Sensabaugh and Scotty Cooper all had five apiece. Jonathan Meeks had two tackles for loss. Freshman Tra Thomas had the only fumble recovery.

Special teams: Richard Jackson was 4-4 on field goals attempts, including a pair from 42 yards. Spencer Benton was 3-4 and Chandler Catanzaro made 2-3 with his only miss from 56 yards.

Dabo Swinney said: “It was a better scrimmage than I expected for the first scrimmage. We had a lot of new guys in action in Death Valley for the first time and we did a lot of mix and matching during the scrimmage. We need to perform better in the red-zone on both sides of the ball.

“Defensively, Andre Branch had the big play of the day with an interception return for a touchdown I thought he was a consistent player last year. But, he has become a physical player who is a team leader. Opposing teams will talk about 93 [Da’Quan Bowers], but they better pay attention to number 40 [Branch].

Injured: All-American safety DeAndre McDaniel, who suffered an injury near his tailbone. He was able to walk off the field on his own. I'll try and get an update for you on this today. Freshman running backs D.J. Howard and Demont Buice both missed the scrimmage as they recover from a concussion suffered this past Saturday. Da’Quan Bowers missed the scrimmage as he is home with his family after the sudden death of his father last Sunday.

DUKE

The Blue Devils held their second practice on Tuesday night.

Defensive highlights: Johnny Williams, who moved from receiver this past spring, showed that he is grasping the cornerback position well as he intercepted a deep pass down the sideline during 7-on-7 drills and also made two nice plays to force incompletions during the 1-on-1 period against the receivers.

The defense has emphasized forcing turnovers early in the preseason and came up with three on Tuesday. Along with Williams' interception, junior safety Lee Butler returned an interception for a score off a tipped ball and redshirt junior Charlie Hatcher recovered a fumble. The defense had several other pass breakups on the day, including a couple by sophomore safety Walt Canty.

Offensive highlights: Redshirt freshman wide receiver Tyree Watkins made several big plays, and senior wide receiver Austin Kelly ran two good routes during team drills to provide redshirt sophomore quarterback Sean Renfree with some wide open looks. The offensive line did a good job in both pass and run blocking during the first session of team drills.

MARYLAND

The Terps opened camp on Tuesday in temperatures in the upper-90s, and spent much of the practice working on individual drills to help acclimate 21 newcomers and refresh veterans. Maryland has 24 preseason workouts scheduled.

Ralph Friedgen says: “The kids showed they worked hard over the summer. We’re a little further along in some areas than I thought. I think it got hot out there at the end and they got a little tired, but overall I thought it was a good first day.”

Jamarr Robinson, who proved to be a dangerous dual-threat quarterback while filling in for an injured Chris Turner last year, enters camp atop the depth chart. The Terps also have a pair of talented redshirt freshmen in Danny O’Brien and C.J. Brown, who spent a year learning offensive coordinator James Franklin’s system and look ready to contribute.

“I saw more of a leadership role by Jamarr [today],” said Friedgen. “I thought his fundamentals were better. I thought his reads were better. The guy that kind of showed some improvement was C.J. Brown. I thought he did some things better than he did in the spring. I sat in a meeting with him and to me he was a lot sharper than he has been, so maybe he’s starting to mature a little bit.”

Notable: Avery Murray, who was the listed as the backup at Mike linebacker behind Alex Wujciak, has left the team for personal reasons. Sophomore Ryan Donohue moves up a spot on the depth chart. Redshirt freshman De’Onte Arnett, a reserve defensive tackle, will also miss preseason camp. He was diagnosed with a cyst on his ankle and will be out of action about six weeks. Taylor Watson is the only other member of the two-deep who will not be a part of the 105-man preseason roster. Watson had knee surgery in the spring and is not expected back until next month.

MIAMI

The Canes had a walk-through practice Tuesday morning on the Greentree Practice Fields. They spent just under an hour on the practice fields sharpening up for the first fall scrimmage Wednesday night. After working through positional drills, the team came together and spent the rest of the session in 11-on-11, two-minute drill work.

Defensive highlights: In the two-minute drill, the first-team defense forced a quick three-and-out, and only allowed one score the rest of the session. Among the highlights were a DeMarcus Van Dyke pass breakup, a Marcus Forston quarterback hurry and a Luther Robinson sack.

Offensive highlights: Tight end Chase Ford may have turned in his best showing of camp on Tuesday. Ford caught a first down pass over the middle on a third a long before later scoring the session’s only touchdown on a 40-yard catch-and-run down the right sideline.

Up next: Wednesday’s scrimmage is closed to the public. Following the scrimmage, the team will take its first day off from camp on Thursday before returning to the practice fields for its first two-a-day on Friday.



WAKE FOREST

The Deacs practiced in pads for the first time.

Jim Grobe says: “We didn’t have the greatest practice mentally but it was a good night effort wise. The guys are working real hard, flying around and bumping into each other. We have a lot in right now offensively and defensively and the young guys are a little flustered but at least when they're making mistakes, they’re making them in a hurry.”

On the competition: “We have nine seniors and quite a bit of juniors but some of our most talented guys at spots are freshmen and sophomores. So there is quite a bit of competition right now and there are number of spots were you can feel comfortable at the top of the depth chart one day and be at the bottom of the chart the next. It’s a good position for us because we don’t just have guys that are talented at the top and there’s no one pushing them. We have talent at every position and guys know they have to come out to practice each day and get after it.”

On the quarterbacks: “We have a great group of guys right now at quarterback. I think you get a little concerned if you don’t have any talent back there but we have three or four guys that have enough talent to win. What we’re looking for right now is a guy who makes very few mental mistakes and does not turn the football over. That’s going to be the key. The flashiest guys, the fastest guy, the guy with the best arm may not end up being our quarterback. It’s going to be the guy that doesn’t get us beat. The guy that takes care of the ball the best and makes the fewest mental mistakes is probably going to be the guy.”

Up next: The Deacons continue to practice this week as they prepare for their first intra-squad scrimmage on Saturday at 2 p.m. at BB&T Field. The team will practice again Wednesday evening from 8-10 p.m. at the Doc Martin Practice Complex on campus.

MARYLAND

2009 overall record: 2-10

2009 conference record: 1-7

Returning starters

Offense: 7, defense: 5, punter/kicker 2

Top returners

WR Torrey Smith, C Paul Pinegar, RB Da’Rel Scott, WR Adrian Cannon, LB Alex Wujciak, LB Demetrius Hartsfield, LB Adrian Moten, P Travis Baltz, CB Cameron Chism

Key losses

LT Bruce Campbell, C Phil Costa, QB Chris Turner, FS Terrell Skinner, CB Anthony Wiseman, SS Jamari McCollough

2009 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Scott* (425 yards)

Passing: Turner (2,069 yds)

Receiving: Smith* (824 yards)

Tackles: Wujciak* (131)

Sacks: Moten* (6)

Interceptions: Chism* (4)

Spring answers

1. Separation at quarterback. Maryland wrapped up spring with Jamarr Robinson as its new quarterback, Danny O’Brien his backup and C.J. Brown No. 3. Robinson made good decisions, threw the ball pretty well and limited his turnovers despite two picks in the spring game. He has a quiet confidence and started to become more of a leader, taking control of the huddle.

2. Growing confidence in the offensive line. The staff feels much better about this group than it did at the start of spring. The lineup isn’t 100 percent settled, but if the Terps played tomorrow, Justin Gilbert would start at left tackle, R.J. Dill at right tackle, Andrew Gonnella at left guard, and Paul Pinegar at center. For the past couple of weeks, Justin Lewis and Bennett Fulper have shared time at right guard. Lamar Young has a chance to work his way into the rotation after missing the spring for offseason shoulder surgery.

3. Potential on the defensive line. Maryland lost three starters to graduation on the defensive line, but found some capable replacements this spring. Defensive tackle Joe Vellano, who missed the first half of 2009 and never quite got back to full speed, was one of the surprises this spring. Coach Ralph Friedgen praised Vellano, but questioned whether or not he can maintain that success on Saturdays this fall. Overall, the staff seemed to settle on Vellano and A.J. Francis at tackle, along with Zachariah Kerr.

Fall questions

1. Depth in the secondary. The Terps will have three new starters, but the safety position remains the biggest concern, enough so that Maryland could turn to a true freshman to help. The staff feels good about safeties Antwine Perez and Kenny Tate, but they need some help behind them and would like to solidify a fourth corner this summer.

2. How will the offensive line hold up? Yes, they made progress this spring, but the group has been a weak link. Part of that can be attributed to inexperience, but it’s an older group this year. Maryland has enough talent at running back to help take some pressure off of Robinson in his first full season as starter, but the offense will only improve as much as the players up front.

3. Will Maryland get back to the postseason? After just one win in conference play, Friedgen’s future at Maryland was in doubt. The pressure is on, but there has been a renewed sense of commitment and determination this offseason. Maryland’s season opener against Navy could set the tone for the whole season.

Being a leader is many things. It's difficult, for one. And necessary for a quarterback.

But it also can be amusing, at least that's what Jamarr Robinson has discovered as he's solidified his standing as Maryland's No. 1 quarterback this spring.

"I find myself yelling at people and then laughing at myself afterwards," said Robinson, who will lead the offense in Saturday's Red-White spring game at Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium.

What's not funny is 2-10, at least if that's your record, as it was the Terrapins' in 2009. It was their worst finish in nine seasons under coach Ralph Friedgen and their worst year since 1997, when they went 2-9 under Ron Vanderlinden.

Of course, that '97 team got beat up just about every week, losing eight games by at least 11 points and two by more than 40 points. Last fall, Maryland found ways to lose. Seven losses came by 11 or fewer points and four by four points or fewer. The Terrapins were good enough to beat Clemson but bad enough to lose to Middle Tennessee at home.

While there were many culprits in 2009 -- youth and injuries are two -- the fundamental problem was a bad offense. And the predominant blame there falls on a line that gave up 36 sacks, which ranked 110th in the nation, and couldn't open holes for the running game, which ranked 105th.

Three starters are back from a unit that must improve -- and probably couldn't get much worse.

"I'm very encouraged by the progress of our offensive line, which was a concern going into spring practice," Friedgen said.

Therein lies reason for hope. If the line holds together, the offense could improve dramatically because there's plenty of skill surrounding Robinson.

There's Da'Rel Scott and Davin Meggett at running back -- "They're going to be a good one-two punch," Friedgen said. There's the return of nine of the top 10 receivers, topped by Torrey Smith, who ranked second in the ACC in receptions with 61 in 2009.

And there's Robinson, who saw significant action last fall, including starting two games when Chris Turner was hurt. He completed 54 percent of his passes for 459 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. He also rushed for 229 yards, 129 of which came against Virginia Tech.

Making his first college start against a rugged Hokies defense wasn't easy, but it should help Robinson in 2010. When he takes the field against Navy on Sept. 6, he won't be nearly as wide-eyed as a quarterback seeing his first playing time.

"It was critical for me going into this season we're about to go into," he said. "Those four games let me know what it's really like to play in a game. If I didn't have it, I'd still have those first-game starting jitters, like I had against Virginia Tech."

His athletic ability should make the offensive line's job easier, but Robinson doesn't want to just be a scrambler. His focus this spring was refining his understanding of the offense and his decision making.

"I have to know where my checkdowns are instead of taking a sack," he said.

Friedgen seemed mostly pleased with all three of his quarterbacks, including Danny O'Brien and C.J. Brown. But Robinson clearly asserted himself.

"Jamarr Robinson has had an excellent spring," Friedgen said. "He has matured. He is playing at a very high level. I've been very pleased with him. Right now, he is the starter."

Robinson said last year's team was young and lacked confidence. No surprise there. Finishing 2-10 will kill a team's confidence. Finishing 2-10 isn't much fun.

The expectation, Robinson said, is things will be a lot more amusing this fall.

"We're going to make a drastic change from what we were last year," he said. "We're a lot better. We're more together."

You have to have a long memory to recall that Maryland’s Ralph Friedgen knows how to coach a running quarterback. As the offensive coordinator at Georgia Tech in the late 1990s, Friedgen developed Joe Hamilton into the 1999 Heisman Trophy runner-up.

The Fridge’s quarterbacks in his nine seasons as head coach at his alma mater have been passers first, foremost and pretty much only. That became a problem last year with a young, beat-up offensive line that gave up 36 sacks. Senior quarterback Chris Turner became a target, especially because the running game (105.8 yards per game) didn’t produce enough to make the defenses respect it.

That’s going to change this season, beginning with spring practice. First of all, Friedgen said last week, all six quarterbacks are more “maneuverable” than Turner. He ran a 5.1 40-yard dash at the Terps’ recent pro day. The six 2010 QBs all run 4.8 or faster.

Second, and more importantly, is the way that junior Jamarr Robinson has shown his grasp of the offense in the Terps’ first three practices. Robinson, who started two games at the end of last season after an injury to Turner, finished third in rushing with 229 yards, even though he played in only seven games. At Florida State, his second career start, Robinson completed 20 of 27 passes for 214 yards, with a touchdown and no interceptions, in a 29-26 loss.

“He brings the ability to make plays with his feet,” head coach-in-waiting James Franklin said. “From here on out, that’s what all of our quarterbacks will be able to do. Our quarterbacks will always be a thrower first. [But] he has to have the ability to take a negative-yardage play and turn it into a positive.”

That sounds like a little thing. But when you finish 2-10 with four losses by four points or fewer, the little things mean a lot.

A few former Terps will audition today for NFL scouts at Maryland's pro timing day, which will be held at the Gossett Team House, Cole Field House and the outdoor practice facility.

Among those expected to work out are OL Bruce Campbell, DB Nolan Carroll, DL Jared Harrell, DL Travis Ivey, RB Cory Jackson, DB Terrell Skinner, QB Chris Turner and DB Anthony Wiseman.

The players will be tested in several drills, including the vertical jump, broad jump, bench press, 60-yard shuttle and 40-yard dash. Campbell has already made a splash with his freakish physique recently at the NFL combine. Jackson and Skinner played in the Under Armour Senior Bowl, and Ivey took part in the Texas vs. the Nation game. Carroll also participated in the NFL combine in Indianapolis.

It's not like Maryland is poised to win the Atlantic Division in 2010, but it's reasonable for Terps fans to expect a bowl game this year.

No, really, it's not a stretch.

Despite a 2-10 finish in 2009, here are three good reasons Maryland will be bowl eligible this season:

• Motivation. This is the prime factor. The players, staff and administration were all embarrassed by last season, and everyone has been working hard to ensure it doesn't happen again. Coach Ralph Friedgen should be feeling some pressure from athletic director Debbie Yow, as he's already been given one free pass.
• Maturation of younger players. Maryland returns 27 players who have started at least one game, and that includes the top six rushing leaders and nine of the top 10 receivers. Overall, 32 of 44 players return from the season-ending two-deep depth chart. The talent and depth should help ease some pressure off of a new full-time starting quarterback. Jamarr Robinson starts the spring as the No. 1 signal-caller, but regardless of who winds up with the job, he will bring more athleticism to the position than Chris Turner did. That could help offensive coordinator James Franklin expand his playbook.
• Second season under defensive coordinator Don Brown. The Terps like what Brown brought to College Park, and it should be even more effective now that they've had a year to adjust to his style. Maryland only returns five starters on defense, but eight of the top 10 tacklers are back. The linebackers should be the strength of the group.

Here's a breakdown of three issues facing each program heading into the spring:

BOSTON COLLEGE

Spring practice starts: March 18

Spring game: April 24

What to watch:

• How linebacker Mark Herzlich progresses. Herzlich, who was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma cancer last May, has been going through winter conditioning with his teammates, and he plans on participating in spring drills. How quickly he regains his form will be worth watching, as he and sophomore Luke Kuechly could give the Eagles one of the most formidable linebacking corps.

• The quarterback battle. After one season, Dave Shinskie has the most experience on the roster, but he’ll get some competition from Josh Bordner and Chase Rettig, two early enrollees. There were times last season when Shinskie looked like the future of the position and there were others when he looked like any other freshman.

• Defensive linemen. For the second straight year, BC is looking for some stability up front. The Eagles have to replace left tackle Austin Giles and defensive end Jim Ramella. They return Kaleb Ramsey, Giles’ backup, and Brad Newman, Ramella’s reserve, but some young faces are likely to be seen in the rotation.

CLEMSON

Spring practice starts: March 7

Spring game: April 10

What to watch:

• Life without C.J. Spiller officially begins. The backs behind him had a pretty good year, so there’s no need for full panic mode. Jamie Harper and Andre Ellington actually combined for a higher yards per carry average (6.1 to 5.6 yards). Clemson will also be looking to replace Spiller’s lost kickoff return yardage. The Tigers had a 13-yard advantage in average starting field position, as their start was their own 37-yard line compared to opponents’ 24-yard line. Ellington is a candidate in the return game.

• Kyle Parker’s batting average. No, really. How well Parker does this spring with the baseball team will help determine whether he remains Clemson’s quarterback or turns to the MLB draft. He didn’t have a great 2009 season, but he was still the fastest player to 25 home runs in school history. It remains to be seen this spring if he’ll become a high enough draft choice to give up college football.

• Secondary shuffling. It seems like eons ago since Crezdon Butler and Chris Chancellor weren’t the Tigers’ starting corners, as Butler started 40 straight games and Chancellor started 42. Butler finished his career second in school history in interception return yards. Now it’s time for a new duo. Will Marcus Gilchrist move to corner, which he’s capable of doing? Might Rashard Hall move to safety with DeAndre McDaniel?

DUKE

Spring practice starts: Feb. 14

Spring game: March 27

What to watch:

• Quarterback competition. Somebody has to take over for the graduated Thaddeus Lewis, but his backup – Sean Renfree – will miss the spring with a torn ACL. Redshirt freshman Sean Schroeder should be heavily in the mix to be the starter, pending Renfree’s recovery.

• Defensive line makeover. It’s wide open. Charlie Hatcher is entrenched at nose guard, but it’s really anyone’s game. The staff might move redshirt senior Wesley Oglesby, who played the majority of his career at defensive end, inside. Other options are defensive tackle Sydney Sarmiento, a redshirt freshman, and Curtis Hazelton, who played sparingly last season.

• Johnny Williams’ move from wide receiver to cornerback. He had 31 catches in 2009 – the fourth-best on the team. Now they need his help in the defensive backfield. Duke will lose starter Leon Wright and his 10 career interceptions, and the pass defense, which allowed 215.75 yards per game, could use a boost.

FLORIDA STATE

Spring practice starts: March 16

Spring game: April 10

What to watch:

• Christian Ponder’s return from shoulder surgery. Ponder is expected to practice this spring, though it could be on a limited basis, at least early. He’s ahead of schedule, but the coaches won’t subject him to any risks now. Yes, E.J. Manuel is talented and played well at the end of the season, but make no mistake – Ponder is FSU’s starter and a potential Heisman Trophy candidate.

• The defense under first-year coordinator Mark Stoops. His secondary, in particular, will be interesting to watch, as will how quickly he can help the front seven generate a pass rush and plug the middle. Stoops has been a secondary coach, and the Noles lost three starters there. The fourth, Ochuko Jenije, could be pushed to retain his job.

• New faces, new opportunities. In addition to the fab freshmen who are coming in, FSU has a handful of unfamiliar players already on the roster who played sparingly or not at all. We'll see how they fit in this spring. RS-So DT Anthony McCloud and RS-So RB Debrale Smiley are both junior college transfers and former teammates. Physically, freshman linebacker Jeff Luc is already a man, but how quickly can he mature on the field? Two young wide receivers worth watching are Rodney Smith and Willie Haulstead.

GEORGIA TECH

Spring practice starts: March 29

Spring game: April 24

What to watch:

• The defensive transformation. The Jackets will switch from the 4-3 to the 3-4 under first-year coordinator Al Groh. In addition to learning the new scheme, the staff has to figure out who goes where. Linebackers might play defensive end and vice versa, safeties might play outside linebacker. It’s anyone’s guess as to how this team lines up in the spring.

• The replacements. From Georgia Tech’s coaching staff to the new faces who will be tasked with filling in for the Fab Four -- Jonathan Dwyer, Derrick Morgan, Morgan Burnett and Demaryius Thomas -- the Jackets will need some “Hello My Name Is” tags this spring.

• The offensive line. Three offensive linemen redshirted who could start, and Georgia Tech might need them to, especially if guard Joseph Gilbert decides to transfer to pursue his MBA. The Jackets lose two starters on the offensive line, and Gilbert, who graduates this spring, would be a third if he leaves. Center Sean Bedford and tackle Austin Barrick return as seniors.

MARYLAND

Spring practice starts: March 23

Spring game: April 24

What to watch:

• The quarterback competition. Chris Turner has graduated, leaving Jamarr Robinson the top option going into the spring, but he has limited experience. The staff liked what he did when Turner was injured, but Danny O’Brien, Miami (Ohio) transfer Clay Belton and C.J. Brown will all be given an opportunity. Look for O’Brien to start the spring at No. 2 on the depth chart.

• Cornerback: Cameron Chism is the only returning starter in the secondary, but right now the staff has fewer concerns about the safeties. Maryland will have to find some bodies at corner, and Dexter McDougle, who redshirted as a true freshman last year, is one option. Michael Carter and Trenton Hughes, who was the third corner last year, are also among a handful of candidates.

• The offensive line. Losing Bruce Campbell to the NFL hurt, but the Terps also lost starter Phil Costa. Justin Gilbert, a redshirt sophomore, could inherit Campbell’s job. And there’s always Mr. Versatility -- Paul Pinegar. He has helped the Terps at both tackle spots and left guard, and this spring he’ll likely be given a shot at center.

MIAMI

Spring practice starts: Feb. 23

Spring game: March 27 (tentative)

What to watch:

• Tight end/offensive line: Jimmy Graham is gone, and the Canes don’t return any tight ends with any experience other than Richard Gordon, who was injured the majority of last season. Miami signed four tight ends in this recruiting class, but none of them were early enrollees. Miami has to replace three starters up front, including both tackles and the center.

• How the two young quarterbacks perform: The health of Jacory Harris was precious last year, as he had nobody behind him with any experience after the transfers of Taylor Cook and Cannon Smith. The depth has improved a bit with A.J. Highsmith, who played sparingly last year, and Stephen Morris, one of the early enrollees.

• Upgrade on the d-line? Progress up front began with the hire of Rick Petri as defensive line coach, and it’s up to Petri to help the Canes become better pass rushers. Miami will depend upon its two mainstays -- Allen Bailey and Josh Holmes. The right end position was a group effort last year, and Miami has to replace Joe Joseph and Eric Moncur.

NORTH CAROLINA

Spring practice starts: March 15

Spring game: April 10

What to watch:

• Quarterback T.J. Yates. It’s his job to lose, and the coaching staff still has confidence in him, but Bryn Renner is waiting in the wings, and Braden Hanson will also be given an opportunity. The staff is looking for the offense to improve its passing efficiency and cut down on turnovers.

• The offensive line. It was a patchwork effort in 2009, thanks to injuries and inexperience, and will be a major key in how much UNC improves offensively this year. The Heels have to replace two starters, and Jonathan Cooper is likely to move from guard to center, and right guard Alan Pelc will miss spring drills while recovering from shoulder surgery.

• Defensive line tweaks. There aren’t many questions on a defense that should be one of the best in the country, but somebody has to replace Cam Thomas and defensive end E.J. Wilson. Tydreke Powell is the frontrunner to take over at defensive tackle and Quinton Coples at defensive end. Both were backups last year at their respective positions.

NC STATE

Spring practice starts: March 9

Spring game: April 17

What to watch:

• Backup quarterback Mike Glennon. Russell Wilson is the starter, but he’s going to be playing baseball all spring. Keep an eye on his backup to see if Glennon can make it any more of a competition in Wilson’s absence.

• Chris Ward at punter. No, it’s not usually, the highlight of the spring, but in this case, it’s necessary. Ward is it -- he’s their only option right now, and it’s a position the Pack struggled with last year. Ward was expected to be the starter last season, but he was inconsistent. He’s definitely got the talent to be the guy.

• The recovery of linebacker Nate Irving. After being severely injured in a one-car crash last summer, Irving is hopeful he can go through spring drills. He has been lifting with the team and running with the sports medicine staff, but it’s still uncertain how limited his contact will be.

VIRGINIA

Spring practice starts: March 15

Spring game: April 10

What to watch:

• Quarterback competition. Marc Verica is the only one with any experience, and first-year offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Bill Lazor hasn’t been in Charlottesville long enough to evaluate any of the candidates. That’s what the spring is for, and true freshman Michael Strauss is the lone incoming quarterback on campus, so he’ll have a head start on the playbook. Of the four quarterbacks Virginia signed in this year’s class, Strauss is the only one listed as a true quarterback. The Cavs also have Ross Metheny, who redshirted last year, and Riko Smalls, who redshirted in ‘08 and was No. 2 on the depth chart when Verica was out with a concussion.

• Coaching transition. First-year coach Mike London has hired almost an entirely new staff, and they’ll bring changes in philosophy and scheme. London has said he wants to get the defense back to the traditional 4-3, and revert to the tradition of featuring the tight ends, offensive linemen and running backs.

• Running back. The Cavs will have the help up front, but they need to replace their four leading rushers in Mikell Simpson, Rashawn Jackson, Vic Hall and Jameel Sewell. The staff will look at true freshman Kevin Parks, but also have Torrey Mack and Dominique Wallace, who had just seemed to be coming on at Southern Miss when he was injured and missed the rest of the season.

VIRGINIA TECH

Spring practice starts: March 31

Spring game: April 24

What to watch:

• Revamped defensive line. The Hokies have to replace three of four starters up front. The only defensive ends with significant playing time are Chris Drager, who the staff wanted to move back to tight end, and Steven Friday. Redshirt freshmen will be given a chance – Duan Perez-Means, Tyrel Wilson, James Gayle and J.R. Collins – but they’ve never played. Isaiah Hamlette is the only other end who’s played and that was a skinny minute. At defensive tackle, Antoine Hopkins will be the frontrunner to replace Cordarrow Thompson.

• Darren Evans’ comeback. Evans, the team’s leading rusher in 2008, is working his way back from a season-ending ACL injury, and one of the biggest questions in Blacksburg is how the staff will divide the carries in such a talented backfield that includes Ryan Williams. With two returning 1,000-yard rushers, will David Wilson decide to redshirt? The spring will help him in that decision.

• The evolution of Tyrod Taylor. He’s going to be a senior, and with so many questions on defense heading into the season, the offense will be leading the way. This should be a breakout year for Taylor, who by now should have mastered the offense and should consistently be a passing threat to compliment his running abilities.

WAKE FOREST

Spring practice starts: March 16

Spring game: April 17

What to watch:

• The quarterback competition. It’s the most glaring hole the Deacs have to fill this spring, as they’re tasked with replacing the winningest quarterback in school history, Riley Skinner, and his backup, Ryan McManus. Redshirt sophomores Ted Stachitas and Skylar Jones, and sophomore Brendan Cross, will compete with rookie Tanner Price for the top spot.

• Offensive line. The Deacs will take a huge hit here, as seven players in the two-deep depth chart were redshirt seniors, including all four tackles. Three starters have to be replaced.

• The interior defensive line. Nose guard Boo Robinson and John Russell have graduated, and Russell’s backup, Michael Lockett, was also a redshirt senior. The Deacs are in good shape at the ends, but will need some help inside.

I know, I know, we have the Army-Navy game, but ...

• Georgia Tech's defense has shut out its critics, but there are a few legitimate reasons for the group's struggles this year.
• North Carolina could have put itself in a better postseason position than going back to the Meineke Car Care Bowl for the second straight year, but it could have been worse, which is why no one is complaining.
• Maryland quarterback Chris Turner is ready to move on, but he'll do so leaving his name scattered about the record books.
• The State handed out a few awards to Clemson.
• Tennessee assistant Eddie Gran, who will join Jimbo Fisher's staff, has already received one rave review. Despite the succession plan, a staff overhaul was unavoidable for Fisher.
• Miami left tackle Jason Fox is expected to play in the Champs Sports Bowl after missing the season finale with an undisclosed illness.
• Virginia Tech expects to sell out its allotment of tickets for the Chick-fil-A Bowl by early next week.
• NC State coach Tom O'Brien sounds optimistic his star quarterback will return in 2010.

Hints of a disappointing season were revealed early when the Terps needed overtime to beat James Madison and lost for the second straight year to Middle Tennessee -- this time at home. After a still inexplicable 24-21 win over ACC-runner up Clemson, Maryland finished the season with seven straight losses and coach Ralph Friedgen’s future was in limbo.

As the losses increased, attendance decreased. According to the Washington Times, Maryland's average home crowd was 44,452, the lowest since Friedgen's first season, and Maryland's ticket revenue fell $600,000. Maryland’s 2-10 finish was the worst in Friedgen’s tenure, and he has gone 35-38 in the past six seasons. Still, athletic director Debbie Yow decided to retain Friedgen for both financial reasons and because she said she thinks he is capable of filling the seats again and a winning season in 2010.

Maryland's struggles on the offensive the line were the heart of its problems this year, as the Terps ranked 110th in the country in sacks allowed, with three per game. Quarterback Chris Turner was eventually sidelined with an injury, and Maryland finished with the nation's 105th rushing offense. The Terps finished 103rd in the nation in total offense, and 99th in scoring offense. It didn't help that leading rusher Da'Rel Scott missed most of the season with a wrist injury.

Offensive MVP: Torrey Smith. He led the Terps in receptions (61), receiving yards (824) and touchdowns (5). He also broke his own ACC single-season kickoff return yards mark (1,309) and smashed the Maryland single-season all-purpose yards record (2,192). Smith is already fifth in school history in career all-purpose yards (3,617).

Defensive MVP: Alex Wujciak. Wujciak is currently second in the ACC and eighth nationally in tackles (10.9 per game). He racked up 131 tackles to become the first Maryland defender to post more than 125 stops (133 in 2008) in back-to-back years since E.J. Henderson in ’01 and ‘02. He also made double-digit tackles in 17 of his last 22 games and set the Maryland single-season interception return yards record (152) this year.

Turning point: The injury to Nolan Carroll in the second game against James Madison had a lasting impact on a defense in transition under first-year coordinator Don Brown. Not that Carroll was going to change 2-10 to 10-2, but he was by far the Terps' best cover corner, which is key in Brown’s attacking system. Instead of playing mostly press man, Maryland ended up playing a lot of zone.

What’s next: Friedgen still hasn’t announced any staff changes, but after a two-win season, some changes need to be made. The top priority right now should be in recruiting, where the Terps have fallen short, particularly on both the offensive and defensive lines. They also need to rebuild the depth at quarterback.

The toughest game to pick this week will be UNC at BC ...

• Nobody -- not even Kendric Burney -- knew that when Burney gave up baseball to play football at UNC he would end up leading the Tar Heels in interceptions.
• It's an unfamiliar situation for Duke as the Blue Devils head into Miami on Saturday -- it's a must-win situation if Duke is going to go to a bowl game, and they'll face "skill, skill, skill."
• Georgia Tech could be without its starting center for the regular-season finale against Georgia.
• Maryland quarterback Chris Turner will miss his second straight game, but the Terps could get running back Da'Rel Scott back against Florida State.
• Miami could also get two key injured players back in Sean Spence and Ray Ray Armstrong.
• Clemson can't afford to overlook Virginia, especially since the Tigers haven't seen anything like this 3-4 defense yet.
• If Virginia wanted to fire Al Groh, it has the money for the buyout. How did Virginia's program unravel? Longtime Virginia writer Jerry Ratcliffe has some theories.
• NC State quarterback Russell Wilson will return to his home state and play in Lane Stadium for the first time.
• Duke's quarterback situation took a hit when backup Sean Renfree went down with a torn ACL against Georgia Tech. Can Thad Lewis, who is also banged up, stick it out the rest of the season?
• Andrew Carter of the Orlando Sentinel has a few more bowl predictions for you.
• Bobby Bowden wants to stay another year, but he might not have the choice.

Despite the numerous close games in the conference through the first 10 weeks, this Saturday has been different in the ACC. The teams that are supposed to win are winning -- Clemson and Georgia Tech.

Not even the slightest hints of upsets in Durham and Raleigh. The ACC, believe it or not, is following the script. Both the Jackets and Tigers hold comfortable leads heading into the fourth quarter and seem destined for Tampa, but don't forget, in order for Clemson to clinch the Atlantic, Boston College has to lose to Virginia today.

Virginia Tech is leading Maryland 27-3 heading into the half, and the Terps' offense -- which is without starting quarterbach Chris Turner -- is going nowhere under the direction of backup Jamarr Robinson. They've been held to under 100 yards each in passing and rushing so far. Tyrod Taylor has already thrown three touchdown passes, and Ryan Williams has added another.

The lone surprise has been in Winston-Salem, where Florida State leads Wake Forest 34-21. It's not like Wake Forest isn't moving the ball. In fact, they've done well at a balanced game plan. But Florida State has done better, and they've done it with Christian Ponder on the sideline. There's always at least one unpredictable performance in the ACC, and so far, the Noles' 20-point lead is it.

UNC tailback Ryan Houston's goal for Saturday’s game against Miami is simple:

“I don’t want to mess up,” he said. “I don’t want it to be the running backs’ fault, or us being the reason we’re not picking up yards, because of the running game. I don’t want to see a drop-off in the running game. I just want to keep it up.”

Houston, who will receive the bulk of carries instead of injured leading rusher Shaun Draughn, is one of several backups who will be relied upon heavily this weekend in the ACC. At Maryland, backup quarterback Jamarr Robinson will play at the expense of injured starter Chris Turner, and Florida State rookie quarterback E.J. Manuel will be making his first career start in place of Christian Ponder. Both Draughn and Ponder suffered season-ending injuries last week, and Turner is listed as doubtful for Saturday’s game against Virginia Tech with a knee injury.

While the Terps have begun to shift their focus to the future, both Florida State and North Carolina are still playing for bowl eligibility. They’ll need some help, though, from Houston and Manuel.

Houston will face the No. 4 rushing defense in the ACC in Miami, which is holding opponents to 122.9 rushing yards per game. UNC coach Butch Davis said it will be tough to replace Draughn, but the staff has since moved Anthony Elzy to tailback to help with depth.

“It’s certainly not an enviable task,” Davis said. “Shaun, obviously, throughout the course of the middle part of the season has really done a nice job. It gave us a good duo of having two guys that could stay fresh in the ball game. It’ll be a challenge to try to find someone who can come in and deliver, not only the playing time, but to offset Ryan’s production and contribution to the game. Like any of the other unfortunate things that have happened to us as far as injuries, it’s something that’s happened and we’re going to have to deal with it and we’re going to have to find something to compensate for it.”

Houston is an experienced, proven back who had been used mostly in short-yardage situations, but the rookie quarterbacks are untested. Both Robinson and Manuel played sparingly last week when their starters went down, but it will be up to the offensive coordinators at each school to help them manage the game without overwhelming them.

"[Jamarr's] always had a little bit different package because he's more mobile,” Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen said. “He's got to be able to throw the ball as well as run. … We don't have any less plans to throw it with Jamarr than we would with Chris.”

FSU coach Bobby Bowden said Manuel looked “pretty good” taking the reps with the first-team offense this week, but a different type of improvement is needed in game situations.

“[Fisher] will have to feed him what he can handle,” Bowden said. “I am sure he isn't going to be able to feed him the whole package like he could with Ponder, but he will feed him as much as he can handle and go from there, and the other quarterback the same thing.”

Bowden said Manuel “hasn’t been under fire” yet, and that he “doesn’t have it down as good as Ponder yet.” That’s to be expected, though, considering Manuel’s lack of experience. That will start to change on Saturday, though, against Wake Forest.

It's Friday the 13th ...

• There's something special about Virginia Tech running back Ryan Williams, and it starts with how much he loves the game. One of his worst moments on the field has since brought out the best in him.
• Maryland quarterback Chris Turner's status has been downgraded to doubtful. Coach Ralph Friedgen will play whomever he needs to, though, to win. And that includes burning the redshirt of Danny O'Brien with just three games remaining.
• In the classroom and on the field, 25-year-old BC quarterback Dave Shinskie still feels like a freshman. That's because he is.
• Here's a notion Clemson fans might not want to think about just yet: 19 more days in the regular season with C.J. Spiller. Not that Dabo Swinney is counting (he is).
• Don't laugh, Georgia Tech fans. Derrick Morgan could be next.
• Former Florida State quarterback Marcus Outzen can empathize with E.J. Manuel. They took almost the same path to the starting job.
• Miami needs Georgia Tech to lose on Saturday, but coach Randy Shannon is keeping his eyes on the road ahead of him.
• Duke's problems in the running game start up front, and it doesn't seem to matter which scheme the Blue Devils are using.
• Miami's revival has been overshadowed by the other storylines in the state of Florida this year.
• Florida State coach Bobby Bowden talked to the Orlando Sentinel's Andrew Carter about his postgame forgetfulness following the Clemson loss.

Jameel Sewell, Marc Verica, Chris Turner, Christian Ponder and Thaddeus Lewis are all on this list. Not a good week for ACC quarterbacks. Duke will need everyone healthy in order to beat Georgia Tech, and while several key offensive players are listed as probable, they're still listed:

BOSTON COLLEGE

OUT FOR SEASON

LB Mark Herzlich (illness)

FOR VIRGINIA GAME

RB Rolandan Finch (illness) - OUT

DE Alex Albright (ankle) – DOUBTFUL

LS Jack Geiser (foot) – DOUBTFUL

WR Billy Flutie (head) - PROBABLE

OT Rich Lapham (shoulder) - PROBABLE

LB Mike McLaughlin (leg) - PROBABLE

CLEMSON

Out

DaQuan Bowers, DE, knee

Probable

Coty Sensabaugh, CB, toe

Cleared to play

Kantrell Brown, DB, concussion

DUKE

QB Thaddeus Lewis (leg) -- Probable

LB Damian Thornton (neck) -- Probable

WR Donovan Varner (knee) -- Probable

WR Conner Vernon (head) -- Probable

WR Johnny Williams (knee) -- Probable

LB Abraham Kromah (leg) -- Questionable

OG Mitchell Lederman (foot) -- Questionable

LB Vincent Rey (leg) -- Questionable

K Will Snyderwine (leg) -- Questionable

DT Vince Oghobaase (leg) -- Doubtful

RB Kyle Griswould (leg) -- OUT FOR SEASON

WR Tyree Watkins (leg) -- OUT FOR SEASON

S Anthony Young-Wiseman (knee) -- OUT FOR SEASON

FLORIDA STATE

Out

76 OT Garrett Faircloth (hip)

70 OT Antwane Greenlee (knee)

51 LB Aaron Gresham (knee)

44 LB Maurice Harris (neck)*

97 DT Demonte McAllister (knee)

94 DT Justin Mincey (knee)

81 TE Caz Piurowski (knee)*

7 QB Christian Ponder (shoulder)*

74 OT John Prior (knee)

27 CB Xavier Rhodes (thumb)

11 LB Vince Williams (back)

Questionable

28 CB Dionte Allen (thumb)

9 WR Richard Goodman (groin)

Probable

89 WR Louis Givens (hand)

72 DT Budd Thacker (knee)

* - out for the season

GEORGIA TECH

Out

Austin Barrick, r-Jr., OT (heel)

Kevin Cone, r-Jr., WR (ankle)

Robert Hall, r-Jr., DE (knee)

Out For Season

Kyle Jackson, r-So., LB (foot)

Cooper Taylor, So., S (undisclosed)

MARYLAND

Out for season:

Tyler Bowen (foot)

Nolan Carroll (leg)

Bennett Fulper (shoulder)

Isaiah Ross (knee)

Out:

Da’Rel Scott (wrist)

Doubtful

Chris Turner (knee)

Questionable

Ronnie Tyler (upper body)

Austin Walker (lower body)

Probable

Demetrius Hartsfield (hand)

MIAMI

Probable

DL Eric Moncur – Lower Extremity

DB DeMarcus Van Dyke – Lower Extremity

Out

DB Ray-Ray Armstrong – Lower Extremity

FB Patrick Hill – Lower Extremity

DB JoJo Nicolas – Upper Extremity

LB Sean Spence – Lower Extremity

Surgery and Out for the Season

DL Dyron Dye – Lower Extremity

DL Marcus Forston – Lower Extremity

LB Jordan Futch – Lower Extremity

TE Richard Gordon – Upper Extremity

LB Shayon Green – Lower Extremity

DE Gavin Hardin – Upper Extremity

DB Ryan Hill – Upper Extremity

DE Adewale Ojomo – Jaw

NORTH CAROLINA

Out

Joshua Adams WR Shoulder

AJ Blue RB/QB Knee

David Collins OT Foot

Shaun Draughn TB Shoulder

Carl Gaskins OT Knee

Matt Merletti S Knee

Trevor Stuart DS Knee

Ryan Taylor TE Knee

Jamal Womble TB Wrist

Questionable

Brennan Williams OT Wrist

Probable

Cam Holland C Shoulder

NC STATE

OUT FOR SEASON

Mario Carter, TE - knee

Ryan Cheek, LB - hip

Denzelle Good, OL – shoulder

T.J. Graham, WR – stress fracture/leg

Nate Irving, LB - leg

Colby Jackson, FB - knee

R.J. Mattes, OG - knee

Everett Proctor, QB – shoulder

Jeff Rieskamp, DE – sports hernia

Rashard Smith, CB - knee

Javon Walker, S – knee

James Washington, HB - knee

PROBABLE

Ray Michel, LB - ankle

VIRGINIA

Out

Raynard Horne (back)

Quintin Hunter (ankle)

Questionable

Darren Childs (neck)

Jameel Sewell (shoulder)

Marc Verica (head)

Probable

Javaris Brown (ankle)

Aaron Clark (knee)

Matt Conrath (ankle)

Colte Phillips (leg)

VIRGINIA TECH

Out for Season

Darren Evans (ACL)

Doubtful

Beau Warren (knee)

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

No Thursday night ACC game? No possibility of an erroneous pick.

• Georgia Tech linebacker Cedric Griffin has a lot more on his mind than just clinching the Coastal Division this weekend. The women in his life have a little something to do with that.
• Boston College has accomplished a lot of things this year, but winning road games isn't one of them. In retrospect, though, it's played at Clemson, at Virginia Tech and at Notre Dame. Not exactly the friendliest trips.
• Don't be so "hyper-sensitive." Clemson's Andre Branch was just playing football against FSU. ACC and school officials have dismissed anymore eye-gouging theories.
• Virginia's numbers don't lie, and they reflect how the Cavaliers are ranked in the standings -- near the bottom.
• Duke coach David Cutcliffe is a realist. That's why he's throwing the ball a lot more instead of forcing the run. Go with what works.
• DeAndre McDaniel might have been overlooked for the Jim Thorpe Award, but Miami's Brandon Harris was not.
• Bobby Bowden's befuddling postgame transcript has made its way through various media outlets, and it's uncomfortable to read.
• Virginia Tech running backs coach Billy Hite was reminded this week of the wonderful problem he'll have next year when Darren Evans put his uniform on again.
• Regardless of Maryland quarterback Chris Turner's health on Saturday against Virginia Tech, coach Ralph Friedgen seems prepared to test his depth at quarterback.
• Wake Forest is just trying to stay afloat right now.