ESPN College Football

2010 overall record: 9-4

2010 conference record: 5-3

Returning starters

Offense: 7, defense: 7, punter/kicker 0

Top returners

QB Danny O’Brien, RB Davin Meggett, WR Kerry Boykins, WR Kevin Dorsey, DT Joe Vellano, LB Kenny Tate, LB Demetrius Hartsfield, DT A.J. Francis, CB Cameron Chism

Key losses

WR Torrey Smith, WR Adrian Cannon, RB Da’Rel Scott, LB Alex Wujciak, LB Adrian Moten, SS Antwine Perez, P/PK Travis Baltz

2010 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Meggett* (720 yards)

Passing: O’Brien* (2,438 yds)

Receiving: Smith (1,055 yds)

Tackles: Wujciak (117)

Sacks: Tate* (3.5)

Interceptions: Moten (4)

Spring answers

1. Receivers answering the call. Maryland lost its top two receivers from 2010, but three emerged as potential go-to players this spring. Ronnie Tyler, Kerry Boykins and Kevin Dorsey were the lead candidates to become O’Brien’s favorite target this fall, and Quintin McCree, who has missed the Tuesday and Thursday practices for study hall, is the leading returner with 16 catches. None of them have been in a starting role before, but all of them proved to be capable hands this spring.

2. A 'general' consensus. Some players within the program have nicknamed first-year coach Randy Edsall "the general" for his strict rules and high expectations, but they seem to have bought in. Overall, the team has adjusted well to the staff changes and embraced the new regime, its style, schemes and philosophies. Edsall has banned hats, earrings and do-rags in the football building, and facial hair must be neatly trimmed.

3. Kenny Tate’s move a good one. The biggest position change of the spring was Tate from safety to linebacker, and Tate showed this spring it was a good move -- especially following the departures of veterans Adrian Moten and Alex Wujciak. Tate adjusted well to the “star” position, a cross between strong safety and outside linebacker. The move also indicated the staff is confident in Eric Franklin and Matt Robinson as the starting safeties.

Fall questions

1. What will this team’s identity be? The players spent this spring learning new schemes and terminology, much of which has been kept under wraps by Edsall. O’Brien has said the offense will be more up-tempo, and has made every effort to study and learn the system this spring, but executing it in games remains a question. The defense also made a transition under first-year coordinator Todd Bradford.

2. Can the offensive line stay healthy? It’s been an injury-prone group the past two seasons and this spring wasn’t much different. Left tackle Justin Gilbert, one of the top linemen on the team, reinjured the same knee he had ACL surgery on and will be out until October. R.J. Dill was also injured this spring, though he played in the spring game, and Justin Lewis was rehabbing from offseason surgery. Pete White also missed practices, so the group needs to solidify the two-deep roster.

3. Who will be the starting fullback? Taylor Watson decided this spring to graduate and leave the team, leaving Rahsaan Moore and Haroon Brown as the lead candidates. True freshman Tyler Cierski, rated the No. 2 fullback in his class by ESPN Recruiting, should add to the competition this summer.

There's a reason he was named the ACC's 2010 Rookie of the Year.

Maryland quarterback Danny O'Brien threw two touchdown passes to Ronnie Tyler, including a 65-yarder on the first play from scrimmage, leading the Red team past the White, 35-7, on Saturday in the annual Maryland Red-White Spring Game on Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium.

O’Brien completed 16 of 23 passes for 199 yards. He also had a 27-yard touchdown pass to Tyler in the fourth quarter, capping a 12-play, 81-yard drive that was the final touchdown of the game.

While it was an encouraging performance, Maryland fans should remember O'Brien wasn't exactly facing Clemson's defense.

“The thing is, you’ve got to remember we didn’t let them do anything,” first-year coach Randy Edsall said, according to the team's scrimmage report. “We just basically played a couple of coverages and really one front the whole time. We had no movement (on the defensive line).”

Then again, the offense wasn't revealing anything, either.

"We really watered down our offense and only ran about half the playbook," O'Brien said. "We were focused on executing it. I think we did that. We didn't want to stall like we did after the first four drives, but overall we started off great. Over the summer we need to focus on getting some things polished up and be ready for Miami."

MARYLAND NFL DRAFT NOTES

• Former Maryland running back Da'Rel Scott was selected with 18th choice in the seventh round (221 overall) of the NFL draft by the New York Giants, and Torrey Smith was chosen by the Baltimore Ravens in the second round.
• The Terps have had at least two players selected in seven of the past eight NFL drafts and eight of the past 10.
• Scott was the first Maryland running back taken in the draft since Bruce Perry in 2004 (seventh round to Philadelphia Eagles).
• Smith was the second Terp selected in the top two rounds over the past three seasons (Darrius Heyward-Bey, seventh overall in 2009 by Oakland).
• Over the past nine NFL drafts, there have been seven Maryland players selected in the top two rounds.

ACC Players Taken in the NFL Draft

1 12 Christian Ponder, Florida State, QB Vikings
1 14 Robert Quinn, North Carolina, DE Rams
1 22 Anthony Castonzo, Boston College, T Colts
2 33 Ras-I Dowling, Virginia, CB Patriots
2 38 Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech, RB Cardinals
2 40 Bruce Carter, North Carolina, LB Cowboys
2 41 Jarvis Jenkins, Clemson, DT Redskins
2 46 Orlando Franklin, Miami, OL Broncos
2 50 Marcus Gilchrist, Clemson, CB Chargers
2 51 Da’ Quan Bowers, Clemson, DE Buccaneers
2 52 Marvin Austin, North Carolina, DT Giants
2 55 Rodney Hudson, Florida State, C-G Chiefs
2 58 Torrey Smith, Maryland, WR Ravens
2 59 Greg Little, North Carolina, WR Browns
2 60 Brandon Harris, Miami, CB Texans
3 67 Nate Irving, NC State, LB Broncos
3 79 Leonard Hankerson, Miami, WR Redskins
3 81 DeMarcus Van Dyke, Miami, CB Raiders
3 86 Allen Bailey, Miami, DE Chiefs
4 100 Da’Norris Searcy, North Carolina, S Bills
4 109 Colin McCarthy, Miami, ILB Titans
4 122 Chris Hairston, Clemson, T Bills
4 127 Rashad Carmichael, Virginia Tech, CB Texans
4 130 Jamie Harper, Clemson, RB Titans
5 133 Johnny White, North Carolina, RB Bills
5 152 T.J. Yates, North Carolina, QB Texans
6 171 Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina, LB Cardinals
6 173 Byron Maxwell, Clemson, DB Seahawks
6 180 Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech, QB Ravens
6 181 Richard Gordon, Miami, TE Raiders
6 192 Matt Bosher, Miami, P-PK Falcons
7 218 Ryan Taylor, North Carolina, TE Cowboys
7 221 Da’Rel Scott, Maryland, RB Giants
7 224 Markus White, Florida State, DE Redskins
7 225 Anthony Allen, Georgia Tech, RB Ravens

ACC Selections by Rounds

First 3
Second 12
Third 4
Fourth 5
Fifth 2
Sixth 5
Seventh 4

ACC Selections by Teams

North Carolina 9
Miami 8
Clemson 6
Florida State 3
Virginia Tech 3
Maryland 2
Boston College 1
Georgia Tech 1
NC State 1
Virginia 1

The official list for the NFL combine has been released. A total of 48 players from the ACC have been invited to audition for the NFL from February 23 – March 1. When categorized by school, it's somewhat of a reality check to see how many of the best players in the conference are moving on, and which programs will take the biggest hit. It's impossible not to wonder how good North Carolina could have been had all of the following players remained eligible. The Tar Heels will send the most players to the combine with 11.

Here are the players who will represent the ACC:

BOSTON COLLEGE (3)

• Anthony Castonzo
• Rich Lapham
• Mark Herzlich

CLEMSON (7)

• Da'Quan Bowers
• Marcus Gilchrist
• Chris Hairston
• Jamie Harper
• Jarvis Jenkins
• Byron Maxwell
• DeAndre McDaniel

FLORIDA STATE (3)

• Rodney Hudson
• Christian Ponder
• Markus White

GEORGIA TECH (3)

• Anthony Allen
• Mario Butler
• Jerrard Tarrant

MARYLAND (3)

• Torrey Smith
• Adrian Moten
• Da'Rel Scott

MIAMI (9)

• Allen Bailey
• Damien Berry
• Matt Bosher
• Orlando Franklin
• Graig Cooper
• Leonard Hankerson
• Brandon Harris
• Colin McCarthy
• DeMarcus Van Dyke

NORTH CAROLINA (11)

• Marvin Austin
• Kendric Burney
• Bruce Carter
• Greg Little
• Shaun Draughn
• Robert Quinn
• Da'Norris Searcy
• Quan Sturdivant
• Johnny White
• Deunta Williams
• T.J. Yates

NC STATE (2)

• Nate Irving
• Owen Spencer

VIRGINIA (2)

• Danny Aiken
• Ras-I Dowling

VIRGINIA TECH (5)

• Rashad Carmichael
• Darren Evans
• John Graves
• Tyrod Taylor
• Ryan Williams

This was the senior performance Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder was capable of delivering.

When healthy, Ponder is one of the best quarterbacks in the country -- hence the school's Heisman campaign for him this past summer -- and he was finally able to prove it on Saturday as the MVP of the Under Armour Senior Bowl. Heading into this game, Washington quarterback Jake Locker was receiving most of the attention and the hype, but it was Ponder who had the strongest showing of the six quarterbacks at the game.

After a season and a half marred by injuries, Ponder earned the start and led the South team to a 24-10 win in front of a sold-out crowd (40,646) in Mobile’s Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Ponder threw for 132 yards and two touchdowns, a performance that highlighted a strong day by former ACC players, as his first touchdown pass went to former Miami receiver Leonard Hankerson. Hankerson was named the Under Armour offensive player of the game after he finished with five catches for 100 yards and a touchdown.

The Scouts Inc. crew gave the ACC players some favorable reviews, writing that Ponder is "a great athlete with adequate size and arm strength," and calling FSU guard Rodney Hudson "one of the most underrated players in this draft." They were also impressed with former Clemson defensive tackle Jarvis Jenkins, and called Hankerson "the best wide receiver on the field." Former Miami linebacker Colin McCarthy also played well:

"Miami LB Colin McCarthy made a nice stop on a quick screen to Vincent Brown. McCarthy is limited athletically and doesn't have elite range, but he has outstanding instincts and a nose for the ball. He will bring great value early on Day 3."

Ponder directed the home team on a 10-play, 73-yard drive that ended in a field goal to give the South an early 3-0 lead. His 18-yard touchdown pass to Hankerson in the opening quarter put the South ahead 10-0.

Former Maryland running back Da'Rel Scott made it a one-possession game when he scored from 1 yard out and pulled the North to within a touchdown, at 17-10 with just 19 seconds remaining in the third quarter.

Former UNC cornerback Kendric Burney was named the Most Outstanding Player for the North squad after totaling seven tackles.

It’s time to reload in the ACC. Here’s a look at the position needs for each team in the Atlantic Division for the 2011 signing class:

BOSTON COLLEGE

Offensive linemen: Six players on the final two-deep roster for 2010 were either juniors or seniors, and the Eagles will have to find replacements for Anthony Castonzo, Rich Lapham and Thomas Claiborne. There were two juniors at center in 2011, and the recruiting overall at this position hasn’t been as strong in recent years.

Defensive linemen: The Eagles have been thin at the position to begin with since the departures of Ron Brace and B.J. Raji. The interior line should be a priority, as tackle Damik Scafe will graduate, and Kaleb Ramsey will be a senior. Defensive end Brad Newman will also graduate.

CLEMSON

Defensive line: The early departure of defensive end Da’Quan Bowers and the loss of Jarvis Jenkins makes this group a priority. Seven of the eight players up front on the final two-deep roster were either juniors or seniors.

Quarterback: Prior to the early enrollees, Clemson only had one scholarship quarterback on the roster -- projected starter Tajh Boyd. The depth needs to be rebuilt after the loss of starter Kyle Parker and transfer of backup Willy Korn.

Running back: The early departure of Jamie Harper to the NFL left a hole in the Tigers’ lineup. It’s not completely empty, as Andre Ellington remains the best back on the roster and Roderick McDowell was a redshirt freshman backup to Harper.

FLORIDA STATE

Offensive lineman – The departures of Rodney Hudson and Ryan McMahon will leave gaping holes up front, and A.J. Ganguzza and Antwane Greenlee aren’t expected to return. Overall, the staff is looking for bigger, better players. With the exception of right guard, this was a veteran group.

Running back: Despite the current depth, the coaching staff still wanted to sign about three more running backs in this class.

Wide receiver: This would be the third priority for the staff. Bert Reed and Taiwan Easterling will both be seniors, but the team has lacked some dynamic playmakers at the position.

Linebacker: The Noles lost two starters from last year’s Atlantic Division championship team, and there are several young players on the rise like Jeff Luc and Telvin Smith, but the staff wants more numbers at the position.

Safety: The Noles need an upgrade at this position.

Defensive line: This is a matter of mostly building depth and size and continuing to get better.

MARYLAND

Kicker/ Punter: Nick Ferrara has the ability to do both, but he also struggled at both in 2010. Travis Baltz was a four-year starter at punter who has to be replaced. The kicking game should be a top priority in this class, and a concern if Ferrara doesn’t become more consistent.

Wide receiver: The early departure of standout Torrey Smith to the NFL leaves quarterback Danny O'Brien without a favorite target. Seven of the nine receivers listed on the most current depth chart for 2010 were either juniors or seniors.

Running back: The Terps have to replace starter Da’Rel Scott, and Davin Meggett will be a senior. There is some talent behind Meggett in D.J. Adams, but the position could use more depth.

Secondary: Six of the top 10 players in the secondary were either juniors or seniors in 2010, including safety Antwine Perez, who will graduate. Kenny Tate and Cameron Chism will both be seniors, and the corner position is the biggest need.

Defensive end: Defensive coordinator Don Brown would like to bring in at least one player who can really bring some speed off the edge.

NC STATE

Kickers: The Wolfpack lost their starting punter and place-kicker, easily making kickers the biggest need in this recruiting class.

Defensive linemen: With the exception of sophomore Brian Slay, the entire 2010 line was comprised of juniors and seniors. The Pack have to replace two starters, and two returning starters, Jeff Rieskamp and J.R. Sweezy, will be seniors.

Linebackers: This was another veteran group for NC State, with five of the six players on the two-deep either juniors or seniors. Nate Irving’s graduation will be a big hit and Audie Cole will be a senior.

Quarterback: If Russell Wilson leaves early, the position will be even thinner, but backup Mike Glennon will be a junior, so the staff needs to build more depth.

WAKE FOREST

Offensive linemen: The Deacs will have four redshirt juniors returning up front, and have to replace redshirt senior center Russell Nenon. The staff is looking to increase the depth and talent up front.

Linebackers: The position hasn’t been the same since the 2008 class (Aaron Curry and Stanley Arnoux). They were both drafted and two of the fastest players the program has ever seen. The staff needs to bring in more talent and speed here.

Disclaimer: With only four winning teams, this team wasn't easy, but there were plenty of players who had noteworthy performances in their respective bowls. Here is your 2010-11 ACC All-bowl team:

OFFENSE

QB Russell Wilson, NC State: He threw for 275 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in what might have been his final collegiate game. He also ran for 41 yards and earned the Champs Sports Bowl’s MVP award.

RB Da'Rel Scott, Maryland: The MVP of the Military Bowl, Scott rushed for a school bowl-game record 200 yards on 13 carries. His 91-yard TD run in the fourth quarter was the longest in Maryland bowl-game history. It was also the longest Maryland touchdown in seven years and only the eighth 90-plus yard run in ACC history. He also set the school record for yards per carry in the game with 15.4.

RB Chris Thompson, Florida State: He was the Chick-fil-A Bowl's Offensive MVP after he racked up 147 yards, including a 27-yard touchdown run against the SEC's then-top-ranked rushing defense.

WR Jarvis Williams, NC State: His 3-yard touchdown reception with 3:44 remaining sealed the win over West Virginia. He finished with six catches for 77 yards and a touchdown.

WR Leonard Hankerson, Miami: Despite the loss to Notre Dame, Hankerson set the school record for receiving yards in a single season (1,155) after totaling 70 yards against the Irish to pass Eddie Brown's mark of 1,114 yards set in 1984.

TE Brandon Ford, Clemson: Despite the loss to South Florida, Ford had four catches for 45 yards, including two touchdown receptions. He became the first player in Clemson history with two touchdown catches in a bowl game.

OL Jake Vermiglio, NC State: He helped the Pack score more points against West Virginia than any other opponent had all year. NC State controlled the clock and had 378 total yards.

OL Paul Pinegar, Maryland: He had three big blocks for the Terps, who rolled up season highs in rushing yards (297) and rushing touchdowns (6), including runs of 61 and 91 yards by Da’Rel Scott. The Terps also did not allow a sack to the Pirates, the 11th time the squad surrendered two or fewer on the season.

OL Rodney Hudson, FSU: He graded out at 86 percent against South Carolina and didn’t have any penalties or missed assignments. He also had two knockdowns.

OL Zebrie Sanders, FSU: He graded out at 88 percent in final game and didn’t have any penalties or missed assignments. He helped neutralize South Carolina’s pass rush.

OL Mike Ingersoll, UNC: He graded out as the team's top offensive lineman and was named one of the offensive players of the game by the coaching staff. Carolina had 180 positive rushing yards against Tennessee.

DEFENSE

DE Brandon Jenkins, FSU: Despite the fact he missed a series-and-a-half, he finished with a team-leading eight tackles, including two TFLs and a sack.

DE Andre Branch, Clemson: On an off-day for Da’Quan Bowers, Branch stepped up and had two sacks. He finished with six tackles.

DT Quinton Coples, UNC: He finished with six tackles, 1.5 sacks, forced a fumble and had two quarterback hurries in the Heels’ win over Tennessee.

DT Donte Paige-Moss, UNC: He had six tackles, 1.5 sacks, forced a fumble and blocked an extra point attempt. The extra point block was key, as Carolina later kicked a field goal to send the game into overtime.

LB Nate Irving, NC State: He had four solo tackles against West Virginia and finished with one 7-yard sack, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and quarterback pressure and a pass breakup.

LB Quan Sturdivant, UNC: He had a season-high 12 tackles, including two tackles for losses, and made a key interception in overtime against Tennessee in the Music City Bowl. Sturdivant picked off a Tyler Bray pass in the second overtime and Carolina scored on its next possession to win the game.

LB Luke Kuechly, Boston College: He no doubt looked the part of an All-America. Kuechly was the defensive MVP of the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl with 12 tackles (8 solos), and one interception he returned 31 yards.

DB Greg Reid, FSU: He was named the defensive MVP of the Chick-fil-A Bowl and was an obvious choice. He finished with five tackles, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles (one that came with his hit that ended Marcus Lattimore’s night on the first series), and he had two punt returns for 53 yards leading to scores.

DB Antwine Perez, Maryland: He made eight tackles, including a game-high seven solo stops and two tackles for loss, as the Terps clamped down on the seventh-ranked passing offense in the nation. Perez had seven or more tackles in each of the last five games of the season.

DB Kendric Burney, UNC: He finished with six tackles and an 11-yard return on an interception.

DB Brandon Bishop, NC State: His fourth interception of the season was a diving interception at the West Virginia 10 in the fourth quarter. He snagged the pass intended for Jock Sanders, and prevented the Mountaineers from cutting the lead to 16-14 with plenty of time left.

SPECIAL TEAMS

K Dustin Hopkins, FSU: He nailed all four field-goal attempts against South Carolina (29 yards, 48, 35, 45), and he had four touchbacks.

P Shawn Powell, FSU: He had three punts for an average of 51 yards, and gave the Noles winning field position.

KR Greg Reid, FSU: He had one kick return for 18 yards and two punt returns for the Noles. His two punt returns led to scores.

The 2010 bowl season has come and gone, which means it’s time to look back on the highlights and lowlights of the ACC’s nine games. Here’s your bowl edition of the best/worst:

Best backup: UNC running back Shaun Draughn. Filling in for suspended starter Anthony Elzy, Draughn rushed for 160 yards on 23 carries to earn MVP honors in Carolina's 30-27 double-overtime victory over Tennessee in the Music City Bowl. He had a 58-yard scoring run on Carolina's first possession. It was the longest of his career and the third-longest run by a Tar Heel this season. Other than Draughn, the Tar Heels rushed for minus-9 yards.

Best hit: FSU cornerback Greg Reid’s hit on South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore was clean, legal, and hard enough to end Lattimore’s game on the first series. Reid also caused a fumble with that hit.

Best run: Maryland running back Da'Rel Scott’s 91-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter against East Carolina was the longest in Maryland bowl-game history, the longest for a Maryland touchdown in seven years (80 by Bruce Perry versus Wake Forest, 11/28/03) and only the eighth 90-plus yard run in ACC history

Best quote: "People are concerned about my legacy, and my legacy is what it is -- 75-50 ... I gave it the best I had for 10 years, and obviously that's not good enough right now, and that's what hurts. ... I leave the job a lot better than when I got it, so if someone else can come in and do better, my hat's off to them." – Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen.

Best milestone performance: NC State. Coach Tom O'Brien earned his 100th win with the upset of West Virginia, and NC State’s ninth win of the season gave the program its second-highest win total in school history. O'Brien has now won seven of his last eight bowls. With 37 total touchdowns in 2010, Russell Wilson tied former Wolfpack quarterback Philip Rivers’ conference and single-season record.

Worst turnovers: Georgia Tech had three fumbles in the third quarter against Air Force, including two on punt returns, and a fumble by Tevin Washington on the Falcons’ seven-yard line. Washington’s interception with under a minute left to play sealed the win for Air Force.

Worst offense: Boston College. Of the ACC teams that suffered losses in their bowls, the Eagles had the fewest first downs (12), fewest total yards (185) and tied with Georgia Tech for fewest touchdowns (1).

Worst stat: Three teams -- Virginia Tech, Boston College and Clemson -- were all held to less than 67 yards rushing each.

Worst hit: The hit that North Carolina defensive end Donte Paige-Moss took without his helmet was hard to forget. The fact that he not only continued to play, but also had six tackles, 1.5 sacks, forced a fumble and blocked an extra point attempt was remarkable.

Worst milestone performance: The Hokies dropped to 1-27 against top-five competition, dropping the ACC to 2-11 in its BCS bowls.

Here’s a quick recap of Maryland’s 51-20 win over East Carolina in the Military Bowl Presented By Northrop Grumman:

How the game was won: East Carolina did what it could to help the Terps with four turnovers and 15 penalties, but Maryland’s defense was a major factor in the game, and the Terps found their running game. ECU was averaging 38 points per game under the direction of quarterback Dominique Davis, but the Pirates couldn’t get into the end zone enough. Nor could they keep Maryland out of theirs.

Turning point: On East Carolina’s first possession of the third quarter, Davis threw an interception to David Mackall, who returned it 34 yards to the Pirates’ 1-yard line. D.J. Adams scored one play later to give Maryland a 23-3 lead and really distance the Terps.

Stat of the game: East Carolina finished with 15 penalties for 123 yards. The Pirates only had six more first downs than they did penalties.

Player of the game: Running back Da'Rel Scott. Maryland entered the game with the No. 94 rushing offense in the country, but Scott got it going against the Pirates. He finished with 201 yards and his 61-yard touchdown run at the end of the third quarter put the Terps ahead 37-13. He averaged 15.5 yards per carry and added a 91-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

Unsung hero of the game: Defensive coordinator Don Brown. He had this team well-prepared for the nation’s No. 12 scoring offense. ECU was held to just 32 rushing yards and was successful on only 7 of 19 third downs.

What it means: The Ralph Friedgen era is officially over at Maryland, and it has ended on a positive note. Friedgen, the ACC’s Coach of the Year, will end his career at Maryland with a 9-4 record this season. It’s the 14th time in school history that Maryland has won that many games.

Record performance: Friedgen will leave as the school’s winningest coach in bowl games with a 5-2 record. Friedgen won a school-record three straight bowl games from 2003-06. Prior to Friedgen's arrival, Maryland made only one postseason appearance in the previous 15 years.

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Here's a look at the first half:

Turning point: An interception return for a touchdown was nullified by a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness when FSU's Greg Reid delivered a mind-numbing hit on Da'Rel Scott. It sustained a scoring drive for Maryland that tied the game at 10.

Stat of the half: FSU and Maryland have combined for six trips to the red zone and come away with two total touchdowns. The Seminoles and Terrapins have relied on their defense and placekickers, Dustin Hopkins and Travis Baltz.


Best player in the half: Maryland quarterback Danny O'Brien. Maryland's offensive tempo is keeping Florida State off-balance and limiting the Noles' substitutions. Florida State's defense seemed caught a little off-guard in the first half, but O'Brien has been poised in executing the offense. He has completed 10 of 19 passes for 117 yards and a touchdown.

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Fortunately, ACC coordinator of officials Doug Rhoads is here in the press box, and he reviewed the call that nullified FSU's earlier interception return for a touchdown.

Turns out the call was correct, and more importantly, it's one of the calls in the rule book that is a foul when in question. Rhoads told me that defenseless players cannot be hit above their shoulders by any part of a defender's body, and after watching the replay, he saw Greg Reid's shoulder hit Scott just under the chin. That's illegal and he said it was the correct call.

The late hit on Christian Ponder? Now that one, he said, was questionable.

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- An interception return for a touchdown was nullified by a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness when FSU's Greg Reid delivered the kind of hit on Da'Rel Scott that makes you wince. That call -- which will likely continue to be argued by fans, and coach Jimbo Fisher certainly didn't seem to agree with it -- changed the momentum of the game in the first quarter. Instead of further distancing the Noles from Maryland, it sustained a drive that looks like it's about to lead to a game-tying touchdown for the Terps.

Here's the thing, though, for Florida State. If the defense could make some stops and get Maryland off the field, it wouldn't come down to a missed call.

Maryland found itself tied with FIU twice this afternoon, but the Terps pulled away in the second half for a convincing 42-28 win over FIU. It was a much better performance offensively than what we saw last week against West Virginia, but then again, that was on the road against a ranked team. This is still FIU.

The Terps got their running game going, though (MUCH needed), and should get a boost of confidence moving forward from this one. Da'Rel Scott ran for 103 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries. It's only a matter of time before the Terps check the scoreboard and see Duke is trailing Army right now, 14-7. Maryland has Duke at home next week.

The bigger question is if Danny O'Brien has displaced Jamarr Robinson as starter. He has certainly outplayed him so far. O'Brien threw for 250 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Robinson has a sore throwing shoulder, but O'Brien made the most of his opportunity.

This is exactly where Maryland needed to be -- with a 3-1 record against its nonconference opponents -- in order to have a legitimate shot at returning to a bowl game.

A few halftime thoughts from the early games:

Virgnia Tech 7, Boston College 0: The clock ran out on Boston College. Literally. Quarterback Dave Shinskie was stopped inches short of the goal line but didn't get out of bounds and the clock expired before the Eagles could snap the ball. Virginia Tech leads 7-0, but this is anybody's game. There was also a questionable penalty called on Virginia Tech's defense on that last drive, a late hit, but even the official didn't hear the whistle so it's possible the Hokies' defender didn't either. It cost Virginia Tech 15 yards, but because of the way the half ended, it didn't cost the Hokies any points. Shinskie's interception led to Virginia Tech's lead, though, and he can't afford any turnovers in the second half. Very odd ending to the first half.

NC State 17, Georgia Tech 7: This could be a statement win for the Pack if NC State hangs onto its lead. It was an uncharacteristic scoreless first quarter for Georgia Tech, and the Yellow Jackets were hurt by two lost fumbles. NC State should have an even bigger lead, but there were two missed field goals. NC State's defense is answering the call, and has held Georgia Tech to just 2-of-8 third-down conversions. Georgia Tech has no passing yards. Russell Wilson has already thrown for 219 yards, but Georgia Tech's defense has done a good job of flushing him out of the pocket. The better performance, though, has come from NC State's defense.

Maryland 21, FIU 14: Danny O'Brien got the start at quarterback, as Jamarr Robinson's throwing shoulder is still sore, but O'Brien is making a case to be the full-time starter. The Terps haven't turned it over yet, and O'Brien has completed 12 of 17 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown. Receiver Torrey Smith is having a great game, and it's about time the Terps made use of that deep, talented group of receivers. Da'Rel Scott's 56-yard touchdown run helped bail the Terps' running game out as they have just 54 rushing yards at the half. Maryland got just enough things to go right in that half to avoid the early upset scare.

Go ahead. Try and guess who the ACC's leading rusher is right now.

It's not Ryan Williams. It's not Darren Evans. It's not Montel Harris. It's not Joshua Nesbitt. And it's not Da'Rel Scott -- all returning 1,000-yard rushers.

It's Duke sophomore Desmond Scott, who is averaging 99.5 yards per game. Last season, the Blue Devils ranked 120th in the NCAA in rushing as a team with 63.5 yards per game. Scott recorded his second career 100-yard game at Wake Forest, rushing for a career-high 122 yards and one touchdown on just 11 carries. His other 100-yard game came against N.C. Central last year when he rushed for 100 yards on 16 carries in his collegiate debut.

There are new names all over the ACC's list of leading rushers, including Keith Payne and Perry Jones at Virginia, and Davin Meggett at Maryland. That's just one example of how the stats reflect the disjointed start in the ACC.

Guess who's leading the ACC in passing average per game? North Carolina's T.J. Yates, whom Carolina fans were ready to send packing. (Oh, and he's followed by Duke's Sean Renfree and Virginia's Marc Verica. Christian Ponder is No. 9).

Pass efficiency? Duke's Renfree, a first-year starter.

Receptions per game? Duke's Conner Vernon.

Tackles for loss? Wake's Kyle Wilber.

Interceptions? Wake's Alex Frye.

About the only sense of normality in the ACC stat world right now is at Maryland, where linebacker Alex Wujciak is leading the conference in tackles, followed by BC linebacker Luke Kuechly.

Sure, we're only two weeks into the season, but after only two weeks, Duke, Wake Forest, North Carolina and Virginia have all produced a few surprises worth keeing an eye on.