ACC: David Spurlock
Our offseason spotlight series continues today with Florida State. A reminder: This series features individual players, position groups and coaches who really need to have big offseasons -- starting this spring.
Spotlight: Offensive line.
2011 Summary: Florida State’s woes up front began at this time last year, when several players were injured during the spring and the group never truly gained any cohesiveness or continuity, as injuries remained an issue through the entire season. The players who lined up for the season opener had only practiced together for about a week, and by the time FSU hosted Virginia on Nov. 19, the Noles had used six different starting lineups. No single group was in the same position for more than three straight games, and true freshman tackle Bobby Hart was thrown into the starting lineup at 17 years old. Four freshmen were in the starting lineup against Notre Dame in the Champs Sports Bowl, and that’s where the Seminoles will start off this spring.
The skinny: The good news is that David Spurlock, who missed more than five games with a knee injury, is back in the mix. The most pressing question is who will replace the two talented tackles in Zebrie Sanders and Andrew Datko. Hart, Austin Barron, Josue Matias and Tre' Jackson were the starters for the bowl game, and matured rapidly from one half to the next. If the Noles are going to get more out of their offense, particularly the running game, they’re going to have to get more out of their young linemen.
Spotlight: Offensive line.
2011 Summary: Florida State’s woes up front began at this time last year, when several players were injured during the spring and the group never truly gained any cohesiveness or continuity, as injuries remained an issue through the entire season. The players who lined up for the season opener had only practiced together for about a week, and by the time FSU hosted Virginia on Nov. 19, the Noles had used six different starting lineups. No single group was in the same position for more than three straight games, and true freshman tackle Bobby Hart was thrown into the starting lineup at 17 years old. Four freshmen were in the starting lineup against Notre Dame in the Champs Sports Bowl, and that’s where the Seminoles will start off this spring.
The skinny: The good news is that David Spurlock, who missed more than five games with a knee injury, is back in the mix. The most pressing question is who will replace the two talented tackles in Zebrie Sanders and Andrew Datko. Hart, Austin Barron, Josue Matias and Tre' Jackson were the starters for the bowl game, and matured rapidly from one half to the next. If the Noles are going to get more out of their offense, particularly the running game, they’re going to have to get more out of their young linemen.
2012 perception of FSU hinges on offense
December, 28, 2011
12/28/11
10:30
AM ET
By
Heather Dinich | ESPN.com
There has been talk of Florida State using the Champs Sports Bowl as a springboard into 2012, a way for the Seminoles to brush off the disappointment of unachieved goals this year and reset the bar for next season.
None of that will happen, though, unless coach Jimbo Fisher can find a way to squeeze more offense out of what appears to be a nearly empty tube.
Just one season after winning the Atlantic Division title, Fisher’s play calling has been called out by fans. The offensive line has taken its fair share of criticism, too, and it’s easy to see why: FSU enters Thursday’s game against Notre Dame with the nation’s No. 99 rushing offense, ranked No. 111 in sacks allowed and No. 73 in total offense. The Seminoles beat Florida in the regular-season finale with only 95 yards of total offense. They had four offensive touchdowns in the final three games, including just one against Miami and one against Virginia.
While defense is the hallmark of a championship team -- and there’s no doubting the Noles’ defense -- it’s only part of the equation. And if Florida State fans are going to expect more, the Noles will have to produce more against the Irish.
It’s been a perplexing end to what was supposed to be a productive season for first-year starting quarterback EJ Manuel and his supporting cast. FSU entered the season with depth at running back, experience on the offensive line, and Manuel had big-game experience as a backup. Part of the problem can be attributed to injuries.
The extended losses of senior linemen Andrew Datko and David Spurlock have led FSU to start six different offensive line combinations. No single group has been together in the same position for more than three consecutive games. It’s now possible that as many as four freshmen will play against Notre Dame. Manuel was also injured earlier this season, and a total of 13 starters or key reserves have missed a combined 64 games. Six FSU offensive linemen have missed games this season, and running Chris Thompson, the team’s leading rusher in 2010, suffered a season-ending back injury in the middle of the season.
“I’ve never been through injuries like we’ve been through this year,” Fisher said. “In the end it gave a lot of young guys time to develop and play. Hopefully we’ll play well in the game and I think going into the spring and hopefully next year, it makes it look very promising.”
It will only look that way, though, if Florida State wins -- and manages more than 95 yards in the process.
None of that will happen, though, unless coach Jimbo Fisher can find a way to squeeze more offense out of what appears to be a nearly empty tube.
Just one season after winning the Atlantic Division title, Fisher’s play calling has been called out by fans. The offensive line has taken its fair share of criticism, too, and it’s easy to see why: FSU enters Thursday’s game against Notre Dame with the nation’s No. 99 rushing offense, ranked No. 111 in sacks allowed and No. 73 in total offense. The Seminoles beat Florida in the regular-season finale with only 95 yards of total offense. They had four offensive touchdowns in the final three games, including just one against Miami and one against Virginia.
While defense is the hallmark of a championship team -- and there’s no doubting the Noles’ defense -- it’s only part of the equation. And if Florida State fans are going to expect more, the Noles will have to produce more against the Irish.
It’s been a perplexing end to what was supposed to be a productive season for first-year starting quarterback EJ Manuel and his supporting cast. FSU entered the season with depth at running back, experience on the offensive line, and Manuel had big-game experience as a backup. Part of the problem can be attributed to injuries.
The extended losses of senior linemen Andrew Datko and David Spurlock have led FSU to start six different offensive line combinations. No single group has been together in the same position for more than three consecutive games. It’s now possible that as many as four freshmen will play against Notre Dame. Manuel was also injured earlier this season, and a total of 13 starters or key reserves have missed a combined 64 games. Six FSU offensive linemen have missed games this season, and running Chris Thompson, the team’s leading rusher in 2010, suffered a season-ending back injury in the middle of the season.
“I’ve never been through injuries like we’ve been through this year,” Fisher said. “In the end it gave a lot of young guys time to develop and play. Hopefully we’ll play well in the game and I think going into the spring and hopefully next year, it makes it look very promising.”
It will only look that way, though, if Florida State wins -- and manages more than 95 yards in the process.
Here are your injury reports for the schools that reported them in Week 11:
BOSTON COLLEGE
Out
WR Ifeanyi Momah (knee)
DB CJ Jones (knee)
DT Connor Wujciak (shoulder)
RB Montel Harris (knee)
DT Kaleb Ramsey (foot)
LB Kevin Pierre-Louis (leg)
DB Jim Noel (ankle)
LN Nick Clancy (knee)
Questionable
DE Dan Williams (shoulder)
DB Spenser Rositano (leg)
Probable
RB Andre Williams (abdomen)
RB Tahj Kimble (head)
CLEMSON
Out
Joe Gore, DE, Knee
Tony Steward, LB, Knee
Questionable
Spencer Benton, PK, shoulder
Will play
Andre Ellington, RB, ankle
DUKE
Probable
DE Justin Foxx (leg)
CB Zach Greene (leg)
CB Johnny Williams (leg)
Questionable
LB Kelby Brown (leg)
Doubtful
WR Jamison Crowder (leg)
Out
S Lee Butler (leg)
QB Brandon Connette (upper body)
C Brian Moore (upper body)
Out for season
TE Jack Farrell (leg)
DE Kenny Anunike (leg)
FLORIDA STATE
Out
Andrew Datko (shoulder)
Willie Haulstead (head)
Henry Orelus (head)
Darious Cummings (hand)
Out for season
Jacobbi McDaniel (ankle)
Chris Thompson (back)
Probable
David Spurlock (knee)
Rashad Greene (ankle)
Bryan Stork (head)
MIAMI
Out
Luther Robinson-Lower Extremity
Curtis Porter-Upper Extremity
Rashawn Scott-Upper Extremity
Jordan Futch-Upper Extremity
Surgery/Out for season
Marcus Forston-Lower Extremity
Ramon Buchanan-Lower Extremity
Corey White-Lower Extremity
Erik Lichter-Upper Extremity
Blake Ayles-Upper Extremity
NC STATE
Out for season
Jarvis Byrd, CB - Knee
D.J. Green, LB- Foot
Mustafa Greene, HB - Foot
Sterling Lucas, LB - Knee
Jeff Rieskamp, DE- Shoulder
Out for game
Taylor Gentry, FB - Foot
Jake Kahut, DE - Knee
Brandon Pittman, LB- Hamstring
Questionable
R.J. Mattes, OT - Ankle
VIRGINIA
Out
Pablo Alvarez, (upper extremity)
Charlie Richards, (upper extremity)
E.J. Scott, (medical)
Bobby Smith, (lower extremity)
Tyler Smith, (lower extremity)
Matt Snyder, (lower extremity)
Michael Terrell, (lower extremity)
W.J. Williams, (lower extremity)
Probable
Luke Bowanko (upper extremity)
Thompson Brown (medical)
Cam Johnson (lower extremity)
Rodney McLeod (lower extremity)
Colter Phillips (lower extremity)
Draquan Romero (lower extremity)
BOSTON COLLEGE
Out
WR Ifeanyi Momah (knee)
DB CJ Jones (knee)
DT Connor Wujciak (shoulder)
RB Montel Harris (knee)
DT Kaleb Ramsey (foot)
LB Kevin Pierre-Louis (leg)
DB Jim Noel (ankle)
LN Nick Clancy (knee)
Questionable
DE Dan Williams (shoulder)
DB Spenser Rositano (leg)
Probable
RB Andre Williams (abdomen)
RB Tahj Kimble (head)
CLEMSON
Out
Joe Gore, DE, Knee
Tony Steward, LB, Knee
Questionable
Spencer Benton, PK, shoulder
Will play
Andre Ellington, RB, ankle
DUKE
Probable
DE Justin Foxx (leg)
CB Zach Greene (leg)
CB Johnny Williams (leg)
Questionable
LB Kelby Brown (leg)
Doubtful
WR Jamison Crowder (leg)
Out
S Lee Butler (leg)
QB Brandon Connette (upper body)
C Brian Moore (upper body)
Out for season
TE Jack Farrell (leg)
DE Kenny Anunike (leg)
FLORIDA STATE
Out
Andrew Datko (shoulder)
Willie Haulstead (head)
Henry Orelus (head)
Darious Cummings (hand)
Out for season
Jacobbi McDaniel (ankle)
Chris Thompson (back)
Probable
David Spurlock (knee)
Rashad Greene (ankle)
Bryan Stork (head)
MIAMI
Out
Luther Robinson-Lower Extremity
Curtis Porter-Upper Extremity
Rashawn Scott-Upper Extremity
Jordan Futch-Upper Extremity
Surgery/Out for season
Marcus Forston-Lower Extremity
Ramon Buchanan-Lower Extremity
Corey White-Lower Extremity
Erik Lichter-Upper Extremity
Blake Ayles-Upper Extremity
NC STATE
Out for season
Jarvis Byrd, CB - Knee
D.J. Green, LB- Foot
Mustafa Greene, HB - Foot
Sterling Lucas, LB - Knee
Jeff Rieskamp, DE- Shoulder
Out for game
Taylor Gentry, FB - Foot
Jake Kahut, DE - Knee
Brandon Pittman, LB- Hamstring
Questionable
R.J. Mattes, OT - Ankle
VIRGINIA
Out
Pablo Alvarez, (upper extremity)
Charlie Richards, (upper extremity)
E.J. Scott, (medical)
Bobby Smith, (lower extremity)
Tyler Smith, (lower extremity)
Matt Snyder, (lower extremity)
Michael Terrell, (lower extremity)
W.J. Williams, (lower extremity)
Probable
Luke Bowanko (upper extremity)
Thompson Brown (medical)
Cam Johnson (lower extremity)
Rodney McLeod (lower extremity)
Colter Phillips (lower extremity)
Draquan Romero (lower extremity)
Florida State just released its injury report for Thursday night's BC game:
Out
Andrew Datko (shoulder)
David Spurlock (knee)
Henry Orelus (head)
Darious Cummings (hand)
Willie Haulstead (head)
Probable
Rashad Greene (ankle)
Out for season
Jacobbi McDaniel (ankle)
Chris Thompson (back)
Out
Andrew Datko (shoulder)
David Spurlock (knee)
Henry Orelus (head)
Darious Cummings (hand)
Willie Haulstead (head)
Probable
Rashad Greene (ankle)
Out for season
Jacobbi McDaniel (ankle)
Chris Thompson (back)
Here are the latest injury reports from the schools that reported them:
BOSTON COLLEGE
Out
WR Ifeanyi Momah (knee)
DB CJ Jones (knee)
DT Connor Wujciak (shoulder)
TB Montel Harris (knee)
DT Kaleb Ramsey (foot)
DT Dillon Quinn (shoulder)
OG Nate Richman (back)
LB Kevin Pierre-Louis (leg)
DE Dan Williams (leg)
Doubtful
DT Conor O’Neal (illness)
Questionable
WR Bobby Swigert (shoulder)
CLEMSON
Out
Joe Gore, DE, Knee
Spencer Benton, PK, shoulder
Tony Steward, LB, Knee
Questionable
Andre Ellington, RB, ankle
Note: D.J. Howard will start at running back.
DUKE
Probable
WR Brandon Braxton (head)
S Matt Daniels (leg)
OG Dave Harding (leg)
QB Sean Renfree (leg)
Questionable
DE Justin Foxx (leg)
Doubtful
CB Johnny Williams (leg)
Out
S Lee Butler (leg)
QB Brandon Connette
Out for season
TE Jack Farrell (leg)
DE Kenny Anunike (leg)
FLORIDA STATE
Out
Andrew Datko (shoulder)
David Spurlock (knee)
Henry Orelus (head)
Moses McCray (knee)
Darious Cummings (hand)
Willie Haulstead (head)
Josh Gehres (knee)
Doubtful
Rashad Greene (ankle)
Out for season
Jacobbi McDaniel (ankle)
Chris Thompson (back)
GEORGIA TECH
Out
Jay Finch, C
Tyler Morgan, LS
Out for season
Fred Holton, S
Jimmie Kitchen, DL
Lance Richardson, S
MARYLAND
Out for season
WR Tyrek Cheeseboro
OL Andrew Gonnella
DB Avery Graham
LB Garrett Lederman
DB Matt Robinson
DL Isaiah Ross
TE Dave Stinebaugh
LB Kenny Tate
Out
WR Kevin Dorsey
OL Justin Gilbert
DB Jeremiah Johnson;
Doubtful
DL Justin Anderson
Questionable WR/PR Tony Logan
DL Andre Monroe
Probable
OL Max Garcia
NORTH CAROLINA
Out
Casey Barth, PK Thigh
Sean Fitzpatrick, TE Concussion
Kiaro Holts, OT Wrist
Matt Merletti, FS Knee
Devon Ramsay, FB Knee
Reggie Wilkins, WR Ankle
Questionable
Curtis Byrd, RB Knee
T.J. Leifheit, OT Ankle
Probable
Cam Holland, OC Back
Dwight Jones, WR Thigh
Kevin Reddick, LB Chest
NC STATE
Out for season
Jarvis Byrd, CB - knee
Mustafa Greene, HB - foot
Sterling Lucas, LB - knee
Out
Brandon Pittman, LB - leg
Taylor Gentry, FB - foot
Jake Kahut, DE - knee
Jeff Rieskamp, DE - shoulder
Thomas Teal, DT - foot
VIRGINIA TECH
Out for season
Kwamaine Battle (knee)
Jeron Gouveia-Winslow (foot)
Antoine Hopkins (knee)
Dyrell Roberts (arm)
E.L. Smiling (wrist)
Bruce Taylor (foot)
Out
Mark Shuman (knee/ankle)
Alonzo Tweedy (ankle)
BOSTON COLLEGE
Out
WR Ifeanyi Momah (knee)
DB CJ Jones (knee)
DT Connor Wujciak (shoulder)
TB Montel Harris (knee)
DT Kaleb Ramsey (foot)
DT Dillon Quinn (shoulder)
OG Nate Richman (back)
LB Kevin Pierre-Louis (leg)
DE Dan Williams (leg)
Doubtful
DT Conor O’Neal (illness)
Questionable
WR Bobby Swigert (shoulder)
CLEMSON
Out
Joe Gore, DE, Knee
Spencer Benton, PK, shoulder
Tony Steward, LB, Knee
Questionable
Andre Ellington, RB, ankle
Note: D.J. Howard will start at running back.
DUKE
Probable
WR Brandon Braxton (head)
S Matt Daniels (leg)
OG Dave Harding (leg)
QB Sean Renfree (leg)
Questionable
DE Justin Foxx (leg)
Doubtful
CB Johnny Williams (leg)
Out
S Lee Butler (leg)
QB Brandon Connette
Out for season
TE Jack Farrell (leg)
DE Kenny Anunike (leg)
FLORIDA STATE
Out
Andrew Datko (shoulder)
David Spurlock (knee)
Henry Orelus (head)
Moses McCray (knee)
Darious Cummings (hand)
Willie Haulstead (head)
Josh Gehres (knee)
Doubtful
Rashad Greene (ankle)
Out for season
Jacobbi McDaniel (ankle)
Chris Thompson (back)
GEORGIA TECH
Out
Jay Finch, C
Tyler Morgan, LS
Out for season
Fred Holton, S
Jimmie Kitchen, DL
Lance Richardson, S
MARYLAND
Out for season
WR Tyrek Cheeseboro
OL Andrew Gonnella
DB Avery Graham
LB Garrett Lederman
DB Matt Robinson
DL Isaiah Ross
TE Dave Stinebaugh
LB Kenny Tate
Out
WR Kevin Dorsey
OL Justin Gilbert
DB Jeremiah Johnson;
Doubtful
DL Justin Anderson
Questionable WR/PR Tony Logan
DL Andre Monroe
Probable
OL Max Garcia
NORTH CAROLINA
Out
Casey Barth, PK Thigh
Sean Fitzpatrick, TE Concussion
Kiaro Holts, OT Wrist
Matt Merletti, FS Knee
Devon Ramsay, FB Knee
Reggie Wilkins, WR Ankle
Questionable
Curtis Byrd, RB Knee
T.J. Leifheit, OT Ankle
Probable
Cam Holland, OC Back
Dwight Jones, WR Thigh
Kevin Reddick, LB Chest
NC STATE
Out for season
Jarvis Byrd, CB - knee
Mustafa Greene, HB - foot
Sterling Lucas, LB - knee
Out
Brandon Pittman, LB - leg
Taylor Gentry, FB - foot
Jake Kahut, DE - knee
Jeff Rieskamp, DE - shoulder
Thomas Teal, DT - foot
VIRGINIA TECH
Out for season
Kwamaine Battle (knee)
Jeron Gouveia-Winslow (foot)
Antoine Hopkins (knee)
Dyrell Roberts (arm)
E.L. Smiling (wrist)
Bruce Taylor (foot)
Out
Mark Shuman (knee/ankle)
Alonzo Tweedy (ankle)
Thanks as always to the sports information directors throughout the league for making us smarter about each team this week. Did you know …
ACC: This week, in terms of yards per game, the ACC has the nation’s leading freshman rusher, in North Carolina running back Giovani Bernard (109.6), and the leading freshman receiver in Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins (104.0). They’ll go head-to-head in Death Valley on Saturday. -- ACC game notes
BOSTON COLLEGE: Although Boston College started the season 1-5, the Eagles have fared well in the second half of their schedule over the course of the past 10 years. In the final six regular-season games of the past 10 seasons, the Eagles have a combined record of 39-21. That includes a 5-1 record in the second half of the 2010 season, when Boston College became the first team in ACC history to record a five-game winning streak after suffering a five-game losing streak the same year. -- Chris Cameron
CLEMSON: When running back Andre Ellington ran for 212 yards and Watkins had 105 yards receiving at Maryland, Clemson became the first ACC team with a 200-yard rusher and a 100-yard receiver in the same game since Oct. 17, 2002 (Chris Downs, Scooter Monroe of Maryland vs. Georgia Tech). -- ACC game ntoes
DUKE: Duke is 3-3 at the midpoint for the third time in coach David Cutcliffe’s four seasons. Only once in the 13 seasons before Cutcliffe’s arrival were the Devils at or above .500 after six games. That came in 1998. -- ACC game notes
FLORIDA STATE: At the start of the 2011 season, Florida State had the ACC’s most experienced offensive line, with seniors Andrew Datko, Zebrie Sanders, David Spurlock, and Bryan Stork, who combined for 105 career starts. Sanders and Stork were the only veterans from the injury-ravaged unit in the lineup last week at Duke, when the ‘Noles rolled up 481 total yards, their highest output in 16 games. The lineup included just 57 career starts, 42 of which belonged to Sanders, followed by Stork (9), Jacob Fahrenkrug (5), Bobby Hart (1) and first-time starter Garrett Faircloth. -- Bob Thomas
GEORGIA TECH: Paul Johnson is 3-0 in games following the first loss of the season, and the Jackets have won those three games by an average of 18 points. -- ACC game notes
MARYLAND: So far this season, six freshmen: defensive lineman Keith Bowers, linebacker Lorne Goree, defensive lineman Andre Monroe, linebacker Mario Rowson, defensive back Titus Till, and linebacker Alex Twine have started for the Maryland defense, including four against Georgia Tech (10/8) and five against Clemson (10/15). That was the most freshmen to start for Maryland since Nov. 20, 1993, when a quintet started in a 33-32 win over Wake Forest. The five freshmen defensive starters against Clemson are the most in the nation for one game. In fact, only one other team in the FBS (Indiana) in the has started four or more freshmen defenders this season. -- Shawn Nestor
MIAMI: The Canes’ win over North Carolina last weekend marked the first time that Miami won as an ACC members while getting two or fewer rushing first downs in a game. (They had two.) ACC teams with two or fewer first downs by rush are 15-69 (.119) since the start of the 2000 season. -- ACC game notes
NORTH CAROLINA: Quarterback Bryn Renner has not thrown an interception in four of his past five games, including three straight. He has attempted 81 consecutive passes without an interception. Renner leads the ACC and ranks seventh in the country with a 174.1 pass efficiency rating. Renner completed 20 of 22 pass attempts in the second half against Miami last week. -- UNC game notes
NC STATE: Virginia coach Mike London is one of NC State head coach Tom O’Brien’s seven former assistant coaches who have gone on to become head coaches. London served on the Boston College staff as defensive coordinator from 1997-2000. This will mark the fifth time that O’Brien has faced one of his former assistants, with all four previous games coming against Boston College. O’Brien, who is making his first appearance in UVa’s Scott Stadium since spending 15 seasons there (1982-96) as an assistant for the Cavaliers to George Welsh, faced Jeff Jagodzinski, his replacement at BC twice, and Frank Spaziani, who was his defensive coordinator for the Eagles, twice. -- Annabelle Myers
VIRGINIA: Behind Perry Jones, Kevin Parks, and a veteran offensive line, Virginia rushed for a season-high 274 yards in its 24-21 win against No. 12 Georgia Tech, the most by a UVa team since 2004. Jones recorded a career-high 147 yards and eclipsed the 100-yard mark for the second consecutive game. The Cavaliers have totaled at least 150 rushing yards in each of their first six games. The last time UVa had a six-game streak rushing for at least 150 yards was the final six games of 2004. -- Jim Daves
VIRGINIA TECH: Two random notes for you: As an ACC member, Virginia Tech is 15-1 overall and 13-0 in conference games played in North Carolina. The Hokies were penalized only twice against Wake Forest; that’s the third time in seven games that they have been flagged two or fewer times. Ok, one more random note … The Hokies wore white uniform tops and pants against the Deacs and improved to 10-1 under coach Frank Beamer in that attire. -- ACC game notes
WAKE FOREST: Wake Forest redshirt freshman cornerback Merrill Noel leads the nation in passes defended with 2.17 per game. Noel has 12 pass breakups and one interception for a total of 13 passes defended. He has climbed to 11th place on the school list for passes broken up in a season. The season mark for breakups is 18 by A.J. Greene in 1987. Greene also holds the mark for passes defended in a season with 25, also in 1987. -- Steve Shutt
ACC: This week, in terms of yards per game, the ACC has the nation’s leading freshman rusher, in North Carolina running back Giovani Bernard (109.6), and the leading freshman receiver in Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins (104.0). They’ll go head-to-head in Death Valley on Saturday. -- ACC game notes
BOSTON COLLEGE: Although Boston College started the season 1-5, the Eagles have fared well in the second half of their schedule over the course of the past 10 years. In the final six regular-season games of the past 10 seasons, the Eagles have a combined record of 39-21. That includes a 5-1 record in the second half of the 2010 season, when Boston College became the first team in ACC history to record a five-game winning streak after suffering a five-game losing streak the same year. -- Chris Cameron
CLEMSON: When running back Andre Ellington ran for 212 yards and Watkins had 105 yards receiving at Maryland, Clemson became the first ACC team with a 200-yard rusher and a 100-yard receiver in the same game since Oct. 17, 2002 (Chris Downs, Scooter Monroe of Maryland vs. Georgia Tech). -- ACC game ntoes
DUKE: Duke is 3-3 at the midpoint for the third time in coach David Cutcliffe’s four seasons. Only once in the 13 seasons before Cutcliffe’s arrival were the Devils at or above .500 after six games. That came in 1998. -- ACC game notes
FLORIDA STATE: At the start of the 2011 season, Florida State had the ACC’s most experienced offensive line, with seniors Andrew Datko, Zebrie Sanders, David Spurlock, and Bryan Stork, who combined for 105 career starts. Sanders and Stork were the only veterans from the injury-ravaged unit in the lineup last week at Duke, when the ‘Noles rolled up 481 total yards, their highest output in 16 games. The lineup included just 57 career starts, 42 of which belonged to Sanders, followed by Stork (9), Jacob Fahrenkrug (5), Bobby Hart (1) and first-time starter Garrett Faircloth. -- Bob Thomas
GEORGIA TECH: Paul Johnson is 3-0 in games following the first loss of the season, and the Jackets have won those three games by an average of 18 points. -- ACC game notes
MARYLAND: So far this season, six freshmen: defensive lineman Keith Bowers, linebacker Lorne Goree, defensive lineman Andre Monroe, linebacker Mario Rowson, defensive back Titus Till, and linebacker Alex Twine have started for the Maryland defense, including four against Georgia Tech (10/8) and five against Clemson (10/15). That was the most freshmen to start for Maryland since Nov. 20, 1993, when a quintet started in a 33-32 win over Wake Forest. The five freshmen defensive starters against Clemson are the most in the nation for one game. In fact, only one other team in the FBS (Indiana) in the has started four or more freshmen defenders this season. -- Shawn Nestor
MIAMI: The Canes’ win over North Carolina last weekend marked the first time that Miami won as an ACC members while getting two or fewer rushing first downs in a game. (They had two.) ACC teams with two or fewer first downs by rush are 15-69 (.119) since the start of the 2000 season. -- ACC game notes
NORTH CAROLINA: Quarterback Bryn Renner has not thrown an interception in four of his past five games, including three straight. He has attempted 81 consecutive passes without an interception. Renner leads the ACC and ranks seventh in the country with a 174.1 pass efficiency rating. Renner completed 20 of 22 pass attempts in the second half against Miami last week. -- UNC game notes
NC STATE: Virginia coach Mike London is one of NC State head coach Tom O’Brien’s seven former assistant coaches who have gone on to become head coaches. London served on the Boston College staff as defensive coordinator from 1997-2000. This will mark the fifth time that O’Brien has faced one of his former assistants, with all four previous games coming against Boston College. O’Brien, who is making his first appearance in UVa’s Scott Stadium since spending 15 seasons there (1982-96) as an assistant for the Cavaliers to George Welsh, faced Jeff Jagodzinski, his replacement at BC twice, and Frank Spaziani, who was his defensive coordinator for the Eagles, twice. -- Annabelle Myers
VIRGINIA: Behind Perry Jones, Kevin Parks, and a veteran offensive line, Virginia rushed for a season-high 274 yards in its 24-21 win against No. 12 Georgia Tech, the most by a UVa team since 2004. Jones recorded a career-high 147 yards and eclipsed the 100-yard mark for the second consecutive game. The Cavaliers have totaled at least 150 rushing yards in each of their first six games. The last time UVa had a six-game streak rushing for at least 150 yards was the final six games of 2004. -- Jim Daves
VIRGINIA TECH: Two random notes for you: As an ACC member, Virginia Tech is 15-1 overall and 13-0 in conference games played in North Carolina. The Hokies were penalized only twice against Wake Forest; that’s the third time in seven games that they have been flagged two or fewer times. Ok, one more random note … The Hokies wore white uniform tops and pants against the Deacs and improved to 10-1 under coach Frank Beamer in that attire. -- ACC game notes
WAKE FOREST: Wake Forest redshirt freshman cornerback Merrill Noel leads the nation in passes defended with 2.17 per game. Noel has 12 pass breakups and one interception for a total of 13 passes defended. He has climbed to 11th place on the school list for passes broken up in a season. The season mark for breakups is 18 by A.J. Greene in 1987. Greene also holds the mark for passes defended in a season with 25, also in 1987. -- Steve Shutt
BOSTON COLLEGE
Out
WR Ifeanyi Momah (knee)
DB CJ Jones (knee)
DT Connor Wujciak (shoulder)
TB Montel Harris (knee)
DL Kaleb Ramsey (foot)
RB Tahj Kimble (head)
DT Dillon Quinn (shoulder)
Probable
OG Nate Richman (back)
CLEMSON
Out
Joe Gore, DE, Knee
Spencer Benton, PK, shoulder
Tony Steward, LB, Knee
DUKE
Probable
WR Brandon Braxton (head)
S August Campbell (leg)
Questionable
C Dave Harding (leg)
C Brian Moore (arm)
WR Donovan Varner (leg)
CB Johnny Williams (leg)
Out
S Lee Butler (leg)
QB Brandon Connette (upper body)
Out for season
TE Jack Farrell (leg)
DE Kenny Anunike (leg)
FLORIDA STATE
Out
OT Andrew Datko (shoulder)
OG David Spurlock (knee)
OG Henry Orelus (head)
WR Willie Haulstead (head)
WR Josh Gehres (knee)
DT Darious Cummings (hand)
DT Moses McCray (knee)
Questionable
WR Rashad Greene (ankle)
Out for season
DT Jacobbi McDaniel (ankle)
RB Chris Thompson (back)
GEORGIA TECH
Probable
Jeremiah Attaochu, LB
Out
Tyler Morgan, LS
Out for the season
Fred Holton, S
Jimmie Kitchen, DL
Lance Richardson, S
MARYLAND
Out for the season
WR Tyrek Cheeseboro
OL Andrew Gonnella
DB Avery Graham
LB Garrett Lederman
DB Matt Robinson
DL Isaiah Ross
TE Dave Stinebaugh
Out
DL Justin Anderson
WR Kevin Dorsey
OL Justin Gilbert
LB Shaquan Virgil
Doubtful
LB Demetrius Hartsfield
LB Kenny Tate
Questionable
DL Andre Monroe
Probable
OL Pete White
MIAMI
Out
Luther Robinson - Lower Extremity
Shayon Green - Lower Extremity
Curtis Porter - Upper Extremity
Rashawn Scott - Upper Extremity
Surgery/Out for the season
Marcus Forston - Lower Extremity
Ramon Buchanan - Lower Extremity
Cory White - Lower Extremity
Erik Lichter - Upper Extremity
Blake Ayles - Upper Extremity
NORTH CAROLINA
Out
Casey Barth, PK Thigh
Curtis Byrd, FB Knee
Kiaro Holts, OT Wrist
Devon Ramsay, FB Knee
Questionable
T.J. Leifheit, OT Ankle
Probable
Giovani Bernard, TB Hip
A.J. Blue, TB Ankle
Erik Highsmith, WR Ankle
Cam Holland, C Back
Jonathan Smith, S Ankle
NC STATE
Out for the season
Jarvis Byrd, CB - knee
Mustafa Greene, HB - foot
Sterling Lucas, LB - knee
Out
Taylor Gentry, FB - foot
Jake Kahut, DE - knee
Jeff Rieskamp, DE - shoulder
Thomas Teal, DT - foot
Curtis Underwood, HB - foot
Questionable
D.J. Green, LB - abdomen
J.R. Sweezy, DT - foot
VIRGINIA
Out
Pablo Alvarez (upper extremity)
Diamonte Bailey (lower extremity)
Darius Lee (upper extremity)
Charlie Richards (upper extremity)
E.J. Scott (medical)
Bobby Smith (lower extremity)
Tyler Smith (lower extremity)
Matt Snyder (lower extremity)
Joseph Williams (lower extremity)
Doubtful
Tim Cwalina (lower extremity)
Michael Terrell (lower extremity)
Questionable
Brian Oden (lower extremity)
Probable
Luke Bowanko (lower extremity)
Henry Coley (lower extremity)
Cam Johnson (lower extremity)
Jake McGee (lower extremity)
Clifton Richardson (lower extremity)
Michael Rocco (trunk)
VIRGINIA TECH
Out for the Season
Kwamaine Battle (knee)
Jeron Gouveia-Winslow (foot)
Antoine Hopkins (knee)
Dyrell Roberts (arm)
E.L. Smiling (wrist)
Out
Eric Martin (shoulder)
Mark Shuman (knee/ankle)
David Wang (foot)
Doubtful
Jayron Hosley (hamstring)
WAKE FOREST
Probable
RB Josh Harris (leg)
TE Andrew Parker (ankle)
DT Tristan Dorty (ankle)
C Garrick Williams (ankle)
NT Duke Mosby (illness)
Out
NT Ramon Booi (knee)
DT John Gallagher (back)
Out for the season
OT Dylan Heartsil (back)
CB Dominique Tate (knee)
LB Kyle Jarrett (hip)
Out
WR Ifeanyi Momah (knee)
DB CJ Jones (knee)
DT Connor Wujciak (shoulder)
TB Montel Harris (knee)
DL Kaleb Ramsey (foot)
RB Tahj Kimble (head)
DT Dillon Quinn (shoulder)
Probable
OG Nate Richman (back)
CLEMSON
Out
Joe Gore, DE, Knee
Spencer Benton, PK, shoulder
Tony Steward, LB, Knee
DUKE
Probable
WR Brandon Braxton (head)
S August Campbell (leg)
Questionable
C Dave Harding (leg)
C Brian Moore (arm)
WR Donovan Varner (leg)
CB Johnny Williams (leg)
Out
S Lee Butler (leg)
QB Brandon Connette (upper body)
Out for season
TE Jack Farrell (leg)
DE Kenny Anunike (leg)
FLORIDA STATE
Out
OT Andrew Datko (shoulder)
OG David Spurlock (knee)
OG Henry Orelus (head)
WR Willie Haulstead (head)
WR Josh Gehres (knee)
DT Darious Cummings (hand)
DT Moses McCray (knee)
Questionable
WR Rashad Greene (ankle)
Out for season
DT Jacobbi McDaniel (ankle)
RB Chris Thompson (back)
GEORGIA TECH
Probable
Jeremiah Attaochu, LB
Out
Tyler Morgan, LS
Out for the season
Fred Holton, S
Jimmie Kitchen, DL
Lance Richardson, S
MARYLAND
Out for the season
WR Tyrek Cheeseboro
OL Andrew Gonnella
DB Avery Graham
LB Garrett Lederman
DB Matt Robinson
DL Isaiah Ross
TE Dave Stinebaugh
Out
DL Justin Anderson
WR Kevin Dorsey
OL Justin Gilbert
LB Shaquan Virgil
Doubtful
LB Demetrius Hartsfield
LB Kenny Tate
Questionable
DL Andre Monroe
Probable
OL Pete White
MIAMI
Out
Luther Robinson - Lower Extremity
Shayon Green - Lower Extremity
Curtis Porter - Upper Extremity
Rashawn Scott - Upper Extremity
Surgery/Out for the season
Marcus Forston - Lower Extremity
Ramon Buchanan - Lower Extremity
Cory White - Lower Extremity
Erik Lichter - Upper Extremity
Blake Ayles - Upper Extremity
NORTH CAROLINA
Out
Casey Barth, PK Thigh
Curtis Byrd, FB Knee
Kiaro Holts, OT Wrist
Devon Ramsay, FB Knee
Questionable
T.J. Leifheit, OT Ankle
Probable
Giovani Bernard, TB Hip
A.J. Blue, TB Ankle
Erik Highsmith, WR Ankle
Cam Holland, C Back
Jonathan Smith, S Ankle
NC STATE
Out for the season
Jarvis Byrd, CB - knee
Mustafa Greene, HB - foot
Sterling Lucas, LB - knee
Out
Taylor Gentry, FB - foot
Jake Kahut, DE - knee
Jeff Rieskamp, DE - shoulder
Thomas Teal, DT - foot
Curtis Underwood, HB - foot
Questionable
D.J. Green, LB - abdomen
J.R. Sweezy, DT - foot
VIRGINIA
Out
Pablo Alvarez (upper extremity)
Diamonte Bailey (lower extremity)
Darius Lee (upper extremity)
Charlie Richards (upper extremity)
E.J. Scott (medical)
Bobby Smith (lower extremity)
Tyler Smith (lower extremity)
Matt Snyder (lower extremity)
Joseph Williams (lower extremity)
Doubtful
Tim Cwalina (lower extremity)
Michael Terrell (lower extremity)
Questionable
Brian Oden (lower extremity)
Probable
Luke Bowanko (lower extremity)
Henry Coley (lower extremity)
Cam Johnson (lower extremity)
Jake McGee (lower extremity)
Clifton Richardson (lower extremity)
Michael Rocco (trunk)
VIRGINIA TECH
Out for the Season
Kwamaine Battle (knee)
Jeron Gouveia-Winslow (foot)
Antoine Hopkins (knee)
Dyrell Roberts (arm)
E.L. Smiling (wrist)
Out
Eric Martin (shoulder)
Mark Shuman (knee/ankle)
David Wang (foot)
Doubtful
Jayron Hosley (hamstring)
WAKE FOREST
Probable
RB Josh Harris (leg)
TE Andrew Parker (ankle)
DT Tristan Dorty (ankle)
C Garrick Williams (ankle)
NT Duke Mosby (illness)
Out
NT Ramon Booi (knee)
DT John Gallagher (back)
Out for the season
OT Dylan Heartsil (back)
CB Dominique Tate (knee)
LB Kyle Jarrett (hip)
All 10 teams that are playing this weekend have released their injury reports for Week 7:
CLEMSON
OUT
DE Joe Gore (knee)
PK Spencer Benton (shoulder)
WILL PLAY
QB Tajh Boyd (hip)
LB Stephone Anthony (ankle)
DUKE
PROBABLE
DE Jordan DeWalt-Ondijo (leg)
DE Justin Foxx (leg)
C Dave Harding (leg)
RB Desmond Scott (leg)
RB Josh Snead (foot)
K Will Snyderwine (foot)
QUESTIONABLE
S Matt Daniels (leg)
CB Johnny Williams (leg)
DOUBTFUL
S August Campbell (leg)
OUT
S Lee Butler (leg)
QB Brandon Connette (upper body)
C Brian Moore (arm)
OUT FOR SEASON
TE Jack Farrell (leg)
DE Kenny Anunike (leg)
FLORIDA STATE
OUT
Willie Haulstead (head)
Henry Orelus (head)
Josh Gehres (knee)
Darious Cummings (hand)
Andrew Datko (shoulder)
David Spurlock (knee)
QUESTIONABLE
Rashad Greene (ankle)
GEORGIA TECH
DOUBTFUL
LB Jeremiah Attaochu
OUT
K-P Chandler Anderson
OL Morgan Bailey
WR Tyler Morgan
OUT FOR SEASON
S Fred Holton
DL Jimmie Kitchen
S Lance Richardson
MARYLAND
OUT FOR SEASON
OL Andrew Gonnella
DB Matt Robinson
DL Isaiah Ross
TE Dave Stinebaugh
OUT FOR GAME
DL Justin Anderson
OL Justin Gilbert
LB Demetrius Hartsfield
LB Garrett Lederman
DL Andre Monroe
LB Shaquan Virgil
DOUBTFUL
LB Kenny Tate
QUESTIONABLE
LB Darin Drakeford
PROBABLE
WR Marcus Leak
MIAMI
PROBABLE
Jalen Grimble (lower extremity)
Kacy Rodgers (lower extremity)
Adewale Ojomo (upper extremity)
Thurston Armbrister (upper extremity)
Davon Johnson (lower extremity)
OUT
Luther Robinson (lower extremity)
Shayon Green (lower extremity)
Curtis Porter (upper extremity)
SURGERY/OUT FOR SEASON
Marcus Forston (lower extremity)
Ramon Buchanan (lower extremity)
Cory White (lower extremity)
Erik Lichter (upper extremity)
Blake Ayles (upper extremity)
NORTH CAROLINA
OUT
OT Kiaro Holts (wrist)
FB Devon Ramsay (knee)
DOUBTFUL
PK Casey Barth (thigh)
C Cam Holland (back)
QUESTIONABLE
TB AJ Blue (ankle)
OT TJ Leifheit (ankle)
LB Kevin Reddick (ankle)
SS Jonathan Smith (ankle)
PROBABLE
WR Josh Adams (illness)
VIRGINIA
OUT
Pablo Alvarez (upper extremity)
Vince Croce (medical)
Tim Cwalina (lower extremity)
Darius Lee (upper extremity)
Charlie Richards (upper extremity)
E.J. Scott (medical)
Bobby Smith (lower extremity)
Tyler Smith (lower extremity)
QUESTIONABLE
Henry Coley (lower extremity)
VIRGINIA TECH
OUT FOR SEASON
Kwamaine Battle (knee)
Jeron Gouveia-Winslow (foot)
Antoine Hopkins (knee)
Dyrell Roberts (arm)
OUT FOR GAME
James Gayle (ankle)
Eric Martin (shoulder)
David Wang (foot)
FULL
Jaymes Brooks (ankle)
WAKE FOREST
DOUBTFUL
RB Josh Harris (leg)
OUT
TE Neil Basford (knee)
DT John Gallagher (back)
OUT FOR THE YEAR
OT Dylan Heartsil (back)
CB Dominique Tate (knee)
LB Kyle Jarrett (hip)
CLEMSON
OUT
DE Joe Gore (knee)
PK Spencer Benton (shoulder)
WILL PLAY
QB Tajh Boyd (hip)
LB Stephone Anthony (ankle)
DUKE
PROBABLE
DE Jordan DeWalt-Ondijo (leg)
DE Justin Foxx (leg)
C Dave Harding (leg)
RB Desmond Scott (leg)
RB Josh Snead (foot)
K Will Snyderwine (foot)
QUESTIONABLE
S Matt Daniels (leg)
CB Johnny Williams (leg)
DOUBTFUL
S August Campbell (leg)
OUT
S Lee Butler (leg)
QB Brandon Connette (upper body)
C Brian Moore (arm)
OUT FOR SEASON
TE Jack Farrell (leg)
DE Kenny Anunike (leg)
FLORIDA STATE
OUT
Willie Haulstead (head)
Henry Orelus (head)
Josh Gehres (knee)
Darious Cummings (hand)
Andrew Datko (shoulder)
David Spurlock (knee)
QUESTIONABLE
Rashad Greene (ankle)
GEORGIA TECH
DOUBTFUL
LB Jeremiah Attaochu
OUT
K-P Chandler Anderson
OL Morgan Bailey
WR Tyler Morgan
OUT FOR SEASON
S Fred Holton
DL Jimmie Kitchen
S Lance Richardson
MARYLAND
OUT FOR SEASON
OL Andrew Gonnella
DB Matt Robinson
DL Isaiah Ross
TE Dave Stinebaugh
OUT FOR GAME
DL Justin Anderson
OL Justin Gilbert
LB Demetrius Hartsfield
LB Garrett Lederman
DL Andre Monroe
LB Shaquan Virgil
DOUBTFUL
LB Kenny Tate
QUESTIONABLE
LB Darin Drakeford
PROBABLE
WR Marcus Leak
MIAMI
PROBABLE
Jalen Grimble (lower extremity)
Kacy Rodgers (lower extremity)
Adewale Ojomo (upper extremity)
Thurston Armbrister (upper extremity)
Davon Johnson (lower extremity)
OUT
Luther Robinson (lower extremity)
Shayon Green (lower extremity)
Curtis Porter (upper extremity)
SURGERY/OUT FOR SEASON
Marcus Forston (lower extremity)
Ramon Buchanan (lower extremity)
Cory White (lower extremity)
Erik Lichter (upper extremity)
Blake Ayles (upper extremity)
NORTH CAROLINA
OUT
OT Kiaro Holts (wrist)
FB Devon Ramsay (knee)
DOUBTFUL
PK Casey Barth (thigh)
C Cam Holland (back)
QUESTIONABLE
TB AJ Blue (ankle)
OT TJ Leifheit (ankle)
LB Kevin Reddick (ankle)
SS Jonathan Smith (ankle)
PROBABLE
WR Josh Adams (illness)
VIRGINIA
OUT
Pablo Alvarez (upper extremity)
Vince Croce (medical)
Tim Cwalina (lower extremity)
Darius Lee (upper extremity)
Charlie Richards (upper extremity)
E.J. Scott (medical)
Bobby Smith (lower extremity)
Tyler Smith (lower extremity)
QUESTIONABLE
Henry Coley (lower extremity)
VIRGINIA TECH
OUT FOR SEASON
Kwamaine Battle (knee)
Jeron Gouveia-Winslow (foot)
Antoine Hopkins (knee)
Dyrell Roberts (arm)
OUT FOR GAME
James Gayle (ankle)
Eric Martin (shoulder)
David Wang (foot)
FULL
Jaymes Brooks (ankle)
WAKE FOREST
DOUBTFUL
RB Josh Harris (leg)
OUT
TE Neil Basford (knee)
DT John Gallagher (back)
OUT FOR THE YEAR
OT Dylan Heartsil (back)
CB Dominique Tate (knee)
LB Kyle Jarrett (hip)
The series recapping summer camp for each team in the ACC as we gear up for game week continues today with Florida State:
- The Seminoles’ injury issues on the offensive line carried over from spring ball into August. The good news is that a lot of younger players got some reps, but there were too many bumps and bruises to starters along the way to know just how good this group can be. Andrew Datko and Zebrie Sanders both missed time with injuries, and David Spurlock just got cleared for full contact this week. The depth has developed but the cohesiveness has not.
- Clint Trickett has been named the No. 2 quarterback behind starter EJ Manuel.
- In addition to the offensive linemen, the running backs have also had their share of injuries. Chris Thompson played sparingly and was withheld from contact with a back injury, and Jermaine Thomas missed some time with migraines. Coach Jimbo Fisher was overly pleased with Ty Jones, and has said it was his best preseason camp. Because of the injuries to veterans, rookies Devonta Freeman and James Wilder Jr. have gotten some reps and learned the system. Freeman, who participated in spring drills, looks like he can contribute this fall.
- Fisher was pleased with the play of Manuel, but he pushed him harder than usual this month so that Manuel is prepared for any situation. The receivers played well, but Bert Reed was highlighted for his maturity and play.
- The defense has been dominant, particularly up front where the line has created a lot of pressure. The secondary, in particular Lamarcus Joyner, has played well. The young linebackers have been impressive, and Christian Jones will start. The staff has raved about Telvin Smith and is pleased with the progress of Jeff Luc and Vince Williams.
FSU is next in the series taking a look at one assistant coach from each school whose position group will be in the spotlight this fall for one reason or another:
Coach: Rick Trickett
Position: Offensive line
Experience: He is entering his fifth season at Florida State and 39th overall. Trickett has coached at 11 different programs, including West Virginia, Auburn, LSU and Mississippi State. He’s gone to a bowl game in each of the past nine seasons, including five of the six seasons he was with West Virginia. After just two seasons under Trickett, the Seminoles improved their rushing yards average by more than 70 yards per game. After one season at West Virginia, the Mountaineers' running game improved from 35th in the nation to second in 2002. From 2002-2006, West Virginia finished among the top 15 rushing offenses and three times were among the top five nationally.
Of note: Trickett is one of the most interesting characters in the ACC. He’s a U.S. Marine Corps and Vietnam War veteran. He drives a Harley. And he’s regarded by many as one of the best offensive line coaches in the country. More than 30 of Trickett’s former players have gone on to play in the NFL. He earned his undergraduate degree in 1972 from Glenville (W.Va.), where he was an all-conference strong safety. He received his master's degree from Indiana (Pa.) in 1975.
His challenge: Reload. Florida State must replace its top two offensive linemen in Rodney Hudson and Ryan McMahon. Trickett has plenty of experience to work with, but depth is an issue. Significant strides will have to be made this summer, as spring was a time to heal. Left tackle Andrew Datko was out with a shoulder injury, right tackle Zebrie Sanders was out after abdominal surgery, and left guard David Spurlock, who started the first seven games of 2010 before suffering a concussion, was only about 50 percent because of a hand/wrist injury. Key reserves like Rhonne Sanderson (foot injury) and Blake Snider (ankle injury) were missing. Jacob Fahrenkrug was supposed to take over at left guard, but finished the spring starting at center. This fall, the starting lineup will consist of LT Datko, LG Bryan Stork or Spurlock, C Fahrenkrug, RG Spurlock or Stork, RT Sanders. It’s up to Trickett to coach ‘em up.
Coach: Rick Trickett
Position: Offensive line
Experience: He is entering his fifth season at Florida State and 39th overall. Trickett has coached at 11 different programs, including West Virginia, Auburn, LSU and Mississippi State. He’s gone to a bowl game in each of the past nine seasons, including five of the six seasons he was with West Virginia. After just two seasons under Trickett, the Seminoles improved their rushing yards average by more than 70 yards per game. After one season at West Virginia, the Mountaineers' running game improved from 35th in the nation to second in 2002. From 2002-2006, West Virginia finished among the top 15 rushing offenses and three times were among the top five nationally.
Of note: Trickett is one of the most interesting characters in the ACC. He’s a U.S. Marine Corps and Vietnam War veteran. He drives a Harley. And he’s regarded by many as one of the best offensive line coaches in the country. More than 30 of Trickett’s former players have gone on to play in the NFL. He earned his undergraduate degree in 1972 from Glenville (W.Va.), where he was an all-conference strong safety. He received his master's degree from Indiana (Pa.) in 1975.
His challenge: Reload. Florida State must replace its top two offensive linemen in Rodney Hudson and Ryan McMahon. Trickett has plenty of experience to work with, but depth is an issue. Significant strides will have to be made this summer, as spring was a time to heal. Left tackle Andrew Datko was out with a shoulder injury, right tackle Zebrie Sanders was out after abdominal surgery, and left guard David Spurlock, who started the first seven games of 2010 before suffering a concussion, was only about 50 percent because of a hand/wrist injury. Key reserves like Rhonne Sanderson (foot injury) and Blake Snider (ankle injury) were missing. Jacob Fahrenkrug was supposed to take over at left guard, but finished the spring starting at center. This fall, the starting lineup will consist of LT Datko, LG Bryan Stork or Spurlock, C Fahrenkrug, RG Spurlock or Stork, RT Sanders. It’s up to Trickett to coach ‘em up.
ACC team position rankings: Offensive linemen
June, 24, 2011
6/24/11
2:00
PM ET
By
Heather Dinich | ESPN.com
Ranking offensive linemen is not easy. But hey, either is being an offensive lineman. Here are your best "big uglies."
1. North Carolina: Three starters and one part-time starter return from last year’s team, and this line could be the biggest and best since Butch Davis was hired. Guard Jonathan Cooper (22 starts), center Cam Holland (20) and tackle James Hurst (12) have combined for 54 career starts. Travis Bond has four starts and is the leading candidate to take over at the other guard position.
2. Miami: The Canes return nine of their top 10 offensive linemen including four starters from last year, and Joel Figueroa was granted a sixth season of eligibility. Even with the coaching change, the Canes should be strong up front. Center Tyler Horn is a veteran, Brandon Washington is a difference-maker, and there’s enough competition that Seantrel Henderson spent most of the spring as a backup.
3. Clemson: First-year offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell has four returning starters to work with in Landon Walker, Antoine McClain, Dalton Freeman and David Smith. They also have top reserve Mason Cloy, who has 19 career starts and has played in 38 games. There is plenty of depth for a dependable rotation.
4. Virginia Tech: All four returnees started every game last year, and there is enough depth that the Hokies should be able to rotate the most players up front they ever have. It’s a veteran group led by Blake DeChristopher, Andrew Lanier, Jaymes Brooks and Greg Nosal.
5. Florida State: Despite the losses of Rodney Hudson and Ryan McMahon, there’s experience up front. This fall, the starting lineup will consist of tackle Andrew Datko, left guard Bryan Stork or David Spurlock, center Jacob Fahrenkrug, right guard Spurlock or Stork, right tackle Zebrie Sanders. Just how good they’ll be remains to be seen as the majority of them were out with injuries this past spring.
6. NC State: The Pack lost Jake Vermiglio and will be without injured left guard Andrew Wallace for about half of the season, but Zach Allen, Camden Wentz and R.J. Mattes are returning starters. There’s also a lot of talent waiting to emerge with young players like Duran Christophe, Rob Crisp, Tyson Chandler, Torian Box and Andy Jomantas.
7. Virginia: Four players return with a combined 64 career starts in Anthony Mihota, Austin Pasztor, Oday Aboushi and Morgan Moses, who started the final seven games of the season as a true freshman. Pasztor is in his fourth season as a starter and has 32 career starts.
8. Boston College: Despite the losses of Anthony Castonzo, Thomas Claiborne and Rich Lapham, the Eagles are almost settled up front, it’s the experience behind the starters that’s reason for concern. The No. 2 offensive line is comprised entirely of redshirt freshmen. Mark Spinney returns at center, the projected starting guards are Nathan Richman and Ian White, who started three games as a freshman, and the tackles are Emmett Cleary and John Wetzel.
9. Maryland: It’s been an injury-prone group the past two seasons and that didn’t change this past spring. 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.
10. Georgia Tech: The Jackets return three starters in guard Omoregie Uzzi, guard Will Jackson and tackle Phil Smith. Sophomore Jay Finch played extensively last season and Ray Beno and Nick McRae were key reserves. Redshirt freshmen Catlin Alford and Morgan Bailey could also work their way into the rotation. Uzzi will be the leader of the line, but they were outplayed by the defense this spring.
11. Wake Forest: Four starters are back, but the Deacs will sorely miss the experience and leadership of former center Russell Nenon. Garrick Williams started the final three games of 2010 -- two at guard and one at center, but he struggled with the snaps towards the end of spring and isn’t where the staff needs him to be yet.
12. Duke: The Blue Devils should take another step forward this season under offensive line coach Matt Luke, and they need to -- Duke’s running game was last in the ACC last year and 104th in the country. Brian Moore replaces a three-year starter at center, but given his experience at right guard the past two seasons, it should be a smooth transition. That will leave a hole, though, at the right guard position, where Laken Tomlinson and John Coleman are the top candidates.
1. North Carolina: Three starters and one part-time starter return from last year’s team, and this line could be the biggest and best since Butch Davis was hired. Guard Jonathan Cooper (22 starts), center Cam Holland (20) and tackle James Hurst (12) have combined for 54 career starts. Travis Bond has four starts and is the leading candidate to take over at the other guard position.
2. Miami: The Canes return nine of their top 10 offensive linemen including four starters from last year, and Joel Figueroa was granted a sixth season of eligibility. Even with the coaching change, the Canes should be strong up front. Center Tyler Horn is a veteran, Brandon Washington is a difference-maker, and there’s enough competition that Seantrel Henderson spent most of the spring as a backup.
3. Clemson: First-year offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell has four returning starters to work with in Landon Walker, Antoine McClain, Dalton Freeman and David Smith. They also have top reserve Mason Cloy, who has 19 career starts and has played in 38 games. There is plenty of depth for a dependable rotation.
4. Virginia Tech: All four returnees started every game last year, and there is enough depth that the Hokies should be able to rotate the most players up front they ever have. It’s a veteran group led by Blake DeChristopher, Andrew Lanier, Jaymes Brooks and Greg Nosal.
5. Florida State: Despite the losses of Rodney Hudson and Ryan McMahon, there’s experience up front. This fall, the starting lineup will consist of tackle Andrew Datko, left guard Bryan Stork or David Spurlock, center Jacob Fahrenkrug, right guard Spurlock or Stork, right tackle Zebrie Sanders. Just how good they’ll be remains to be seen as the majority of them were out with injuries this past spring.
6. NC State: The Pack lost Jake Vermiglio and will be without injured left guard Andrew Wallace for about half of the season, but Zach Allen, Camden Wentz and R.J. Mattes are returning starters. There’s also a lot of talent waiting to emerge with young players like Duran Christophe, Rob Crisp, Tyson Chandler, Torian Box and Andy Jomantas.
7. Virginia: Four players return with a combined 64 career starts in Anthony Mihota, Austin Pasztor, Oday Aboushi and Morgan Moses, who started the final seven games of the season as a true freshman. Pasztor is in his fourth season as a starter and has 32 career starts.
8. Boston College: Despite the losses of Anthony Castonzo, Thomas Claiborne and Rich Lapham, the Eagles are almost settled up front, it’s the experience behind the starters that’s reason for concern. The No. 2 offensive line is comprised entirely of redshirt freshmen. Mark Spinney returns at center, the projected starting guards are Nathan Richman and Ian White, who started three games as a freshman, and the tackles are Emmett Cleary and John Wetzel.
9. Maryland: It’s been an injury-prone group the past two seasons and that didn’t change this past spring. 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.
10. Georgia Tech: The Jackets return three starters in guard Omoregie Uzzi, guard Will Jackson and tackle Phil Smith. Sophomore Jay Finch played extensively last season and Ray Beno and Nick McRae were key reserves. Redshirt freshmen Catlin Alford and Morgan Bailey could also work their way into the rotation. Uzzi will be the leader of the line, but they were outplayed by the defense this spring.
11. Wake Forest: Four starters are back, but the Deacs will sorely miss the experience and leadership of former center Russell Nenon. Garrick Williams started the final three games of 2010 -- two at guard and one at center, but he struggled with the snaps towards the end of spring and isn’t where the staff needs him to be yet.
12. Duke: The Blue Devils should take another step forward this season under offensive line coach Matt Luke, and they need to -- Duke’s running game was last in the ACC last year and 104th in the country. Brian Moore replaces a three-year starter at center, but given his experience at right guard the past two seasons, it should be a smooth transition. That will leave a hole, though, at the right guard position, where Laken Tomlinson and John Coleman are the top candidates.
After looking at this list, ACC fans should have a better appreciation for the lengthy, healthy career of former Boston College offensive lineman Anthony Castonzo, who graduated after a league-high 54 career starts. These are the ACC's old guys, the veterans in the conference who enter 2011 with the most starting experience. Virginia Tech, Florida State and Virginia have two players each. Here's a look at the ACC's top 10 veterans for 2011:
1. Danny Coale, Virginia Tech, WR, 40
2. Roddy Jones, Georgia Tech, RB, 39
3. Montel Harris, Boston College, RB, 37
Zebrie Sanders, Florida State, T, 37
Blake DeChristopher, Virginia Tech, T, 37
6. Andrew Datko, Florida State, T, 36
Kyle Hill, Duke, T, 36
8. Landon Walker, Clemson, T, 35
9. Matt Conrath, Virginia, DT, 33
10. Austin Pasztor, Virginia, G, 32
Florida State, Clemson and Virginia Tech have a veteran edge at one other very important position group: the offensive line. It's the second straight season that the Seminoles lead the ACC in the number of returning career starts on the offensive line. Though the Seminoles have only three returning starters, this trio -- Zebrie Sanders (37), Andrew Datko (36) and David Spurlock (28) -- combined for 101 starts.
Thanks to information provided by the ACC, here's a look at which ACC schools return the most experience up front:
1. Danny Coale, Virginia Tech, WR, 40
2. Roddy Jones, Georgia Tech, RB, 39
3. Montel Harris, Boston College, RB, 37
Zebrie Sanders, Florida State, T, 37
Blake DeChristopher, Virginia Tech, T, 37
6. Andrew Datko, Florida State, T, 36
Kyle Hill, Duke, T, 36
8. Landon Walker, Clemson, T, 35
9. Matt Conrath, Virginia, DT, 33
10. Austin Pasztor, Virginia, G, 32
Florida State, Clemson and Virginia Tech have a veteran edge at one other very important position group: the offensive line. It's the second straight season that the Seminoles lead the ACC in the number of returning career starts on the offensive line. Though the Seminoles have only three returning starters, this trio -- Zebrie Sanders (37), Andrew Datko (36) and David Spurlock (28) -- combined for 101 starts.
Thanks to information provided by the ACC, here's a look at which ACC schools return the most experience up front:
FLORIDA STATE
2010 overall record: 10-4
2010 conference record: 6-2
Returning starters
Offense: 8, defense: 8, punter/kicker: 2
Top returners
QB EJ Manuel, WR Bert Reed, WR Taiwan Easterling, LT Andrew Datko, RG David Spurlock, RT Zebrie Sanders, RB Chris Thompson, RB Jermaine Thomas, DE Brandon Jenkins, DT Jacobi McDaniel, LB Nigel Bradham, CB Greg Reid, CB Xavier Rhodes, PK Dustin Hopkins, P Shawn Powell
Key losses
LG Rodney Hudson, C Ryan McMahon, QB Christian Ponder, DE Markus White, LB Kendall Smith, LB Mister Alexander
2010 statistical leaders (* returners)
Rushing: Thompson* (845 yards)
Passing: Ponder (2,044 yds)
Receiving: Reed* (614 yds)
Tackles: Bradham* (98)
Sacks: Jenkins* (13.5)
Interceptions: Rhodes* and Mike Harris* (4)
Spring answers
1. Depth on both sides. Florida State returns all three leading rushers from last year, each of whom had at least 400 rushing yards in 2010. All of the Noles’ top receivers are back, but coach Jimbo Fisher was also pleased with young receivers like Jared Haggins and Greg Dent. The defensive line is deep, and the staff learned that Lamarcus Joyner can play safety at the collegiate level. The kicking game will be a strength, as FSU might have the best punter/kicker combo in the country. Dustin Hopkins booted a 60-yard field goal in the spring game.
2. Defensive improvement: The defense really made some strides in terms of knowing what it has to do, and has become more comfortable in the second season under coordinator Mark Stoops. The Noles found more depth on defense, as playmakers emerged even with players sidelined with injuries. The young linebackers were a particularly promising group.
3. It’s EJ’s offense now. In what was the first spring session he was healthy enough to participate in, quarterback EJ Manuel emerged as a leader heading into his first season as a full-time starter. He showed he can take command of the offense and goes into summer camp with nobody looking over his shoulder. He’s 4-2 as a starter and was able to take another step forward this spring.
Fall questions
1. Backup quarterbacks: Clint Trickett and Will Secord will take their competition into the summer, but Trickett got more opportunities in the spring game and made the most of them. He completed 13 of 22 passes for 137 yards. Secord completed 3 of 9 passes for 25 yards, but a clear No. 2 has yet to be named.
2. What will the offensive line really look like? It was a patchwork group this spring, as left tackle Andrew Datko was out with a shoulder injury, right tackle Zebrie Sanders was out after abdominal surgery, and left guard David Spurlock, who started the first seven games of 2010 before suffering a concussion, was only about 50 percent because of a hand/wrist injury. Key reserves like Rhonne Sanderson (foot injury) and Blake Snider (ankle injury) were missing. Jacob Fahrenkrug was supposed to take over at left guard, but finished the spring starting at center. This fall, the starting lineup will consist of LT Datko, LG Bryan Stork or Spurlock, C Fahrenkrug, RG Spurlock or Stork, RT Sanders. Despite the losses of Hudson and McMahon, there is experience up front, but building depth remains an issue.
3. How good is the defensive line? There’s no doubting Florida State’s defensive line will be good, but with the offensive line riddled with injuries, it was impossible to tell how good it can be. Newcomer Tank Carradine didn’t get a chance to go against Sanders or Datko, leaving for an unfair assessment.
2010 overall record: 10-4
2010 conference record: 6-2
Returning starters
Offense: 8, defense: 8, punter/kicker: 2
Top returners
QB EJ Manuel, WR Bert Reed, WR Taiwan Easterling, LT Andrew Datko, RG David Spurlock, RT Zebrie Sanders, RB Chris Thompson, RB Jermaine Thomas, DE Brandon Jenkins, DT Jacobi McDaniel, LB Nigel Bradham, CB Greg Reid, CB Xavier Rhodes, PK Dustin Hopkins, P Shawn Powell
Key losses
LG Rodney Hudson, C Ryan McMahon, QB Christian Ponder, DE Markus White, LB Kendall Smith, LB Mister Alexander
2010 statistical leaders (* returners)
Rushing: Thompson* (845 yards)
Passing: Ponder (2,044 yds)
Receiving: Reed* (614 yds)
Tackles: Bradham* (98)
Sacks: Jenkins* (13.5)
Interceptions: Rhodes* and Mike Harris* (4)
Spring answers
1. Depth on both sides. Florida State returns all three leading rushers from last year, each of whom had at least 400 rushing yards in 2010. All of the Noles’ top receivers are back, but coach Jimbo Fisher was also pleased with young receivers like Jared Haggins and Greg Dent. The defensive line is deep, and the staff learned that Lamarcus Joyner can play safety at the collegiate level. The kicking game will be a strength, as FSU might have the best punter/kicker combo in the country. Dustin Hopkins booted a 60-yard field goal in the spring game.
2. Defensive improvement: The defense really made some strides in terms of knowing what it has to do, and has become more comfortable in the second season under coordinator Mark Stoops. The Noles found more depth on defense, as playmakers emerged even with players sidelined with injuries. The young linebackers were a particularly promising group.
3. It’s EJ’s offense now. In what was the first spring session he was healthy enough to participate in, quarterback EJ Manuel emerged as a leader heading into his first season as a full-time starter. He showed he can take command of the offense and goes into summer camp with nobody looking over his shoulder. He’s 4-2 as a starter and was able to take another step forward this spring.
Fall questions
1. Backup quarterbacks: Clint Trickett and Will Secord will take their competition into the summer, but Trickett got more opportunities in the spring game and made the most of them. He completed 13 of 22 passes for 137 yards. Secord completed 3 of 9 passes for 25 yards, but a clear No. 2 has yet to be named.
2. What will the offensive line really look like? It was a patchwork group this spring, as left tackle Andrew Datko was out with a shoulder injury, right tackle Zebrie Sanders was out after abdominal surgery, and left guard David Spurlock, who started the first seven games of 2010 before suffering a concussion, was only about 50 percent because of a hand/wrist injury. Key reserves like Rhonne Sanderson (foot injury) and Blake Snider (ankle injury) were missing. Jacob Fahrenkrug was supposed to take over at left guard, but finished the spring starting at center. This fall, the starting lineup will consist of LT Datko, LG Bryan Stork or Spurlock, C Fahrenkrug, RG Spurlock or Stork, RT Sanders. Despite the losses of Hudson and McMahon, there is experience up front, but building depth remains an issue.
3. How good is the defensive line? There’s no doubting Florida State’s defensive line will be good, but with the offensive line riddled with injuries, it was impossible to tell how good it can be. Newcomer Tank Carradine didn’t get a chance to go against Sanders or Datko, leaving for an unfair assessment.
Biggest shoes to fill: Offensive guard Rodney Hudson
The four-year starter finished his career as the most decorated lineman in ACC history. He was chosen 55th overall in the second round of the NFL draft, becoming Florida State’s first offensive lineman drafted since 2007. He started all 14 games at left guard in 2010, pushing his career total to 48. He played 904 snaps and posted a team-leading grade of 88 percent and also led the team with 48 knockdown blocks. Hudson was penalized once (11 games ago) and tagged for only four missed assignments in 2010. He was the only FSU lineman not to relinquish a sack last season, and posted a career-high 10 knockdown blocks in the win against BYU.
Spring replacement: Jacob Fahrenkrug was supposed to take over at left guard, but finished the spring starting at center because of injuries. Jacob Stanley, a walk-on backup, started the spring game.
Stanley earned the team’s Iron Man award for the spring, and has earned a reputation for being a team player willing to contribute wherever needed. He was Ryan McMahon’s backup at center last season, but saw most of his playing time on special teams.
Summer outlook: David Spurlock or Bryan Stork will be the eventual replacement, as they’re interchangeable guards. Fahrenkrug will likely stay at center. Spurlock, who started the first seven games of 2010 before suffering a concussion, was only about 50 percent this spring because of a hand/wrist injury.
More in this series
The four-year starter finished his career as the most decorated lineman in ACC history. He was chosen 55th overall in the second round of the NFL draft, becoming Florida State’s first offensive lineman drafted since 2007. He started all 14 games at left guard in 2010, pushing his career total to 48. He played 904 snaps and posted a team-leading grade of 88 percent and also led the team with 48 knockdown blocks. Hudson was penalized once (11 games ago) and tagged for only four missed assignments in 2010. He was the only FSU lineman not to relinquish a sack last season, and posted a career-high 10 knockdown blocks in the win against BYU.
Spring replacement: Jacob Fahrenkrug was supposed to take over at left guard, but finished the spring starting at center because of injuries. Jacob Stanley, a walk-on backup, started the spring game.
Stanley earned the team’s Iron Man award for the spring, and has earned a reputation for being a team player willing to contribute wherever needed. He was Ryan McMahon’s backup at center last season, but saw most of his playing time on special teams.
Summer outlook: David Spurlock or Bryan Stork will be the eventual replacement, as they’re interchangeable guards. Fahrenkrug will likely stay at center. Spurlock, who started the first seven games of 2010 before suffering a concussion, was only about 50 percent this spring because of a hand/wrist injury.
More in this series
Injuries make FSU spring game hard to read
April, 18, 2011
4/18/11
9:00
AM ET
By
Heather Dinich | ESPN.com
Florida State has a lot of reasons for optimism heading into the fall, but a healthy offensive line isn't one of them.
Starters Andrew Datko, Zebrie Sanders and David Spurlock, and key backup Rhonne Sanderson all missed Saturday's spring game, making it difficult to truly get a read on what kind of progress the Seminoles made this spring under first-year starting quarterback EJ Manuel.
Manuel was sacked six times. One interception was returned for a touchdown. And both teams combined for 19 rushing yards.
The numbers are deceiving not only because of the injuries but also because of the 12 sacks. With a young, patchwork offensive line leading the way, the defense should have the better day.
"Hard to tell either way," coach Jimbo Fisher said, according to the team's practice report. "It’s hard to tell on offense, hard to tell on defense."
Manuel completed 17 of 37 pass attempts for 204 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions -- and his team lost, 19-17. Clint Trickett, who started for the Garnet, was 13-of-22 for 137 yards. Will Secord also played for the Garnet and hit three of his nine attempts for 25 yards.
Aside from kicker Dustin Hopkins, the highlight of Florida State's spring game was probably its announced attendance 53,818 -- 818 more than Florida's spring game. The score that counts, though, won't come until Nov. 26.
If there's one thing we learned from Florida State's spring game, it's that the Seminoles will at least need their veteran linemen healthy in order to live up to the preseason hype.
Starters Andrew Datko, Zebrie Sanders and David Spurlock, and key backup Rhonne Sanderson all missed Saturday's spring game, making it difficult to truly get a read on what kind of progress the Seminoles made this spring under first-year starting quarterback EJ Manuel.
Manuel was sacked six times. One interception was returned for a touchdown. And both teams combined for 19 rushing yards.
The numbers are deceiving not only because of the injuries but also because of the 12 sacks. With a young, patchwork offensive line leading the way, the defense should have the better day.
"Hard to tell either way," coach Jimbo Fisher said, according to the team's practice report. "It’s hard to tell on offense, hard to tell on defense."
Manuel completed 17 of 37 pass attempts for 204 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions -- and his team lost, 19-17. Clint Trickett, who started for the Garnet, was 13-of-22 for 137 yards. Will Secord also played for the Garnet and hit three of his nine attempts for 25 yards.
Aside from kicker Dustin Hopkins, the highlight of Florida State's spring game was probably its announced attendance 53,818 -- 818 more than Florida's spring game. The score that counts, though, won't come until Nov. 26.
If there's one thing we learned from Florida State's spring game, it's that the Seminoles will at least need their veteran linemen healthy in order to live up to the preseason hype.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Heather Dinich
Dinich covered ACC and Big Ten football for five seasons before joining ESPN.com in November 2007. She's an Indiana grad but somehow her favorite day of the week is Saturday.
