ESPN College Football

FLORIDA STATE

2009 overall record: 7-6

2009 conference record: 4-4

Returning starters

Offense: 10, defense 6: punter/kicker 2

Top returners

QB Christian Ponder, LG Rodney Hudson, C Ryan McMahon, WR Bert Reed, CB/PR Greg Reid, RB Jermaine Thomas, DE Markus White, LB Kendall Smith, LB Nigel Bradham, CB Ochuko Jenjie

Key losses

CB Patrick Robinson, S Jamie Robinson, LB Dekoda Watson, WR Rod Owens

2009 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Thomas*(832 yards)

Passing: Ponder* (2,717 yds)

Receiving: Owens (729 yds)

Tackles: Bradham* (93)

Sacks: Watson (6)

Interceptions: J. Robinson, Jenjie* (4)

Spring answers

1. Tailor-made defense. We don’t know yet how much better it will be, but the new defensive scheme will create more playmaking opportunities under first-year coordinator Mark Stoops. The Noles will use more zone coverage and be more suited for the personnel. That should lead to some improvement.

2. Ponder will be 100 percent. He took every meaningful snap with the first team offense this spring and there didn’t seem to be a difference since he injured his shoulder last year. That means Florida State could have a Heisman contender this year.

3. Staff cohesion. The five new on-field assistants and first-year strength coach brought a new philosophy to Tallahassee and they clicked well together in their first practice sessions. Coach Jimbo Fisher does things differently than his predecessor. Both the offensive and defensive staffs met a lot together to look at film, and there was good feedback across the board between players and coaches.

Fall questions

1. Consistency at receiver. With the exception of Reed, dependability was sorely lacking in this group. Plenty of plays were made, but not continuously. Fisher said the execution is not where he wants it to be. Jarmon Fortson is one of the players who needs to step it up.

2. Tailback talk. Who’s going to win the tailback job, or will it be by committee? Chris Thompson passed Jermaine Thomas on the unofficial depth chart, but there’s also Lonnie Pryor, Tavares Pressley, Ty Jones and junior-college transfer Debrale Smiley, who is a fullback/tailback like Pryor. They all had their moments this spring.

3. Unsecure secondary. FSU has four good corners to count on in this scheme with Jenjie, Reid, Dionte Allen and newcomer Xavier Rhodes, but the two safety spots and depth remain in flux. Jenjie is the only returning starter in the secondary.

Former FSU cornerback Patrick Robinson and linebacker Dekoda Watson both improved their 40 times from the NFL combine and clocked the fastest performances at this morning's pro timing day in Tallahassee.

Robinson ran a 4.38 and Watson a 4.4.

“I was definitely interested in posting a better number, because I didn’t feel like I ran like I was supposed to at the combine," Watson said in a release. "I wasn’t comfortable with the surroundings and the setting and looking at the film from the combine, I noticed that my knee lift wasn’t where it was supposed to be and knocked my 40 time down at the combine. That’s what I worked on and it really helped me out. … As long as it was in that 4.4 range, I can’t be mad.”

There were about 30 representatives from NFL and CFL teams, including San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Singletary. In all, 14 total players participated. Drills included the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, standing broad jump, bench press and agility drills.

A few other highlights:

• Jamie Robinson had a 10-foot, 2-inch standing broad jump, which barely beat receiver Rod Owens’ 10-foot, 1 ½-inch effort. Owens also had a 34 ½-inch vertical jump.
• Defensive tackle Budd Thacker led the way in the bench press with 31 repetitions at 225 pounds.

Additional participants included: deep snapper Zack Aronson, receiver Louis Givens, receiver Richard Goodman, defensive tackle Justin Mincey, tight end Caz Piurowski, defensive tackle Kendrick Stewart and linebacker Recardo Wright. One-time FSU linebacker Jae Thaxton and receiver Preston Parker also participated.

I'll check in on the pro days at FSU and Virginia later today.

• Former Virginia fullback Rashawn Jackson is one of the Cavaliers who will be looking to make an impression on the scouts today.
• There are a few key positions Virginia coach Mike London will be focused on finding playmakers for this spring.
• BC starts spring practice today in better shape than it was a year ago, but the Eagles still have a lot of work to do.
• Brian Landman of the St. Pete Times shares some notes from The Sporting News' NFL draft guide.
• Former FSU linebacker Dekoda Watson will be one of the Seminoles participating in today's pro day.

I've got no control over which teams are getting the ink. Only which ink gets the link.

• Miami running back Lamar Miller might not be able to beat wide receiver Travis Benjamin in a race, but he's fast enough that he's catching everyone's attention again this spring.
• If FSU's defense is going to improve this year, it has to start with the linebackers and stopping the run. New assistant Greg Hudson says if a guy can't tackle, he won't play. Good philosophy.
• Former FSU linebacker Dekoda Watson showed his athleticism at the combine, but it's his durability and production that's in question.
• Former Maryland offensive lineman Bruce Campbell has been one of the more impressive looking athletes at the combine.
• There were a few former ACC players who have improved their stock at the combine.

Unfortunately for the ACC, there wasn't much to talk about in this year's Senior Bowl. Former Clemson receiver Jacoby Ford played the most integral role and finished second on the North team in all-purpose yards with 59.

The good news for the ACC? Some of the conference's best players were juniors in 2009. Had it been the Georgia Tech/North Carolina Junior Bowl, this game might have been a different story. But without players like C.J. Spiller, Jonathan Dwyer, Derrick Morgan, Ryan Williams, etc., this game didn't paint a fair picture of what the ACC had to offer in 2009 talent-wise. Not that there weren't some talented seniors. According to Clemson sports information director Tim Bourret, Spiller was invited but chose to heal the turf toe that had been nagging him all season.

The final stats:

• Ford had one run for 6 yards, one catch for 7 yards and two punt returns for 46 yards.
• Virginia fullback Rashawn Jackson had one carry for 1 yard, and one catch for 9 yards.
• Florida State cornerback Patrick Robinson was second with six tackles and one pass breakup.
• FSU linebacker Dekoda Watson had three tackles.
• Miami linebacker Darryl Sharpton had three tackles.
• Former FSU safety Myron Rolle had three tackles.
• Maryland safety Terrell Skinner had three tackles.
• Virginia cornerback Chris Cook had two tackles.
• Maryland fullback Cory Jackson had two tackles.
• UNC defensive tackle Cam Thomas had one sack for a loss of 7 yards.
• Wake Forest cornerback Brandon Ghee had one tackle.

The best story to come out of the Senior Bowl for the ACC was that of Rolle. Following the week of practice, ESPN's Todd McShay gave Rolle a final grade of an A-minus and wrote that Rolle could be a third-round draft pick. That's impressive, considering Rolle spent the past year in Oxford studying as a Rhodes Scholar. He proved -- once again -- that being a standout athlete and student don't have to be exclusive of each other, and for that, the ACC couldn't have asked for a better representative in this year's Senior Bowl.

The final rosters for the Under Armour Senior Bowl have been posted. The game is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET on Jan. 30 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala. Duke and Georgia Tech are the only ACC schools that aren't represented in the game. The following is a list of ACC players who will participate:

NORTH

Chris Cook, CB, Virginia

Jacoby Ford, WR, Clemson

Brandon Ghee, CB, Wake Forest

Rashawn Jackson, FB, Virginia

Terrell Skinner, DB, Maryland

Matt Tennant, C, Boston College

Cam Thomas, DL, North Carolina

Ed Wang, OL, Virginia Tech

SOUTH

Jimmy Graham, TE, Miami

Ted Larsen, OL, NC State

Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State

Myron Rolle, S, Florida State

Darryl Sharpton, LB, Miami

Dekoda Watson, LB, Florida State

You might be familiar with the date Feb. 3. (Heck, some of you probably even take off work or ditch class for it.) Contrary to popular belief, though, it’s not a national holiday. It’s national signing day. And it’s coming up quickly. Every team has holes to fill after graduation and the NFL draft, but some are more pressing than others. Here’s a quick look at the Atlantic Division’s top areas of concern for this year’s class:

BOSTON COLLEGE

Quarterback: The Eagles can’t afford to be in another situation where nobody on the roster has had a snap of collegiate experience like they were heading into 2009. This is the class where coach Frank Spaziani can build the future of the program at this position.

Running back: Montel Harris is one of the best running backs in the ACC, but he’s not invincible. After the transfer of backup Josh Haden midway through last season, the Eagles were forced to depend on Harris and only Harris. It’s time to bring in some help.

Wide receiver: BC will graduate three seniors from the two-deep in Justin Jarvis, Clarence Megwa and record-setter Rich Gunnell. Quarterback Dave Shinskie will be better in Year 2, but now he’ll have to help usher in a new supporting cast.

CLEMSON

Wide receiver: The Tigers will have to replace standout Jacoby Ford in 2010, but they’ll also have to prepare for the losses of Xavier Dye and Terrance Ashe, who will be seniors in 2010. It was a position of concern heading into 2009 and will be again.

Defensive backs: Two of the most experienced starting cornerbacks in the conference -- Chris Chancellor and Crezdon Butler -- have to be replaced, but the staff also has to look ahead. Next year, the Tigers will lose All-American safety DeAndre McDaniel, free safety Marcus Gilchrist and cornerback Byron Maxwell.

FLORIDA STATE

Linebacker: FSU’s biggest loss here will be Dekoda Watson, but two other players on the two-deep are juniors. The Noles were hurting at every position defensively, and while the bulk of players return, they need an overall upgrade in talent.

Defensive line: Save for defensive end Markus White, who will be a senior, and Budd Thacker, who will have to be replaced, this was a relatively young group. Still, the Noles struggled to stop the run and fluster quarterbacks most of the season, and it all starts up front.

Secondary: FSU will lose cornerback Patrick Robinson, Korey Mangum and Jamie Robinson. The addition of Lamarcus Joyner should give this unit an immediate boost.

MARYLAND

Secondary: Three starters -- Anthony Wiseman, Jamari McCollough and Terrell Skinner -- were all seniors, and standout Nolan Carroll, who was injured, will also have to be replaced. It’s time to usher in the next wave of talent here.

Linebackers/ends: The staff needs to find players here who can better fit defensive coordinator Don Brown’s scheme. Some of those linebackers could end up being defensive end/hybrid players, but the Terps need some speed off the edge.

NC STATE

Linemen: The Pack will lose three starters on the offensive line and all four on the defensive line. Those positions are what almost half of the staff’s commitment list is comprised of so far, and the depth at those positions had to be completely rebuilt under Tom O’Brien. Some junior college transfers could help.

Halfback: With the news that Toney Baker decided to forgo his sixth year of eligibility, and the graduation of fifth-year senior Jamelle Eugene, it couldn’t hurt the Pack to start to reload at this position.

WAKE FOREST

Offensive line: Seven members on the two-deep roster were redshirt seniors in 2009, and one, starting center Russell Nenon, was a redshirt junior. Three starters will have to be replaced in 2010.

Tight end: This position will be very thin, but the staff has added two in this year’s recruiting class. Wake could also help itself by adding a fullback or two to help with the blocking.

Linebackers: It was a unit comprised mainly of redshirt seniors and juniors in 2009, so the Deacs will have immediate holes there, as well as the need to restock for the future.

The office is open ...

Danny V. in Miami, Fla., writes:HD, i see you have crowned VaTech with the best backfield for 2010. Have you forgotten Miami? Damien Berry who played all too little, and was with out a doubt the most impressive RB will be starting.Getting some touches this year will be Lamar Miller, a 6ft 205lb speed demon who is as fast as CJ Spiller, and a 4 Star RB who can contribute immediately (if you saw the UA game you would know). Just something for you to think about

Heather Dinich:Thanks for the thought, Danny, but I did give the Canes a once-over before I posted that, and the first thought that came to mind: Without "Coop and J.J.?" Berry was impressive when he was on the field, but Miami can't beat the Hokies' experience at the position entering 2010.

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Hap in Sasebo, Japan, writes: Heather please try and explain why Bud Foster has been passed over again and again for Head Coaching positions by seemingly lower tiered coaches. The USF job would be a great opportunity for him to shine much like the other mid-level jobs that have opened and closed this year. As much as I would hate to see him leave, its about time he gets his due. I think it is almost insulting to the VT program that he hasn?t even been offered a position at this point, his resume speaks for itself.

HD: First, let me say that I agree Foster deserves to be a head coach and believe that eventually he will get the opportunity. But it's a big assumption to say he has been continuously passed over, when it's possible his numerous contract upgrades have finally amounted to enough to keep him in Blacksburg and uninterested in other openings. It would have to be just right for both parties for Foster to leave now.

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Adam in Douglas, Ga., writes:Thanks for keeping the blog going after the season Heather. Keeps me revved up and ready for next season. Just looked at your All-ACC Bowl team and agree mostly...but you can't have that team without Dekoda Watson on defense. He was a beast against WV. He blew up the QB over and over.

HD:No doubt he was considered, Adam, I was at that game. Watson finished with five tackles, and three were behind line of scrimmage (minus-23 yds) including two sacks of Jarrett Brown (one that ended his day) and a key tackle for loss of Noel Devine. It was hard for me, though, to put him ahead of linebackers with double-digit tackles and the defensive MVP of the Chick-fil-A Bowl.

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William in Tallahassee, Fla., writes:Heather, I was curious as to why you thought a win over Tennessee was a more impressive bowl win for the ACC over the FSU win against 16th ranked West Virginia? It is because Tennessee is from the SEC or because you think they are a better team than West Virginia? Thanks!

HD: Well, you could certainly make a case for FSU. I see your point. But I went with Virginia Tech because the Chick-fil-A Bowl is higher in the bowl pecking order, and yes, it was a much-needed win against the SEC, considering the SEC had won the past four games in that bowl. But can I be honest? I'm not sure FSU would have won that game had Jarrett Brown not gotten injured in the second quarter. There. I said it.

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Gene in Chambersburg, Pa., writes: Recruiting really seems to be down this year for the ACC. Is it losing bowl games, lack of national respect, or just being outworked that is the cause?

HD: I'd disagree that it's down, Gene. I think it's right around where it usually is -- with FSU, Miami and Clemson leading the way. Don't be fooled by small classes. Some programs don't need as many players this year. I'm sure we'll assess each recruiting class and figure out whether each program met its specific needs once the letters are signed. In the end, that's what matter most.

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Bill in Tallahassee writes: Do you think the ESPN documentary on the rise of the U has had a positive or negative affect on their recruiting? I've watched the documentary at least twice; even though it portrays UM in a negative light I came away feeling that future recruits would think it would be 'cool' to sign with UM. I even thought UM was on the cool side even though I'm an FSU alum. Your thoughts?

HD: Frankly, I thought it was pretty cool. What was that one quote, something like "we were bad and we loved to be bad?" If I'm a recruit, I say: "Where do I sign?"

The Sporting News published a list of seniors invited to participate in the 2010 NFL scouting combine, Feb. 24 to March 2 at Indianapolis. Here are the ACC's representatives, but keep in mind it's not an official -- or final -- list.

Boston College: LB Mike McLaughlin, C Matt Tennant.

Clemson: OLB Kavell Conner, WR Jacoby Ford, DE Ricky Sapp, RB C.J. Spiller.

Duke: QB Thaddeus Lewis, Vince Oghobaase.

Florida State: CB Patrick Robinson, S Myron Rolle, OLB Dekoda Watson.

Maryland: CB Nolan Carroll.

Miami: TE Dedrick Epps, OT Jason Fox, TE Jimmy Graham, RB Javarris James, LB Darryl Sharpton.

North Carolina: OT Kyle Jolly, DT Cam Thomas.

NC State: C Ted Larsen, DE Willie Young.

Virginia: CB Chris Cook, FB Rashawn Jackson.

Virginia Tech: P Brent Bowden, S Kam Chancellor, CB Stephan Virgil, OT Ed Wang.

Wake Forest: OT Chris DeGeare, CB Brandon Ghee.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A few quick notables before the third quarter starts:

• Former FSU players on the sidelines to honor coach Bobby Bowden include: Derrick Brooks, Chris Weinke, Greg Jones, Derrick Alexander, Deion Sanders, Warrick Dunn, and former defensive end coach Jim Gladden.
• Noel Devine has already racked up 127 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.
• FSU has controlled the clock 18:32 to 11:28, and has six more first downs, but is only 2 of 6 on third downs.
• Dekoda Watson has three tackles and two sacks. It's Watson's second multi-sack game of the season, as he also had 3.5 against Jacksonville State.
• Jarrett Brown has thrown the ball just four times and been sacked twice. E.J. Manuel has thrown the ball 13 times.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., -- This game has suddenly become more interesting, thanks to Florida State's defense -- namely Dekoda Watson. Watson came up with two big sacks on WVU quarterback Jarrett Brown -- one for a loss of 14 yards, and one for a loss of nine yards -- on the Mountaineers' last possession. They were the kind of fierce hits that can ignite the entire defense. Those two sacks followed Jamie Robinson's interception, which led to a touchdown for the Noles. Oh, and the sun has finally come out here.

Consider the momentum shifted.

Wow, what a way for the ACC to ring in 2010 -- with Viginia Tech's convincing win over Tennessee and today's farewell to legendary coach Bobby Bowden.

Another bit of news on the Noles ...

Linebacker Dekoda Watson and cornerback Patrick Robinson will play in the 2010 Under Armour Senior Bowl. The 61st game is scheduled for Jan. 30 at 4 p.m. (ET) in Mobile’s Ladd-Peebles Stadium and will be televised live by the NFL Network.

I'm in Jacksonville, Fla., now, getting ready to head over to the stadium for the Gator Bowl. I'm expecting a bit of chaos today. In addition to Bowden's team walk, which is around 10:30 a.m., there are also about 500 credentialed members of the media for this game. That's about twice as many as normal. And of course, it's going to be a great crowd, considering it sold out in two hours. So far I've seen West Virginia fans on my plane, in the restaurant last night, and here in my hotel. I'm sure the Noles will represent well, though, in their home state. I'll be blogging throughout the whole game. See you there.

Here is the ACC's all: conference team, as voted upon by 40 members of the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association. Please keep in mind that this is not the ESPN.com list.

FIRST TEAM

Offense

QB: Josh Nesbitt, Georgia Tech (50)

RB: Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech (67)

RB: Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech (63)

WR: Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech (63)

WR: Donovan Varner, Duke (50)

TE: George Bryan, NC State (39)

TE: Michael Palmer, Clemson (39)

OT: Jason Fox, Miami (57)

OT: Anthony Castonzo, Boston College (53)

OG: Rodney Hudson, Florida State (54)

OG: Cord Howard, Georgia Tech (47)

C: Sean Bedford, Georgia Tech (45)

K: Matt Waldron, Virginia Tech (27)

K: Matt Bosher, Miami (27)

Spc: C.J. Spiller, Clemson (76)

Defense

DE: Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech (76)

DE: Robert Quinn, North Carolina (69)

DT: Nate Collins, Virginia (47)

DT: Allen Bailey, Miami (38)

LB: Cody Grimm, Virginia Tech (65)

LB: Luke Kuechly, Boston College (53)

LB: Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina (44)

LB: Alex Wujciak, Maryland (44)

CB: Kendric Burney, North Carolina (59)

CB: Brandon Harris, Miami (41)

S: DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson (57)

S: Deunta Williams, North Carolina (53)

P: Brent Bowden, Virginia Tech (57)

SECOND TEAM

Offense

QB: Thaddeus Lewis, Duke (18)

RB: C.J. Spiller, Clemson (62)

RB: Montel Harris, Boston College (39)

WR: Torrey Smith, Maryland (25)

WR: Jacoby Ford, Clemson (24)

TE: Greg Boone, Virginia Tech (16)

OT: Ed Wang, Virginia Tech (31)

OT: Chris Hairston, Clemson (26)

OG: Thomas Austin, Clemson (39)

OG: Sergio Render, Virginia Tech (37)

C: Matt Tennant, Boston College (29)

K: Casey Barth, North Carolina (21)

K: Will Snyderwine, Duke (21)

Spc: Torrey Smith, Maryland (17)

Defense

DE: Ricky Sapp, Clemson (29)

DE: Willie Young, NC State (24)

DE: Jason Worilds, Virginia Tech (24)

DT: Marvin Austin, North Carolina (32)

DT: John Russell, Wake Forest (29)

LB: Vincent Rey, Duke (29)

LB: Darryl Sharpton, Miami (21)

LB: Bruce Carter, North Carolina (17)

LB: Colin McCarthy, Miami (17)

LB: Dekoda Watson, Florida State (17)

CB: Ras-I Dowling, Virginia (26)

CB: Patrick Robinson, Florida State (26)

S: Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech (51)

S: Kam Chancellor, Virginia Tech (24)

P: Matt Bosher, Miami (37)

Posted by ESPN.com’s Heather Dinich

CLEMSON, S.C. -- First, an injury update. Chris Chancellor has a lower leg injury. He’s being reevaluated during the break. Now, a quick look at what happened in the first half here in Memorial Stadium.

Turning point: It was first and goal from the FSU 5-yard line, when Kyle Parker was sacked by Markus White for a loss of a yard and fumbled. Dekoda Watson recovered it, and Clemson’s chance at heading to the locker room with a lead took a hit. The defense gave Parker and Co. another opportunity on the ensuing drive with an interception, but Richard Jackson missed a 38-yard field goal. That fumble on the five-yard line was as close as the Tigers would get to reasserting themselves in the first half.

What Clemson needs to do: Eliminate the penalties and capitalize on their red zone scoring chances. Clemson has five penalties for 40 yards. That’s surprising, considering the Tigers entered this game averaging just 4.6 penalties per game, which was fourth best in the country. Earlier in the year, when Clemson was struggling, it was in the red zone. That appears to be the case again tonight.

What Florida State needs to do: Continue to run the ball and limit the mistakes. Jermaine Thomas has been a bright spot for the Noles, and his success helps Ponder with the play-action passes and opens up other options in the passing game. Right now, though, FSU has only been successful on 1 of 2 third downs. Their three turnovers have kept them out of a rhythm. Ponder’s two interceptions are uncharacteristic, but Clemson’s defense deserves some credit for that.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Here's who won't be in the lineup at 8 ET tonight:

FLORIDA STATE

Out For Season

• LB Maurice Harris (neck)
• TE Caz Piurowski (knee)

Out

• CB Dionte Allen (thumb)
• OT Garrett Faircloth (hip)
• OT Antwane Greenlee (knee)
• LB Aaron Gresham (knee)
• DT Demonte McAllister (knee)
• OT John Prior (knee)
• DT Budd Thacker (knee)

Questionable

• WR Richard Goodman (groin)
• RV Korey Mangum (shoulder)
• DT Justin Mincey (knee)
• CB Patrick Robinson (ankle)
• CB Xavier Rhodes (thumb)
• LB Dekoda Watson (groin)
• LB Vince Williams (back)

NORTH CAROLINA

Out

• AJ Blue, RB/QB, Knee
• Carl Gaskins, OT, Knee
• Matt Merletti, S, Knee
• Trevor Stuart, DS, Knee
• Jamal Womble, TB, Wrist

Doubtful

• Lowell Dyer, C, Shoulder
• Ryan Taylor, TE, Knee

Questionable

• Joshua Adams, WR, Shoulder
• Jonathan Cooper, OG, Ankle
• Zack Pianalto, TE, Foot

Probable

• Anthony Elzy, RB, Shoulder
• Linwan Euwall, LB, Ankle
• Kyle Jolly, OT, Ankle
• Devon Ramsay, FB, Knee
• Cam Thomas, DT, Leg