ESPN College Football

ESPN's Stats & Information department took a closer look inside the numbers behind Michigan's 23-20 overtime win against Virginia Tech on Tuesday night in the Allstate Sugar Bowl:

Despite the loss, Bud Foster's defense did a standout job on Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson. He was unable to find running room all night as six of his 13 total carries went for zero or negative yards. Virginia Tech shut down the inside zone read, allowing Robinson only one net yard rushing between the tackles all night.

Denard Robinson Rushing Inside Tackles

First 12 Games Sugar Bowl

Attempts: 104 8

Yards: 527 1

Yds per rush: 5.0 0.1

TD: 7 0

20-yd rush: 5 0

Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas was actually the better quarterback. He was extremely effective running and passing on third down. Entering Tuesday, Thomas had only completed 48 percent of his third down passes.

Logan Thomas 3rd Down Passing

First 13 Games Sugar Bowl

Pass-Att: 47-98 (48.0) 5-7 (71.4)

Yds per att: 7.1 9.0

Pass effic.: 129.3 147.0

*30 yards, 3 first downs on 7 rush attempts

NEW ORLEANS -- Both Virginia Tech and Michigan faced doubts coming into this game, and both teams had their share of blunders, but in the end the Allstate Sugar Bowl delivered a thriller that went into overtime thanks to a third-string kicker who converted on all but the one field goal that mattered the most. Here's a look back at the highlights of the game as Michigan beat Virginia Tech 23-20:

How the game was won: Michigan's kicker made the field goal in overtime, and Virginia Tech's did not. Brendan Gibbons nailed his 37-yard attempt, while Justin Myer's 37-yard attempt sailed wide right. The Hokies weren't able to capitalize on their opportunities in the red zone during regulation and it was too little, too late. The Hokies had three turnovers and seven penalties. Myer tied the game at 20 and sent it into overtime and had made the first four field goals of his career -- 37 yards, 43, 36 and 25 -- but he missed the last and most important.

Stat of the game: Virginia Tech was in the red zone five times in regulation and came away with just one touchdown. The Hokies were on the four-yard line twice in the first half.

Stat of the game II: Michigan had just 56 rushing yards.

Player of the game: Michigan receiver Junior Hemingway. He had two highlight-worthy touchdown catches, both in traffic, and finished with 63 yards and two touchdowns on just two receptions. His 45-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter gave the Wolverines a 7-6 lead and the momentum heading into halftime. He then out jumped Antone Exum for an 18-yard touchdown catch to give Michigan the 17-6 lead in the third.

Second guessing: With 7:21 left in the game, Virginia Tech opted for a fake punt, a questionable move at best. The Hokies' defense was dominating, and it probably would have been best to either punt the ball or just go for it. Michigan didn't bite and Virginia Tech punter Danny Coale didn't stand a chance.

What Virginia Tech learned: The Hokies' defense can't do it all. Bud Foster's group did a great job, but Virginia Tech's dependence on field goals was the difference. The good news? They learned they have a kicker. They also learned that quarterback Logan Thomas is good enough to be in the Heisman conversation next year, but he'll need more from the players around him and a rebuilt offensive line to get there.

What Michigan learned: Denard Robinson doesn't have to do it all. With a much-improved defense, the Wolverines found they can win without a spectacular performance by Robinson.

What it means: The Big Ten got some validation, while the ACC sunk another rung deeper on the respect level.

Record performance: Virginia Tech running back David Wilson surpassed former teammate Ryan Williams to set the school record for rushing yards.

NEW ORLEANS -- Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson has looked both subpar and spectacular in this game. He's made poor throws and bad decisions, but his two remarkable touchdown passes have been the difference. For Robinson to have minus-one yard rushing on 10 carries and still be winning is just one of the many baffling facets of this game so far.

It's also looking like a typical ACC implosion.

Virginia Tech somehow snuck into this BCS bowl as the ACC's first at-large team, but it can't seem to find its way into the end zone here at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Kicker Justin Myer has been the only offense for the Hokies. If Virginia Tech is going to get back into this game, its best hope might be another big play or turnover from the defense.

NEW ORLEANS -- This game changed in less than a minute. Virginia Tech lost control and Michigan gained all of the momentum, thanks to a big passing play and a fumble on a kickoff return. It took until the waning minutes of the second half for the Wolverines' offense to wake up, but because of Virginia Tech's inability to capitalize in the red zone, it only took a few plays to change the game. Here's a quick look back at the first half:

Turning point: On third-and-17 from the 45-yard line, Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson threw a 45-yard touchdown pass to receiver Junior Hemingway. Free safety Eddie Whitley was in position to make the interception, but he missed it and Michigan took the lead and the momentum for the first time all game.

Stat of the half: Michigan had 116 of its 145 total yards in the second quarter. The Wolverines' offense was stifled in the first quarter, and didn't score until the final 49 seconds of the first half.

Best player in the half: Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas. Despite the scoreboard, he's been sharp and accurate with the passing game, and his size and strength continue to be an asset in the running game. He completed 8 of 11 passes for 117 yards, and also led the Hokies in rushing with eight carries for 26 yards.

NEW ORLEANS -- This looks like a game Virginia Tech can win -- if it cuts down on its mistakes. It was an odd start to the game for both teams, as standout Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson began with four carries, two fumbles, a loss of a yard and a pick.

Yes, that Denard Robinson.

And Virginia Tech standout running back David Wilson let his ego run the offense for a play and went backwards for a baffling loss of 22 yards.

Yes, that David Wilson.

Wilson's run plus an untimely penalty forced Virginia Tech to settle for a field goal, but the good news for the Hokies was that reserve kicker Justin Myer made it -- a 37-yarder for his first made field goal of the season. That should get some jitters out, not only for Myer, but for Virginia Tech fans as well.

Michigan center David Molk missed the first series with a foot injury he re-aggravated from earlier in the season, but it wasn't enough to keep him out for more than a series. Still, Virginia Tech's defense has had the edge early. Kyle Fuller came up with an interception just when Michigan's offense seemed to finally get going. Michigan's defense has given up too many big plays, and the Hokies' passing game is looking much better than it did in the ACC title game against Clemson. Logan Thomas has been the better quarterback so far. Michigan had 29 yards of total offense while the Hokies had 110. The Hokies have controlled the clock, and so far, the game.

The Allstate Sugar Bowl should be a fun, interesting chess match between not only veteran coach Frank Beamer and first-year coach Brady Hoke, but also between Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster and Michigan offensive coordinator Al Borges, who has shown ample creativity with his play-calling this season. Here’s a look at three keys for the Hokies heading into tonight’s game:

1. The defensive line must win up front. In order to have a chance at limiting Denard Robinson and Fitzgerald Toussaint, the Hokies first have to get to them, and they’ll be going against a stable offensive line that is lead by center David Molk, the Rimington Trophy winner. Four of the five linemen have started all 12 games, and they’re a big reason why Toussaint had 450 yards over the past three games. Robinson and Toussaint both rank among the nation’s top 40 rushers. Michigan has the No. 12 rushing offense in the nation and has scored 28 points or more in each of its 10 wins.

2. Continue to control the clock. Virginia Tech’s best defense could simply be keeping Michigan's offense off the field by sustaining drives. The Hokies are No. 5 in the country and lead the ACC in time of possession with 33:54. They’ve got to get back to running the ball with David Wilson, which the Hokies weren’t able to do in the ACC championship game against Clemson. The Hokies ran for just 56 yards in that game.

3. Make the stops on third downs. Michigan is No. 12 in the country in third-down conversion percentage at 48.39 percent. The Hokies, though, are No. 10 in the country in third-down conversion defense, holding opponents to just 32.4 percent.

Virginia Tech is looking for a school-record 12 wins, and a win over Michigan would make this senior class the winningest class in school history. Here’s a quick preview of tonight’s game:

WHO TO WATCH: Running back David Wilson. Will this be his last performance before he leaves early, or will the ACC’s Player of the Year stick around for his senior season? If this is the encore, you don’t want to miss it -- especially against Michigan’s stingy defense. Wilson ranks sixth nationally in rushing with 125.15 yards per game, and he has 1,627 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. He is 29 rushing yards from a single-season school record. He averages 6.12 yards per carry and has had 10 100-yard performances in the past 13 games.

WHAT TO WATCH: Virginia Tech’s defense against Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson. Despite injuries to three starters, the Hokies’ defense not only has shown measurable improvement from a year ago but also has evolved into one of the best in the country. It hasn’t faced a quarterback like Robinson, though. The Hokies are No. 13 in the country in total defense, No. 17 in rushing defense and, most importantly, No. 8 in scoring defense, holding opponents to just 17.23 points per game. Robinson is 13th on the NCAA’s career rushing list for QBs (3,216) and is in Michigan’s top 10 in rushing and passing yardage. He and running back Fitzgerald Toussaint are the first pair of Wolverines with 1,000 or more rushing yards in the same season since 1975.

WHY WATCH: To see whether the Hokies AND Wolverines are worthy of their at-large BCS bids. Both programs faced a lot of criticism when they were chosen over Kansas State, Boise State and Michigan State. Virginia Tech was a surprise pick, especially after being dominated for a second time this year by Clemson and because of its weak nonconference schedule. The Hokies have made no apologies, though, and are out to prove they belong in the Sugar Bowl. Then again, so is Michigan.

PREDICTION: Michigan 28, Virginia Tech 27: The Hokies will put forth an impressive, respectable effort, but Michigan’s will be more complete with key stops on defense and a quarterback who is the difference-maker.

Early in the regular season, Virginia Tech’s defense had already lost starting outside linebacker Jeron Gouveia-Winslow and starting defensive tackle Antoine Hopkins to season-ending knee injuries. Starting defensive end James Gayle had missed a couple of games, along with starting cornerback Jayron Hosley.

Just when it seemed it couldn’t get much worse, Virginia Tech lost linebacker Bruce Taylor – arguably the leader of the defense and the unit’s best player - to a season-ending mid-foot sprain. In a span of four games, the Hokies had lost three starters.

“That’s when you said, ‘Man, enough is enough,’” defensive coordinator Bud Foster said. “We haven’t had as many injuries on the defensive side in, I don’t know, forever, the 25 years I’ve been here.”

And yet in spite of it all, with two true freshmen in the two-deep at defensive tackle, Virginia Tech enters the Allstate Sugar Bowl against Michigan with one of the nation’s top defenses. And the Hokies are going to need it. Those who have paid close attention to Virginia Tech’s defense under Foster would probably agree that this has been one of the best coaching jobs of his career. Not only did the Hokies make dramatic improvements from 2010, but they also did it with a young, inexperienced lineup forced into action because of injuries. Now they have to maintain that success against one of the nation’s top quarterbacks in Denard Robinson.

“The most recent guy we’ve probably faced like him was Pat White a few years ago at West Virginia,” Foster said. “I think he’s very similar to that guy. He’s a game-breaker. He’s a big-time athlete. He can beat you running the ball, he can beat you throwing the football. He’s just a dynamic football player, a dynamic athlete. And then he’s got some good skill guys around him to take the pressure off of him.

“He makes people miss in the hole. He jukes him and he’s off for a 40-yard touchdown. Those are things he does … and they’re using him the right way – quarterback sweeps, quarterback powers, quarterback zone play, quarterback draws. They’re doing everything. They’ve adapted to what they have and he’s done it very, very well.”

Then again, so is Foster’s defense.

Last year, Virginia Tech’s defense finished No. 52 in the country in total defense, allowing 361.5 yards per game. This year, the Hokies are No. 13 in total defense, allowing almost 50 fewer yards per game. Last year they were No. 26 in scoring defense. This year they’re No. 8, holding opponents to 17.2 points per game. After putting the No. 64 rushing defense on the field in 2010, the Hokies improved to No. 17 this year, allowing just 107.8 yards per game.

“There’s no question it was a heck of a job,” coach Frank Beamer said. “I think the people we lost, and then the people replacing them – you’ve got two true freshmen defensive tackles – that’s not the place you want a true freshman in there. You want some experience in there. And then I think (cornerback) Kyle Fuller had a tremendous year, but him being able to move around and play some different positions and come through, that made a difference. I think the guys we lost, who we lost, and then to play as well as we have defensively, the championship game was a tough game for us, but up until that point, we really played some fantastic football for what we’ve been through and the injuries we had on our defense.”

For almost the entire Wake Forest game Oct. 15, the Hokies were playing without four opening-day starters, including Hosley (hamstring), and Gayle (ankle), in addition to Hopkins and Gouveia-Winslow.

By the third quarter against Boston College a week later, Virginia Tech was missing those four, plus Taylor and Gouveia-Winslow’s backup, Alonzo Tweedy, who sprained his ankle. Two true freshmen — Luther Maddy and Corey Marshall — have taken over one of the defensive tackle positions on the two-deep. Two redshirt sophomores — Tariq Edwards and Telvion Clark — are holding down a linebacker spot.

“It all goes back to our players and our coaches,” Foster said. “We were a young group, and I’m proud of them. We had an expectation, we talked about how we wanted to get back and play the kind of defense we’re used to around here. We started that back in January. I’m proud of our kids that they stepped up and bought into that and knew that’s what we needed to get back to. I still think we’ve got a lot of room to grow, which is exciting, but then to have the injuries on top of that, and some key players, and to have some young guys step up at various times, it’s been fun to watch.”

NEW ORLEANS -- If ever a coach had earned the right to be stubborn about his system, it'd be Bud Foster.

He has coordinated Virginia Tech's defense for the past 16 seasons, and the unit has finished in the top 12 nationally on 10 occasions (the Hokies currently rank 13th in total defense). He has had 34 players drafted in the NFL, 45 different players score touchdowns and at least one player earn All-America honors in all 16 seasons.

The pillars of Foster's defenses -- speed, athleticism, pressure, opportunistic play -- have become synonymous with Virginia Tech's program.

Foster could enter rooms with "My Way" blaring in the background if he wanted to. But he doesn't.

His success isn't tied to stubbornness. He has adapted over time, while maintaining an attacking foundation.

"It's changed a lot but it hasn't changed a lot," Foster said Friday. "We were more of an eight-man front group in the mid-1990s through probably the mid-2000s. You were seeing a lot more two-back offenses at that time. ... We've just tweaked things year in and year out. We're always trying to make it a little better."

Michigan made more than a few tweaks in its offense this year, as coordinator Al Borges integrated some of his pro-style elements while maintaining a spread framework. The results were predictably choppy, but Michigan still scored more points (410) than it did in 2010, when the offense set several team and individual records.

Although Foster has led the Virginia Tech defense since 1995 and Borges had led the Michigan offense only since January, both have benefited from being flexible.

"He's like we have been offensively," Borges said of Foster. "Their defense is ever-evolving."

The next step in the evolution takes place Tuesday night at the Allstate Sugar Bowl, as Virginia Tech's defense and Michigan's offense square off in a fascinating matchup.

Both units faced some obstacles to reach this point. A look at Virginia Tech's defensive depth chart shows seven sophomores and a freshman in the starting lineup. The Hokies were hit particularly hard by injuries this season, losing starters Antoine Hopkins, Jeron Gouveia-Winslow and Bruce Taylor as well as key reserves like Kwamaine Battle.

Despite the losses and the abundance of youth, Virginia Tech maintained its standards on defense, ranking in the top 20 nationally in scoring defense (17.2 ppg), total defense (313.9), pass-efficiency defense (111.8), rushing defense (107.8 ypg) and sacks (2.92 spg).

"[Foster] has enough flexibility," Borges said. "He's been there a long time. That system, although he's got some young players, that system that he has ... they know it. ... You're not teaching every little tiny thing, and you can start dealing more with nuance and things like that. Bud's at that point because he's been there so long."

Borges inherited a more seasoned offense and benefited from a lack of major injuries. His challenge was blending what he had done for decades with personnel suited to a vastly different scheme, particularly junior quarterback Denard Robinson.

"You can see they've done a great job adapting to their talent," Foster said. "But then, there's nothing real fancy about them, either. They're going to line up and hit you in the mouth and be physical."

Virginia Tech must not only contain Robinson on Tuesday night but be wary of Michigan's power game, which features sophomore running back Fitzgerald Toussaint and a big offensive line led by All-America center David Molk.

While the Hokies boast good size at defensive tackle, they're giving up a few pounds elsewhere. Sophomore defensive end J.R. Collins checks in at 240, while outside linebacker Alonzo Tweedy weighs just 189 pounds.

"We obviously have to get off on the football and be physical," Foster said. "That's what [Michigan] is going to do."

Virginia Tech has faced mobile quarterbacks in the past -- former West Virginia star Pat White among them -- and practiced against one the past few seasons in Tyrod Taylor. But linebacker Jack Fuller said Robinson gives the Hokies a look they haven't seen this season.

The closest comparison, according to Tyler, is Clemson's Tajh Boyd, who torched the Hokies in the ACC title game (240 pass yards, 3 TDs).

"But [Boyd's] not much of a scrambler," Fuller said. "He's quick and he can run the ball, but they look for Denard to run the ball. They have set plays for him and that's part of their offense, getting him to run the ball and getting that extra blocker."

Michigan also must adjust to some different elements from Virginia Tech, which doesn't shy away from press coverage and has the athletes to do so.

"It is a challenge," Robinson said. "They have some unique defenses and great athletes."

Added Toussaint: "They are very athletic at every position and play every play with maximum effort."

Virginia Tech's defense and Michigan's offense both should be improved in 2012, as only a handful of players depart each unit.

Both groups will look to use Tuesday night's game as a springboard.

"This is a big step for all of us," Toussaint said.

NEW ORLEANS, La. — Welcome to the football capital of the season, home of the Allstate Sugar Bowl, a Saints game on Sunday, and the BCS national championship. The Hokies took over the Mercedes-Benz Superdome for practice this afternoon, and several of the defensive assistants were made available to the media, along with Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer. All of the coaches were laid-back, in good spirits, and defensive line coach Charley Wiles was particularly entertaining and engaging.

The good news: There haven't been any injuries yet that will sideline any Hokies for Tuesday's game against Michigan. The hard artificial surface is beginning to wear on some of the players, and they're getting adjusted to the indoor lights, but the controlled climate will be good for ...

The bad news: Virginia Tech is down two kickers, and Beamer said today that recent practices haven't provided any answer. And no, Danny Coale won't be receiving, punting, returning punts AND kicking field goals. Starter Cody Journell spent almost a week in jail after felony breaking-and-entering charges, and then one day after he was released, his backup, fifth-year senior Tyler Weiss was sent home on a Greyhound bus for breaking curfew.

Justin Myer is expected to handle the placekicking duties against Michigan, but Michael Branthover is also an option. Myer has a strong leg, but he has struggled with his accuracy. He is 0-for-2 against Virginia Tech. Prediction? If he has to make a choice — go for it or kick a field goal, Beamer might try and goferit when he usually wouldn't in some situations.

The majority of questions today were about how Virginia Tech plans to account for Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson, and it's the key to the game. While the Hokies' defense has spent plenty of time going against former quarterback Tyrod Taylor in practice, defensive backs coach Torrian Gray said Robinson is faster than Taylor, and that nobody on the team could simulate what Robinson does. This will be a big test for a young defense, but Beamer said linebacker Alonzo Tweedy (ankle) is close enough to 100 percent.

"I don’t know that he’s totally 100 percent, but I think he’s close enough that he can be back to the old Tweedy,” Beamer said. “We need that. I think he gives you some options back in there defensively and on our special teams."

Gray said there's been an "edginess" to the Hokies' defense in their bowl game preparations, so it sounds like the guys are ready to redeem themselves from their performance against Clemson, but this will be an even bigger challenge.

The ACC is 1-1 so far in bowl games and I'm 2-0 in predictions. We'll see how long that lasts ...

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• One thing they're focused on, though, is slowing down Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson.

Michigan Wolverines (10-2) vs. Virginia Tech Hokies (11-2)

Jan. 3, 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Michigan take by Big Ten blogger Adam Rittenberg: The Allstate Sugar Bowl matchup elicited some groans from around the country, but Michigan fans were all smiles. Michigan is back in a BCS bowl for the first time in five years as the program turns a page on one of its darkest periods.

A victory in New Orleans would give Michigan its first BCS bowl win since the 2000 Orange Bowl.

First-year coach Brady Hoke and his staff deserve much of the credit for Michigan’s turnaround, as the team not only improved its win total by three from 2010, but made significant strides on defense after historically poor results the previous three seasons. Michigan’s defense improved from 110th nationally last season to 18th this year, and it did so without any first-team All-Big Ten selections. Defensive linemen Mike Martin and Ryan Van Bergen lead the way for Michigan, which must contain Hokies junior running back David Wilson, the nation’s No. 7 rusher.

The defense carried the Wolverines for much of the season, but the offense came on strong late behind quarterback Denard Robinson and running back Fitzgerald Toussaint, who both rank among the nation’s top 40 rushers. Michigan still used many spread elements with the speedy Robinson at the helm, although offensive coordinator Al Borges mixed things up quite a bit and showed plenty of creativity with his calls. Virginia Tech’s defense provides a good test for Michigan, which has scored 28 points or more in its 10 victories.

Hoke earned Big Ten Coach of the Year honors and has made a significant impact on Michigan’s recruiting for 2012. A Sugar Bowl win would cap what has been a remarkable first season for Hoke in Ann Arbor.

---

Virginia Tech take from ACC blogger Heather Dinich: This was easily the most shocking selection in the ACC -- if not the country -- as Virginia Tech is coming off its poorest performance of the year in a 38-10 loss to Clemson in the ACC championship game. It was the program’s worst margin of defeat since joining the ACC, but the Hokies still leapfrogged several other BCS bowl-worthy teams. This the first time the ACC has had two teams play in BCS bowls, but it’s going to be a difficult challenge for the Hokies, who struggled against Clemson’s offense and will have similar challenges against Michigan.

The Wolverines have an even more athletic quarterback than Clemson in Denard Robinson. Offensively, the Hokies will have to get quarterback Logan Thomas back on track after he threw two picks and lost a fumble in the title game. The Hokies scored a combined 13 points in two losses to Clemson, and have no marquee wins on their nonconference schedule. They are also notorious for coming up short against nonconference opponents on the big stage. In three trips to the Orange Bowl in the past four years, Virginia Tech has only a win against Cincinnati.

This will be another chance for coach Frank Beamer to change the perception of his program on the national level as one that can win outside of the ACC and Big East, too. Virginia Tech ended the regular season on a seven-game winning streak and was ranked No. 5 in the country heading into the ACC title game, but the Hokies allowed Clemson 450 total yards, and ACC Player of the Year David Wilson had only 32 yards on 11 carries. Still, Virginia Tech will bring the nation’s No. 8 scoring defense to New Orleans, and odds are it's going to need it.

What began as a season filled with potential has turned into a conference race on the backburner of the national radar halfway through the season. Five ranked preseason teams quickly shrank to one, and even the Florida State-Miami rivalry game couldn’t live up to its blockbuster billing.



The first half of the ACC’s season was defined by its lack of success in nonconference games, as the league’s best hope at a national title contender was shattered as early as Labor Day when Virginia Tech lost to Boise State. The conference went 0-for-4 against top-10 competition with losses to Boise State, Alabama, Oklahoma and Ohio State. They were resounding reminders of that gap that remains between the ACC and the nation’s elite.

Not only couldn’t the ACC hold its own against the best, it became college football’s punch line after Virginia Tech lost to James Madison, and Georgia Tech, the defending ACC champs, couldn’t beat Kansas, a 5-7 team in 2009. The ACC finished the first half of the season with a 3-9 record against the five other automatic qualifier conferences, and all three wins came against the lowly Big East.

The biggest story of the first half of the season, though, has been the ongoing NCAA investigations at North Carolina into improper contact with agents and possible academic misconduct. The entire saga has been an embarrassment to the university, the league, and should have coach Butch Davis concerned about his future -- regardless of how many games the team finds a way to win.

With no team a clear front-runner in the Coastal Division, though, North Carolina’s chances are as good as anyone’s. Separation has started to occur in the Atlantic Division, with Florida State and NC State leading the way. Their Oct. 28 Thursday night game is likely to determine the division winner, but on a weekend when a league-high five interdivisional games were played, the Coastal Division earned a 3-2 record and could still prove to be deeper.

Don’t confuse mediocrity this year, though, with parity. The ACC is comprised of mainly average teams that will continue to beat up on each other in the second half of the season. As Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer said this past summer at ACC media days, the league has had good teams, but not a great one.

And at the midpoint of the regular season, that hasn’t changed.

Offensive MVP: Florida State offensive guard Rodney Hudson. Yes, Russell Wilson will likely win the people’s choice award, and he is a legitimate candidate, but Florida State, the ACC’s lone ranked team this week, would be nowhere without Hudson. Since the loss at Oklahoma, Hudson has earned grades of 94, 80, 87 and 94, respectively. He has had no missed assignments and 18 knockdown blocks during that span as Florida State has averaged 6.3 yards per carry, 258.2 rushing yards and 452.7 total yards per game.

Defensive MVP: Clemson defensive end Da’Quan Bowers. He had two sacks for 16 yards in the loss to North Carolina. He now has six sacks in just five games and 11.5 tackles for loss. In five games he has already exceeded his 2009 season totals in terms of sacks and tackles for loss. Bowers ranks third in the nation for tackles for loss and is tied for fourth in sacks.

Best coach: NC State coach Tom O’Brien. He has guided the Wolfpack to a 5-1 record, the program’s best start since 2002. It’s not just the fact that the Pack is winning, though, that has been impressive. Consider that NC State entered this year having to replace all four starters on its defensive line and without a single tailback that had any starting experience. The program finally seems to have turned the corner and is a legitimate contender for an ACC title.

Best game: Boise State 33, Virginia Tech 30. The Hokies fell behind 17-0, but never quit. Instead, led by the dynamic play of quarterback Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech rallied to a 27-26 lead in the final quarter thanks to a critical fourth-and-5 conversion. Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore got the final word, but not until 1:09 was left in the game.

Biggest surprise: North Carolina. Even with seven starters missing on defense for the season opener against LSU, the Tar Heels could have won that game. The investigations into possible academic misconduct and improper contact with agents have overshadowed the on-field efforts and improvement of players who did no wrong. T.J. Yates has thrown just one interception, and running back Johnny White has come out of nowhere to lead the team in rushing. The backups on defense have proven capable starters, and UNC has been able to overcome the distraction.

Biggest disappointment: Heisman hopefuls. Virginia Tech running back Ryan Williams has been sidelined with a hamstring injury the past three games, Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder lost the attention when the Seminoles lost at Oklahoma, and Miami quarterback Jacory Harris was overshadowed by Terrelle Pryor in head-to-head competition and has continued his turnover trend. Nobody else in the ACC has separated himself from the likes of Denard Robinson and Kellen Moore.

Both the ACC and the Big East are off to rough starts in 2010. The ACC flopped on the big stage last weekend, while the Big East has yet to win any high-profile matchups. So which league is hurting more? ACC blogger Heather Dinich and Big East blogger Brian Bennett commiserate and communicate about their under-performing conferences.

Brian Bennett: Heather, we have to stop meeting like this. Seriously, it seems like every year we're both trying to defend the conferences we cover. The Big East is 0-6 against teams from the other five power leagues, the Mountain West and the WAC. But the ACC might be even more disappointing, because expectations were so high for so many teams from that league. Which conference do you think has had a worse start to 2010?

Heather Dinich: It's a toss-up, Bennett, it really is, but we've got a few games coming up that will help answer that, starting Thursday night with NC State-Cincy, and then Maryland at West Virginia on Saturday. The marquee matchup, though, will be Miami at Pittsburgh. Until then, though, I will argue that the Almost Competitive Conference beats the Big Least in the most disappointing start to the season. There's one loss that was the deciding factor -- Virginia Tech losing (AT HOME!!) to James Madison. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think the Big East stooped even that low, despite a 1-4 start on Weak 1 and West Virginia's scare from Marshall in Weak 2.

BB: You're right that the Big East doesn't have any embarrassing losses. Its defeats have come against Florida, Michigan, Utah, Washington, Kentucky and Fresno State, and all but one of those came on the road. The league has beaten up on its lower-division competition.

What's troubling, though, is that no one from the Big East stepped up and grabbed a marquee win. Pitt was the preseason favorite and Top 15 club before it lost a sloppy overtime game to the Utes. UConn was a buzz team that got smacked around by Denard Robinson at the Big House. The two-time defending league champ, Cincinnati, was manhandled in Fresno. It looks like the Big East will once again be shut out of the national championship picture unless West Virginia can play much better than it did last Friday night.

But I guess I don't have to tell you about missing out on marquee wins. What has been the most disappointing thing in the ACC so far? And can we table all this "Florida State and Miami are back" talk for yet another year?

HD: Wait, did you just use national championship and West Virginia in the same sentence? Poor guy. Keep reaching, my friend, keep reaching. Maybe the Mountaineers will face Miami for it all. But don’t worry, you won’t hear anymore Miami-Florida State hype from this blogger until one of those programs does something to deserve it. I will say, though, that just because both of them faltered on the national stage doesn’t mean they’re out of the running for the ACC championship game. Then again, Duke and Maryland could wind up in Charlotte and it wouldn’t surprise me. Well, ok, maybe just a little …

As for the most disappointing thing in the ACC so far? I would say it was how these big games have been lost. For Florida State, it was convincingly. For Miami it was turnovers. Both of those programs looked to similar to their 2009 form. For Virginia Tech it was fundamental mistakes and turnovers. Virginia beat itself against USC. North Carolina had missed opportunities against LSU, and it was missing half its starting lineups. It’s impossible not to wonder what UNC would have been able to do this year if it had been full strength when everyone else appears to be down. Ah, the what-ifs of the ACC. So where does the Big East turn now? Can the conference redeem itself?

BB: Hey, West Virginia was almost there in 2007 and Cincinnati was maybe a second away last year, so it's possible. I don't remember the ACC even sniffing the BCS title game in recent years. Miami only did it when the Hurricanes were in the Big East; clearly, they need to come back. No hard feelings.

The good news for the Big East is it still has some spotlight games left. Next week alone, Cincinnati plays Oklahoma, West Virginia goes to LSU, Pittsburgh welcomes those 'Canes to Heinz Field and Rutgers takes on the tattered shreds of the North Carolina program. The bad news is, none of those teams has yet shown the ability to beat a high-caliber opponent, with the possible exception of Pitt (wait -- did I just use ACC teams and "high-caliber" in the same sentence?).

Heck, I'm not even sure Cincinnati can beat an NC State team that squeaked by Big East wannabe Central Florida last week. But at least one of our leagues will get some nonconference victories in the next couple of weeks, because they're playing each other. Can the ACC earn back any of its squandered respect?

HD: You don’t remember Virginia Tech ranked No. 3 in the BCS in 2007? You almost let that slip by like a Big East defense. But yes, there are still plenty of opportunities for redemption -- half the SEC is still on the schedule starting this week when Clemson travels to Auburn. There’s also the rivalry games against Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Those are the games the ACC still has to win, because you and I both know that beating Cincinnati and Rutgers won’t do much for the ACC’s reputation.