ESPN College Football

Our series looking back at the highlights of summer camp for each team in the ACC continues today with Virginia:

• Coach Mike London’s mantra regarding his highly touted recruiting class has been “they came here to play.” So expect several true freshmen to play this fall. London threw Demetrious Nicholson right into the mix with the first team this month, and he has a good chance to start opposite Chase Minnifield at cornerback. In the past, there have always been one or two impressive freshmen at Virginia, but this month, there have been about nine or 10 whose talent could be an immediate help to the team’s depth.
• The return of receiver Tim Smith from injury has really helped the offense offset the loss of production from Dontrelle Inman. Smith’s speed and sure hands will help whomever is named the team’s starting quarterback. All of the receivers as a group are not only healthier, but haven’t dropped as many balls this summer. It’s now a matter of getting some of the younger players to run the right routes.
• Many have wondered how the team is going to replace Keith Payne, as Virginia returns only three rushing touchdowns from a year ago, including one from the kicker. Running back Perry Jones has looked stronger and faster and has shown he can explode through holes. Kevin Parks, although undersized, has been efficient in some goal-line situations, and the staff has liked what it has seen from fullback Max Milien.
• Defensively, the Hoos have been visibly more comfortable now that they’re entering their second season in the 4-3 system.
• London hasn’t named a starting quarterback, but Michael Rocco has been getting most of the first-team reps. The bigger question might be whether London uses true freshman David Watford. If he thinks Watford can help them win, he’ll play. In the most recent scrimmage, Rocco got most of the first-team snaps and always played behind the first-team offensive line. Watford, though, was the second quarterback in, and he showed a lot of athleticism and brings another dimension. London is just looking for a quarterback who can manage the game -- not win it alone.
• Ausar Walcott was reinstated to the team at the bottom of the depth chart at defensive end, but he has since moved back to linebacker. As a player with starting experience, he’ll no doubt help the depth as a backup.

You asked, I answered. Readers (particularly @AsylumGodfather) were calling for more position rankings, so the receivers are up next. This could be the strongest position group in the conference, and one of the more difficult to rank, so I looked back on a few stats to help me separate them, including how some of these guys did against their best competition (i.e. Danny Coale versus FSU, wow). Here’s the final verdict of which teams in the ACC have the best combination of depth and talent:

1. Virginia Tech: With Jarrett Boykin and Coale returning, the Hokies’ passing game has a chance to flourish this fall. Boykin, Coale and Dyrell Roberts were the team’s top three receivers last year for the second straight season, combining for 113 catches, 1,882 yards and 11 touchdowns. Add to that Marcus Davis, D.J. Coles, E.L. Smiling -- it’s a bottomless cup of depth and talent.

2. Duke: Conner Vernon has 128 catches in his first two collegiate seasons and Donovan Varner ranked fourth in the ACC in pass receptions (60) and seventh in yardage (736). Their combined 274 receptions are the most of any active duo in the ACC. They are the top two returning leaders in catches per game, and Vernon is the ACC’s returning leader in receiving yards per game. The Blue Devils also have sophomore Brandon Braxton (14 catches), who could make a name for himself as the third option this year.

3. Florida State: Every Seminole who caught a pass last season returns. Bert Reed, Taiwan Easterling and Rodney Smith return with a combined 50 career starts. Reed ranks second among all returning ACC receivers with 141 career receptions. Willie Haulstead had 38 catches last season, Smith had 31, and there’s plenty of rising talent like Christian Green.

4. North Carolina: Like Florida State, North Carolina returns all of its receivers, including two who redshirted last season. Dwight Jones, who had 946 yards and 62 receptions, leads the group, but Erik Highsmith (25 catches, 348 yards and three touchdowns) must be accounted for as well. Defenses also can’t forget about Jheranie Boyd, who is a deep threat.

5. Miami: The Canes will miss the production of Leonard Hankerson, but they don’t have to if one or two of the other players show more consistency. Travis Benjamin has big-play capabilities and averaged 17.3 yards on his 43 catches last season. There is no shortage of other options with LaRon Byrd, Aldarius Johnson, Tommy Streeter, Allen Hurns and Kendal Thompkins. Which one will rise to the occasion?

6. Clemson: It was the DeAndre Hopkins show last season, and he should again highlight the Tigers’ passing game. As a true freshman, Hopkins had 52 catches, the most by a first-year player in school history. Jaron Brown returns with 10 career starts, and the Tigers also have Marquan Jones (21 catches) and Bryce McNeal (19).

7. Maryland: The Terps have to replace their top two receivers from a year ago in Torrey Smith and Adrian Cannon, and no clear frontrunners emerged this spring. Quintin McCree leads all returners with 16 catches, followed by Kevin Dorsey (15), Ronnie Tyler (13), Kerry Boykins (10), and Tony Logan.

8. Boston College: True freshman Bobby Swigert led the Eagles last year with 39 catches and four touchdowns in five starts. The Eagles are hoping to get a significant boost from the return of Colin Larmond Jr., who missed all of last season with a knee injury, but the young group should be better regardless because of the experience gained last season.

9. Virginia: The Cavaliers will miss Dontrelle Inman, who averaged 16 yards per catch on 51 receptions, but returning starter Kris Burd finished fifth in the ACC last season in pass receptions (58). The group will also get a boost from the return of Tim Smith, who missed almost all of last season with an injury, and Matt Snyder (30 catches) and Ray Keys (three catches).

10. NC State: NC State has to replace its top two receivers from a year ago, and T.J. Graham is the team’s leading returning receiver with 25 catches. Steven Howard, Jay Smith and Quintin Payton all have experience, and redshirt freshman Bryan Underwood, Tobias Palmer and Everett Proctor have also been competing for playing time.

11. Wake Forest: Chris Givens (35 catches, 13.7 average), Michael Campanaro (10 catches) and Danny Dembry are the lead candidates to start, but the Deacs are missing a spark like Kenny Moore (2007) and D.J. Boldin (2008) provided. There were too many dropped passes in the spring game, so this group has some work to do in summer camp.

12. Georgia Tech: Yes, Georgia Tech throws the ball, just not often enough or efficiently enough to be anywhere but last place on this list. Stephen Hill led the Jackets last year with 15 catches for 291 yards and three touchdowns. He should show progress this fall now that there’s no pressure on him to be the next Demaryius Thomas. If he doesn’t show more consistency, the Jackets could turn to Daniel McKayhan, Tyler Melton or Jeremy Moore.

2010 overall record: 4-8

2010 conference record: 1-7

Returning starters

Offense: 8, defense: 9, punter/kicker: 2

Top returners

WR Kris Burd, OT Morgan Moses, G Austin Pasztor, TB Perry Jones, DT Matt Conrath, DT Nick Jenkins, DE Cam Johnson, CB Chase Minnifield, SS Rodney McLeod, LB Steve Greer

Key losses

WR Dontrelle Inman, QB Marc Verica, DE Zane Parr, RB Keith Payne, LB Darnell Carter

2010 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Payne (749 yards)

Passing: Verica (2,799 yds)

Receiving: Burd* (799 yds)

Tackles: LaRoy Reynolds* (66)

Sacks: Cam Johnson* (6.5)

Interceptions: Minnifield* (6)

Spring answers

1. Good move for Gooch. Miles Gooch made the move from quarterback to receiver this spring, and because of the numerous injuries to the wideouts, he got significant reps. Whether that translates into game snaps remains to be seen, but with a crowded competition at quarterback, his odds are better at receiver.

2. No move for Mathis. Jeremiah Mathis moved from defensive end to tight end last year, and he stayed there this spring. Coach Mike London has said Mathis has a huge upside on the offensive side of the ball. Mathis caught three passes in 10 games last year, but that number could increase this fall with the departure of Joe Torchia.

3. Another step forward on defense. With nine starters returning in the second season in the 4-3 scheme, the Cavaliers showed improvement this spring. London said the defense is well ahead of where it was this time a year ago because of the transition and coaching change.

Fall questions

1. Who’s the quarterback? Michael Rocco, Ross Metheny, Michael Strauss and true freshman David Watford will continue their competition in summer camp, as none of them separated themselves this spring. While it’s limited, Metheny and Rocco have the most experience, but that hasn’t guaranteed them anything, according to London.

2. Who will compensate for the loss of production with the departure of Keith Payne? Perry Jones, Kevin Parks and Khalek Shepherd will likely share the carries, but the latter two are redshirt freshmen with no game experience. Jones ran for 646 yards last year.

3. Roster cuts. London needs to trim the roster to meet the NCAA’s 85-scholarship limit, and he has not determined how he plans to do that yet. If Devin Wallace does not return from his suspension, that will make one less -- and one less starter on defense. London has not yet released a number on how many fifth-year seniors will be invited back. Different scenarios could transpire in the next few months to get this question answered, as some players might not qualify and will have to attend prep school.

We've already looked at who and what to watch in the Atlantic Division this spring. Here's a breakdown of three issues facing each program in the Coastal Division:

DUKE

Spring practice starts: Feb. 16

Spring game: March 26

What to watch:

• Jim Knowles taking over as defensive coordinator. After coaching the safeties last season, Knowles was promoted in late January following the departure of Marion Hobby to coach Clemson’s defensive line. It’s not a complete overhaul on defense, but for the third time in as many seasons, a different person will be calling the plays. Knowles has also assumed the lead role with Duke’s practice scheduling and weekly preparation.
• New faces at linebacker. Duke graduated its leading tackler from 2010, Abraham Kromah, and freshman All-American Kelby Brown is out while recovering from knee surgery. Those two slots will be wide open this spring and the competition will be among Austin Gamble, C.J. France, Tyree Glover and Kevin Rojas.
• Offensive line shuffling. The Blue Devils return four starters up front, but they’ll be missing the glue of the line in Bryan Morgan, who graduated. Brian Moore, who has started the past two seasons at right guard, will make the transition to center. John Coleman and Laken Tomlinson are expected to compete for the right guard spot.

GEORGIA TECH

Spring practice starts: March 28 (tentative)

Spring game: April 23

What to watch:

• Starting quarterback competition. Tevin Washington enters the spring at No. 1 on the depth chart, and it's his job to lose, as he has the most experience after taking over for injured starter Joshua Nesbitt in 2010. Synjyn Days will give him legitimate competition this spring, though, and it will increase this summer with the addition of standout recruit Vad Lee to the roster. For now, though, it’s between Washington and Days, as David Sims is expected to move to B-back.
• Offensive line reshuffling. Georgia Tech will have to replace three starters in all-conference center Sean Bedford, right tackle Austin Barrick and left tackle Nick Claytor, who decided to leave early for the NFL draft. Phil Smith, Barrick’s backup last year, is the only one with any experience at tackle. The staff will likely have to move a player or two from guard to tackle, and only it knows who those candidates might be right now.
• Revamped secondary. Jerrard Tarrant's decision to leave school early and enter the NFL draft left the Jackets without any returning starters in the secondary. Junior cornerback Rod Sweeting, sophomore cornerback Louis Young, redshirt freshman cornerback Ryan Ayers and sophomore safety Fred Holton are front-runners, but they all have a lot to prove this spring. Holton and Young played sparingly as true freshmen and combined for 21 tackles. Sweeting played in all 13 games and had one fumble recovery and eight passes defended, including one interception. Senior cornerback Michael Peterson may help, and safety Jemea Thomas played as a true freshman in 2009 but redshirted last year. There’s some talent, but the inexperience makes it a question mark.

MIAMI

Spring practice starts: March 5

Spring game: April 9 or 16

What to watch:

• New staff, new schemes. Defensively, first-year coordinator Mark D’Onofrio will work with two other assistants who were with him and first-year coach Al Golden at Temple, so there is familiarity there. Linebackers coach Michael Barrow has to learn D’Onofrio’s system, but the players tend to pick it up faster if the majority of the staff is already acclimated to it. Offensively, everyone will be working together for the first time. Jedd Fisch wants to run a pure pro-style offense based on matchups, and the good news is that several of the assistants, because of their respective backgrounds, are already schooled in at least a version of it.
• Quarterback battle. Golden has said he would like to name a starter by the end of the spring, making these practices critical auditions for both Jacory Harris and Stephen Morris. Harris has both flourished and flopped as a starter for the Canes, and his injury last year gave Morris the opportunity he needed to win the people’s choice award. Has a new era of quarterback begun, or will Harris finally have the breakout season Miami fans have waited for in his final year as a Cane?
• Corner competition. Following the departures of Ryan Hill, DeMarcus Van Dyke and Brandon Harris, Brandon McGee is the only corner remaining on the roster with any significant experience. He played in 11 games, started one, and had 15 tackles. Redshirt freshman Devont’a Davis, sophomore Kacey Rodgers, and redshirt sophomore Jamal Reid will also compete for playing time. There are also several incoming freshmen who could be immediate contributors.

NORTH CAROLINA

Spring practice starts: March 16

Spring game: April 9

What to watch:

• The rookie quarterbacks. There’s no guarantee that Bryn Renner will be the Tar Heels’ starter in 2011, but he enters the spring slightly ahead of the race, as he was No. 2 on the depth chart last season and was pushing T.J. Yates for the starting job at this time a year ago. The staff would also like to see what true freshman Marquise Williams, who enrolled in January, has to offer. Braden Hanson and A.J. Blue will also compete for playing time. Blue was injured two years ago and redshirted last season.
• Running backs race. The Tar Heels graduated three key players from 2010: Johnny White, Anthony Elzy and Shaun Draughn. Ryan Houston is back for his fifth year after redshirting last year and is the most experienced of the returnees. Giovani Bernard was a true freshman last year and had been expected to get some playing time, but he tore his ACL on the third day of training camp. It’s not clear yet how much he’ll be able to participate this spring. Hunter Furr played sparingly last year and true freshman Travis Riley, who enrolled in January, are also in the mix.
• Another strong defensive line. If Quinton Coples was an all-conference selection as a defensive tackle, he could be scary good at his natural position, defensive end. Coples played there as a freshman and sophomore, but switched to tackle out of necessity last season. The defensive line should once again be the strength of the team, but it will be reconfigured again, as Coples’ move will leave a defensive tackle spot up for grabs. Junior college transfer Sylvester Williams, who enrolled in January, could fill that role.

VIRGINIA

Spring practice starts: March 16

Spring game: April 2

What to watch:

• The search for a new starting quarterback. With Marc Verica graduated, the lead contenders to replace him are the ones who saw the field last year -- Michael Rocco and Ross Metheny. Neither of them started, but Rocco played in six games and Metheny five. Nobody has thrown the ball more than Rocco’s 25 times. The staff will also look at Michael Strauss, who redshirted last year, Miles Gooch, and David Watford, who enrolled in January.
• Competition at running back. With leading rusher Keith Payne graduated, the question becomes what can Kevin Parks do after redshirting last year? There’s a lot of depth at the running back position, but Parks, the No. 56 running back in his class by ESPN.com and national prep record-setter out of the state of North Carolina, came to Charlottesville facing high expectations. With Payne gone, this could open the door for him to meet them, but returning starter Perry Jones will also be competing for carries.
• Development of the receivers. In January, Jared Green Tweeted that he had decided to transfer after finishing his degree in Charlottesville this spring, according to a school spokesman. His departure, coupled with the graduation of Dontrelle Inman, leaves the Cavaliers without two of their top wideouts from 2010. With Tim Smith coming off an injury, the development of other receivers will be critical -- especially with a new starting quarterback.

VIRGINIA TECH

Spring practice starts: March 30

Spring game: April 23

What to watch:

• Quarterback Logan Thomas. The Tyrod Taylor era is over, and Thomas is the front-runner to succeed the winningest quarterback in school history. Ju-Ju Clayton is the only other quarterback on the roster who’s ever taken a snap, and he’ll push Thomas this spring. It’s Thomas’ job to lose, but the staff is looking for him to improve his accuracy. He played quarterback in only his final two high school seasons and was projected as a tight end. He’s still raw and learning the position, but physically, he’s a clone of Cam Newton. If he develops some poise in the pocket, look out.
• Competition on the defensive line. The Hokies have to replace starters John Graves (defensive tackle) and Steven Friday (defensive end), who both graduated. They’ve got Antoine Hopkins and Chris Drager back, but it’s possible Drager could move back to tight end after starting 10 games at defensive end last year. Tackle Kwamaine Battle, who started the first two games before he tore his ACL and Hopkins took over, is another front-runner. Hopkins’ younger brother, Derrick, will also be in the mix, along with James Gayle and J.R. Collins. Redshirt freshman defensive end Zack McCray, the cousin of Logan Thomas, has also impressed the staff so far.
• Tight end auditions. The graduation of Andre Smith leaves the Hokies with only one returning tight end who’s caught a pass in a game, Randall Dunn (one). Redshirt freshman Eric Martin was the second tight end when the Hokies used two-tight end sets, but he missed three games mid-season with an injury.

There were numerous players throughout the ACC who made quantum leaps in their careers this past season, transitioning from the supporting cast to a starring role. Some came off the bench, others finally realized their potential. In no particular order, here’s a look at the league’s 10 most-improved players in 2010:

Dontrelle Inman, WR, Virginia: He went from eight receptions in 2009 to 51 in 2010. Inman ranked No. 6 in the ACC in yards per game (67.9) and No. 10 in receptions per game (4.2). He led the team with 815 receiving yards and had the 13th-best receiving output in ACC history with 239 receiving yards at Duke.

Antwine Perez, S, Maryland: The career backup and former USC transfer finally had the breakout season many had been waiting for. He had a team-high 11 passes defended (three interceptions/eight pass breakups). He was fifth on the team with 74 tackles, including seven TFLs, and he had three fumble recoveries.

Julian Burnett, LB, GT: He began the season on the bench, undersized for a typical 3-4 defense, but ended up leading Tech in tackles (89). He had 42 solo tackles, one interception, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

Quinton Coples, DE, UNC: He went from backup defensive end to first-team All-ACC defensive tackle. He had 15.5 TFLs, 10 sacks, 12 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and was fourth on the team in tackles with 59.

Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson: He wasn’t even an honorable mention all-conference selection a year ago, let alone on anyone’s NFL draft board. After a breakout season in 2010, he was a first-team unanimous All-American, the Bronko Nagurski Award winner and the No. 1 projected NFL draft pick by several experts. He improved from three sacks to 15.5 and 11 TFLs to 26.

Earl Wolff, S, NC State: After starting just four games in 2009 as a redshirt freshman, Wolff was one of the team’s top defenders, leading the Pack in tackles with 95, including two sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. He also had one interception, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

Brandon Jenkins, DE, FSU: Following a 2009 season in which he played as a true freshman, Jenkins was named the team’s most-improved defensive lineman following spring drills last year and he continued it into the fall. He had 21.5 TFLs, 13.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries. He also had two pass breakups and four quarterback hurries.

Jim Noel, S, Boston College: The true sophomore earned his first start against Florida State and finished with four interceptions and one pass breakup. He had 10 tackles in his starting debut against the Noles and had two interceptions, including one he returned for a touchdown.

Virginia Tech kicker Chris Hazley: He joined the program as a walk-on in 2007 and his patience and practice finally paid off. He earned a scholarship this past preseason and all-conference honors this postseason. He set a school record for consecutive field goals made in a season with 21. He made 21 of 22 field goals.

Cooper Helfet, TE, Duke: The junior college transfer enrolled at Duke last January and was a backup on the depth chart entering the fall. He caught 34 passes for 380 yards and two touchdowns. He started for the first time against Georgia Tech and had six receptions for 92 yards. He also caught seven passes for 122 yards against Virginia.

Thanks as always to the sports information directors throughout the league for our dose of ACC knowledge:

• In 1998 and 1999, Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson was the head coach at Georgia Southern and Miami offensive coordinator Mark Whipple was the head coach at UMass when the two teams met in the FCS (then called I-AA) playoffs. In ‘98, Whipple’s UMass team beat Johnson’s GSU team in the national championship game, 55-43. The next year in the quarterfinals, Johnson and the Eagles beat Whipple and the Minutemen, 38-21.
• Virginia Tech is 21-2 in November games since joining the ACC in 2004.
• Virginia Tech is a perfect 10-0 in ACC games played in the state of North Carolina (2-0 at Wake Forest; 2-0 at NC State; 3-0 at Duke; 3-0 at UNC).
• In his first career start, Lamar Miller rushed for a career-high 125 yards on 22 carries -- the most rushing yards by a Hurricane back this season. The last time a freshman rushed for as many yards was on Sept. 30, 2006, when Javarris James ran for 148 yards against Houston to set a freshman record. He is the second Hurricane back to achieve it this season, alongside Damien Berry. He is the first freshman to record a 100-yard rushing game since Graig Cooper racked up 101 yards versus Duke on Sept. 29, 2007.
• It only took BC 32 seconds to score last week in the win over Wake Forest. Linebacker Luke Kuechly intercepted Tanner Price on the first play from scrimmage, and the Eagles' offense started on the Wake Forest 35-yard line. After a 9-yard completion, running back Montel Harris scored a 26-yard touchdown run with 14:28 on the clock. It was the second-fastest touchdown that BC has scored since joining the ACC in 2005. L.V. Whitworth scored 22 seconds into the game against Ball State on October 1, 2005, with a 14-yard run.
• The Terps have scored six defensive touchdowns over the past 12 games, including four this season (all interception returns for touchdowns) which matches the team’s total from the past five years (two in 2009, one in 2006, one in 2005). In fact, since 1987, the Terps have posted as many as three defensive scores just three times (1998-00). Additionally, the four interception returns for touchdowns lead the ACC this season, with the other 11 teams combining for 14. Boston College, Clemson, Miami, UNC and NC State have posted two apiece.
• Duke is 30-of-32 (.938) in the red zone this season with 19 touchdowns and 11 field goals. Duke’s red-zone conversion percentage of .938 leads the ACC and ranks third nationally. Duke is the only team in the ACC with a conversion percentage of over 90 percent and are a perfect 10-of-10 in the red zone in the past three games.
• UNC quarterback T.J. Yates needs nine completions to set the UNC career record. He has 693 completions and trails only Darian Durant, who had 701 from 2001-04. Yates needs 485 yards to become Carolina’s all-time passing leader. He currently ranks second behind Durant, who threw for 8,755 yards from 2001-04. Yates and Durant are the only two players in UNC history to throw for 2,000 or more yards in three different seasons. Yates 2010 interception percentage of 1.476 currently ranks first in school history just ahead of Chris Keldorf’s 1.479 mark in 1997 (5 INT in 338 attempts).
• Virginia receiver Dontrelle Inman had never had a 100-yard receiving day during his career prior to Saturday’s game at Duke. In the Cavaliers’ 55-48 loss, Inman finished with 10 catches for 239 yards, the second-best receiving yardage total of any FBS player in a game this season. Inman’s total was the 13th best performance in ACC history and the fourth most by a receiver in a road game. Inman had more receiving yards by himself than seven ACC teams totaled this past week in their games.
• Clemson’s defense has allowed just one touchdown each of the past four games. Clemson, TCU and West Virginia are the only schools in the nation who can make that claim. West Virginia actually has a five-game streak. In terms of total touchdowns allowed by the defense in the last four games, TCU, West Virginia and Temple have allowed just three and Clemson is next with four allowed by the defense (special teams and defensive scores not included). Ohio State is next with five TDs allowed in its past four games, while Boise State, Pittsburgh and Miami are next with six apiece. Boston College, Northern Illinois and Oklahoma have given up seven apiece. Clemson has given up just 18 touchdowns on defense for the season, tied for eighth best in the nation. Clemson is 12th overall in scoring defense, allowing 17.6 points per game.
• Florida State entered last week’s game against North Carolina ranked last nationally in kickoff return yardage. The ‘Noles no longer occupy that spot, thanks to a record-breaking performance by Greg Reid. He smashed a 37-year-old school record when he returned seven kickoffs for 193 yards in the Seminoles’ 37-35 loss to the Tar Heels. Reid’s 193 kickoff return yards broke the single-game record set by Leon Bright in 1974, when he went for 184 against Virginia Tech. It helped FSU jump nine spots in the NCAA rankings for kickoff returns. With 487 kickoff return yards on the season, Reid is within reach of Michael Ray Garvin’s single-season record of 697, established in 2007.
• Wake Forest senior wide receiver Marshall Williams threw his second career touchdown pass when he hit Chris Givens with a 41-yard pass against Boston College on Nov. 6. On the season, Williams has completed both of his pass attempts for 122 yards and two touchdowns. He threw an 81-yard touchdown pass to Givens in a win over Duke. As a former high school quarterback, Williams has specialized in the end-around-pass. For the season, Williams has a quarterback efficiency rating of 942.2. For his career, Williams is 5-for-5 passing for 174 yards and two touchdowns, giving him a career efficiency rating of 524.32.

Here’s a look at the top 10 things to keep an eye on this week in the ACC, in no particular order:

Pass-rushers in Tallahassee. Clemson at Florida State will feature two of the ACC’s top pass-rushers in Clemson defensive end Da’Quan Bowers and FSU defensive end Brandon Jenkins. They’re No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in the ACC in both sacks and tackles for loss. FSU’s offensive line has allowed 2.11 sacks per game (19 total), while Clemson has allowed nine total.

Rookie quarterbacks in Atlanta. Miami rookie Stephen Morris and Georgia Tech backup Tevin Washington will both take center stage Saturday in Bobby Dodd Stadium at the expense of injured starters. Morris already has one start under his belt and played well in last week’s win over Maryland, but Washington has been in the system longer and took the first-team reps this spring when starter Joshua Nesbitt was out with an ankle injury.

Replacements in Chapel Hill. There will be plenty of them. With UNC tailback Johnny White out for the rest of the season, the Tar Heels’ tailback situation remains a question as of now. Will Ryan Houston redshirt? Will Shaun Draughn (ankle) be cleared to play? The Hokies have their own problems, as defensive end Chris Drager, tailback/returner David Wilson and receiver Dyrell Roberts are all out. All of the backups will be forced into key roles.

Scoreboards in Chapel Hill and Atlanta. These are the two games to watch, as a Virginia Tech win coupled with a Miami loss will lock up the Coastal Division for the Hokies. The Atlantic Division race is more complicated, as no outcome will determine the division winner, but a Clemson win in Tally opens the door for a four-team race.

Turnovers in Durham. The one thing that’s been going right for Duke in its two-game winning streak is it hasn’t been turning the ball over like it was in its losses. That could change against a BC defense that ranks third in the country in turnovers gained with 26. The Blue Devils have turned it over just one time in the past two games compared with an average of three per game in the previous seven.

Virginia Tech’s secondary vs. T.J. Yates & Co. Yates has thrown for over 400 yards twice this season, and the Tar Heels are No. 33 in the country in passing offense (258.44 yards per game). Virginia Tech is No. 22 in the country in passing defense (187 yards per game).

Keith Payne and Perry Jones against Maryland’s rushing D. Virginia has two of the ACC’s top 10 leading rushers, as Payne is No. 7 (74.8) and leads the ACC with 14 rushing touchdowns, and Jones is No. 10 (61.9). Maryland is holding ACC opponents to just 2.6 yards per carry, the best in the league.

Virginia receiver Dontrelle Inman. Against Duke, he caught 10 passes for 239 yards and a touchdown. On the season, Inman is sixth in the ACC with 66 receiving yards per game. He’ll face an underrated Maryland secondary that features playmakers Kenny Tate and Antwine Perez.

Cursed kickers. Clemson missed two field goals last week, Florida State’s wide right curse continued in the loss to North Carolina, and NC State will be without senior Josh Czajkowski for the rest of the season after he injured his hamstring in the loss to Clemson. Sophomore Ellis Flint and freshman Chris Hawthorne were competing for the job this week.

Running back rotations. NC State’s Dean Haynes is back after missing the Clemson game with a head injury, but coach Tom O’Brien did not say which of his top three tailbacks will start against Wake Forest. At Miami, Lamar Miller had the best performance of any Miami running back this season against the Terps, but Damien Berry returned to practice. He is still listed as questionable, and Miller, Mike James and Graig Cooper should again carry the load. UNC’s running back situation remains a question, and Ryan Williams and Darren Evans will carry the load without No. 3 tailback David Wilson.

Thanks as always to the sports information directors throughout the league for making us (a little) smarter this week. Did you know ...

• ACC kickers combined to make 16 of 17 field goal attempts on Saturday, a sizzling .940 percentage. To date, ACC kickers have made 62 of 76 field goal attempts (.816) that have come from 49 yards in and are 18 of 24 in field goals in the 40-49 yard range (.750). Duke’s Will Snyderwine leads all ACC kickers with 9 of 10 field goals, while Georgia Tech’s Scott Blair (7-7) is one of seven placekickers in the country who has been perfect this year with a minimum of seven attempts.
• Boston College true freshman receiver Bobby Swigert caught seven passes for 137 yards and a touchdown last week against Notre Dame. His score was the longest offensive scoring play of the season for the Eagles, a 58-yard reception that came near the end of the first quarter. The pass was thrown by another true freshman, quarterback Chase Rettig. The play is believed to be the only one in the nation where a pair of true freshmen have combined on a scoring pass play this year.
• Clemson has played four games so far this year and the average length of the contests has been 3:32. That ranks tied for fifth in the nation as far as the longest average length of games. The Tigers had an overtime game at Auburn that took 3:52 to play. Last week’s game against Miami had many replay reviews and the game took 3:54 to play, the longest Clemson non-overtime game on record. By comparison, Clemson’s 14 games last year took an average of 3:16 and the 2008 games took 3:15 on average.
• Duke redshirt sophomore Sean Renfree has become the first quarterback in Duke history to throw at least one touchdown pass in each of his first five starts.
• Florida State has not trailed (or been tied) at any point during its current three-game winning streak. The Seminoles scored on a field goal in the first quarter and never trailed against BYU, earned a shutout against Wake Forest, and scored the first touchdown of the game against Virginia
• Georgia Tech senior quarterback Joshua Nesbitt has a chance to become just the eighth player in NCAA history to rush for 3,000 career yards and pass for 3,000 career yards. To reach 3,000 rushing yards this regular season, Nesbitt will need to average 71 yards per game.
• The Terps lead the ACC and are tied for fourth nationally by allowing opponents to score just 61 percent of the time when they get inside the 20. Out of 23 trips to the red zone, Maryland has stopped the opponent 10 times, including three fumble recoveries, two interceptions and three on downs. Maryland did its best work against Navy (9/6), stopping the Midshipmen on five of its seven trips to the red zone. The Terps’ 10 stops inside the 20-yard line are tied for first nationally.
• With the exception of Miami’s 49-27 win in 2001, every game in the series with Florida State has been decided by eight points or less in the past decade. Miami leads the series 7-3 during that stretch. Since the 2002 season, an average of 4.1 points was the difference, with Miami’s 38-34 win last year in Tallahassee being the latest in a series full of dramatic endings. In the all-time series between the two programs, Miami owns a 20-9 edge in games decided by 10 points or less and a 12-6 advantage in games decided by five points or less.
• Fifteen different players have caught passes this season for NC State and five have double-digit reception totals. In three of the five games, passes have been caught by 10 or more different players. Of the top five pass catchers this season, three are wide receivers, one is a halfback and one is a tight end. Nine different players have at least one touchdown catch this season. Surprisingly, the Wolfpack’s most highly-touted wideouts, Jarvis Williams and Owen Spencer, have just two touchdowns between them.
• Virginia has passed for nine touchdowns this year, surpassing the 2009 total of eight. The Cavaliers have thrown for 1,093 yards through the first four games - the Cavaliers only threw for 717 yards through four games in 2009. A big reason behind the improvement in the passing game is the duo of Kris Byrd and senior Dontrelle Inman. The two have combined for the second-most receiving yards among any ACC receiving duo this year (158.0 yards per game).
• Though the schools are over 600 miles apart, the two starting centers in Saturday’s Virginia Tech-Central Michigan game know each other quite well. Tech’s Beau Warren and CMU’s Colin Miller both went to Centreville (Va.) High School and played on the same offensive line for several years. They both graduated in 2006 and earned all-state honors as seniors: Miller as the left guard, while Warren earned his honors as the right tackle. Miller’s father, Mike, wrestled at Virginia Tech.
• Against Georgia Tech, redshirt senior running back Josh Adams became the first Demon Deacon to rush for over 100 yards in game in nearly two years. Adams carried 20 times for 101 yards and one touchdown. It was the first 100-yard effort by a Deac since Kevin Harris rushed for 136 yards against Navy in the EagleBank Bowl in 2008.

Virginia receiver Tim Smith will miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury and is scheduled for surgery on Oct. 1, the school announced in its Monday injury report. Smith had played in two games and caught three passes for 28 yards before missing Saturday's game against VMI. He was No. 3 on the depth chart and expected to be a contributor.

Smith's speed would have been an asset to that offense. He got 16 yards on a reverse at USC that was set up with great blocks, and he might have scored had he not been hurt, because he couldn't accelerate.

Dontrelle Inman and Kris Burd have played so well that Smith was the third option in an offense that uses a lot of two-back sets. Jared Green and Matt Snyder played well against VMI, but they lack Smith's speed. Colter Phillips and Joe Torchia at tight end are both great options, which makes losing Smith hurt less. But if Virginia can't run the ball -- in order to work the play-action pass properly -- it won't matter much who's on the receiving end.

Eight Virginia players will participate in a fundraiser on Sunday to benefit Uplifting Athletes Rare Disease Day 2010. They'll compete in an online college football video game tournament against Georgia, Ohio State, Penn State, Texas and West Virginia. I'm pretty sure Maryland competed in this last year.

It's for a good cause, as this is the same group that organized the fundraising efforts for Ewing Sarcoma Cancer this past season with BC linebacker Mark Herzlich. Virginia raised $8,194.94 for the "Hoos for Herzlich 94" campaign that benefited Uplifting Athletes.

If you're in Charlottesville, the event will take place at Buffalo Wild Wings from 3 to 6 p.m. Admission is $5 in advance and $10 at the door. Funds will go toward Uplifting Athletes' mission to align college football players with the rare disease cause.

The Cavaliers will compete head-to-head against each other to determine a campus champion who will then face the winners from the other five schools to determine an overall winner. The Cavalier players participating are Ras-I Dowling, Paul Freedman, Dom Joseph, Marc Verica, Bobby Smith, Jared Green, Kevin Royal and Mike Ahunamba. Dontrelle Inman will emcee the event.

Participation in the event is part of first-year coach Mike London's "Hoos in the Ville" program that involves members of the Virginia football team in various community service activities.

"It is important that our players get involved in community activities," London said in a prepared statement. "It is a tremendous opportunity to not only benefit some great causes, but to have our players understand they can have a positive impact with many individuals and groups. Our hope is that "Hoos in the Ville" becomes a starting point and that they will continue to be involved in their respective communities well after they graduate from UVa."

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

There are some notable names that will/could be missing this weekend, including Bobby Rome, Lowell Dyer, Greg Boone, Stephan Virgil, Bruce Campbell, Jameel Sewell, Jamelle Eugene, Vic Hall and Jake Vermiglio. Here are the full reports that came in throughout the league from each school's sports information department:

BOSTON COLLEGE

• LB Will Thompson (shoulder) -- OUT
• LB Mike McLaughlin (Achilles) -- OUT
• FB James McCluskey (Achilles) -- OUT
• WR Ifeanyi Momah (knee) -- OUT
• DT Kaleb Ramsey (ankle) -- PROBABLE

DUKE

• RB Kyle Griswould (leg) -- OUT
• CB Randez James (hand) -- OUT
• S Anthony Young--Wiseman (knee) -- OUT FOR SEASON

FLORIDA STATE

OUT

• OT Antwane Greenlee (knee)
• DT Justin Mincey (knee)
• OT John Prior (knee)
• LB Vince Williams (back)

MARYLAND

Out

• Louis Berman (leg)
• Bruce Campbell (foot)
• Jamari McCollough (foot)
• Caleb Porzel (leg)
• Joe Vellano (foot)

Questionable:

• Tony Logan (shoulder)

NC STATE

OUT FOR SEASON

• Mario Carter, TE -- knee
• Denzelle Good, OL -- shoulder
• Nate Irving, LB -- leg
• Colby Jackson, FB -- knee
• Everett Proctor, QB -- shoulder

OUT

• Donald Bowens, WR – knee
• Ryan Cheek, LB -- hip
• Wayne Crawford, C -- foot
• Jamelle Eugene, HB -- knee
• DeAndre Morgan, CB – ankle
• Jeff Rieskamp, DE -- hip
• Jake Vermiglio, OT – lower leg
• Javon Walker, S -- knee

Depth chart changes due to injuries: Julian Williams will move into Vermiglio's spot at tackle and Andy Barbee will start at guard. Henry Lawson will be the backup at center. James Washington will be the second-team halfback.

UNC

Out (Season)

• Carl Gaskins OL -- Knee
• Matt Merletti S -- Knee

Out (Game)

• Dwight Jones WR -- Knee
• Ryan Taylor TE -- Knee

Questionable

• Jonathan Cooper OG -- Ankle
• Lowell Dyer C -- Shoulder
• Jordan Nix DT -- Illness
• Bobby Rome FB -- Illness
• Terry Shankle DB -- Illness

VIRGINIA

Out

• Mike Parker (hand)
• Bobby Smith (knee)

Doubtful

• Vic Hall (hip)
• Dontrelle Inman (hand)
• Lamar Milstead (ankle)
• Bill Schautz (knee)

Probable

• Nate Collins (shoulder)
• Patch Duda (shoulder)
• Nick Jenkins (leg)
• Jameel Sewell (wrist)
• Matt Snyder (shoulder)
• Joe Torchia (shoulder)

VIRGINIA TECH

• Greg Boone (SC joint sprain) -- doubtful
• Stephan Virgil (knee) -- doubtful

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Where to begin with this group? How about at the top, since that's where it all starts anyway? Some think Al Groh is on the hot seat, and believe a second straight losing season could -- or even should -- cost him his job. I beg to differ. Groh's contract isn't up until Dec. 31, 2011. If Virginia makes it to a bowl, considering how much turnover there was in both staff and personnel this offseason, it should be considered a heck of a coaching job in a transition year. If Virginia doesn't make it to a bowl game, how many people will really flinch?

The best thing this team has going for it is some experience at quarterback, which wasn't an option last year. Vic Hall, formerly a cornerback, enters summer camp as the first-string quarterback, but will continue to be pushed by 2007 starter Jameel Sewell and 2008 starter Marc Verica. There are definitely worse scenarios. And all of them will be working behind an offensive line that returns four starters -- another strength that was a concern a year ago.

There haven't been anything but positive reviews on the hire of first-year offensive coordinator Gregg Brandon, but only time will tell how long it will take the players to adjust to the spread offense. Only five starters return on offense and six on defense. The positions that took the biggest hits were receiver and linebacker, where both groups must replace three starters from a year ago. Let's get to that now:

1. Who will catch the ball? The three leading receivers from 2008 -- Maurice Covington, Cary Koch and Kevin Ogletree -- were ranked 1-4-5 in receptions last year and combined for 121 receptions. This spring didn't reveal an answer, but maybe the summer will. The front-runners are Jared Green, Dontrelle Inman, Kris Burd and Javaris Brown.

2. How do you replace such an impressive trio of linebackers? You don't. Antonio Appleby, Jon Copper and Clint Sintim ranked 1-2-3 in tackling and combined to start 123 games in their careers. Virginia's leading returning tackler, Hall, is now playing quarterback. Steve Greer, a redshirt freshman, caught Groh's attention this spring, and is listed on the preseason depth chart as a starting inside linebacker along with senior Darren Childs. Groh runs a 3-4 defense, and senior outside linebacker Denzel Burrell is back as a returning starter, so he'll be the leader and the face of the group. Senior Aaron Clark is listed as the starting outside linebacker.

3. Can tailback Mikell Simpson be the player he was in 2007? Quite frankly, he doesn't have much choice. Simpson is a player Groh will depend heavily upon, as there's not much other experience to turn to. But Simpson faded into the background last year after making a name for himself in 2007. That season, he rushed for 570 yards and caught 43 passes for 402 more. Last year, his rushing total fell to 262 yards and he caught just 15 passes. He was also injured in the ninth week against Miami and missed the remainder of the season. Simpson will be the X-factor for Virginia this year.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

From the outside looking in, Virginia is in store for another long season: The top three linebackers from 2008 are gone. The top four receivers are gone. The leading rusher is gone.

But, receiver Jared Green said, they each left something behind.

"They left something in us, that same work ethic, that same drive and people will see that it's new players but it's the same attitude that coach [Al] Groh has instilled into all of us," said Green. "It just continues to be the same attitude, that we just don't crack and we go hard."

When spring practices concluded in Charlottesville, Groh said that he was still looking for that go-to receiver. Next month will be the time to find one, and Green is the leading returning receiver from a year ago with 12 catches for 144 yards, but said he is working like nothing has been promised to him. Kris Burd caught seven passes last year and will need to produce more this fall. Dontrelle Inman finished with 17 receptions as a true freshman two years ago, but saw his total fall to two catches in 2008, while Staton Jobe saw his catches drop from 17 to one.

"There's a burden over the shoulders of the receivers this year and there's a lot we need to do to accomplish and really establish ourselves," Green said. "We need to be the guys they can call on and they can count on. As long as we do our job, I think the coaches will be pleased."

Green said the players are "very hungry" after the disappointing finish to last season and called first-year offensive coordinator Gregg Brandon "a genius." This spring was spent learning the new offense and continuing that progress this summer will be critical.

"I don't think it's so much I had to learn, but I think it's that I had to challenge myself to change the way that we operate," Green said. "It's a different type of offense, but I don't think it's the learning of the offense, it's the attitude of the West Coast-type offense. It's a little different. It's more fast paced. You just need to be ready for that and that's why this summer is so important; the training and getting ready for a fast-paced season.

"I feel like, and I can speak for all the receivers, we all have a lot to do," he said. "There's a lot of numbers we need to make as well as the quarterbacks, the running backs, all the skill positions, there's a lot of work for us to do. I feel like the sky is the limit."

When Green first met Groh, one of the first things his coach taught him was to never give in or feed in to the outside speculation. That's why Green chose to look at what the Cavaliers have coming back instead of what they lost.

"He always says we just don't crack," Green said. "I think that really speaks to the whole program, no matter what's going on, no matter how the situation is looking, no matter what the people are saying, we just don't crack. I really use that and apply it in a lot of different areas."