ESPN College Football

Here's a breakdown of three issues facing each program heading into the spring:

BOSTON COLLEGE

Spring practice starts: March 18

Spring game: April 24

What to watch:

• How linebacker Mark Herzlich progresses. Herzlich, who was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma cancer last May, has been going through winter conditioning with his teammates, and he plans on participating in spring drills. How quickly he regains his form will be worth watching, as he and sophomore Luke Kuechly could give the Eagles one of the most formidable linebacking corps.

• The quarterback battle. After one season, Dave Shinskie has the most experience on the roster, but he’ll get some competition from Josh Bordner and Chase Rettig, two early enrollees. There were times last season when Shinskie looked like the future of the position and there were others when he looked like any other freshman.

• Defensive linemen. For the second straight year, BC is looking for some stability up front. The Eagles have to replace left tackle Austin Giles and defensive end Jim Ramella. They return Kaleb Ramsey, Giles’ backup, and Brad Newman, Ramella’s reserve, but some young faces are likely to be seen in the rotation.

CLEMSON

Spring practice starts: March 7

Spring game: April 10

What to watch:

• Life without C.J. Spiller officially begins. The backs behind him had a pretty good year, so there’s no need for full panic mode. Jamie Harper and Andre Ellington actually combined for a higher yards per carry average (6.1 to 5.6 yards). Clemson will also be looking to replace Spiller’s lost kickoff return yardage. The Tigers had a 13-yard advantage in average starting field position, as their start was their own 37-yard line compared to opponents’ 24-yard line. Ellington is a candidate in the return game.

• Kyle Parker’s batting average. No, really. How well Parker does this spring with the baseball team will help determine whether he remains Clemson’s quarterback or turns to the MLB draft. He didn’t have a great 2009 season, but he was still the fastest player to 25 home runs in school history. It remains to be seen this spring if he’ll become a high enough draft choice to give up college football.

• Secondary shuffling. It seems like eons ago since Crezdon Butler and Chris Chancellor weren’t the Tigers’ starting corners, as Butler started 40 straight games and Chancellor started 42. Butler finished his career second in school history in interception return yards. Now it’s time for a new duo. Will Marcus Gilchrist move to corner, which he’s capable of doing? Might Rashard Hall move to safety with DeAndre McDaniel?

DUKE

Spring practice starts: Feb. 14

Spring game: March 27

What to watch:

• Quarterback competition. Somebody has to take over for the graduated Thaddeus Lewis, but his backup – Sean Renfree – will miss the spring with a torn ACL. Redshirt freshman Sean Schroeder should be heavily in the mix to be the starter, pending Renfree’s recovery.

• Defensive line makeover. It’s wide open. Charlie Hatcher is entrenched at nose guard, but it’s really anyone’s game. The staff might move redshirt senior Wesley Oglesby, who played the majority of his career at defensive end, inside. Other options are defensive tackle Sydney Sarmiento, a redshirt freshman, and Curtis Hazelton, who played sparingly last season.

• Johnny Williams’ move from wide receiver to cornerback. He had 31 catches in 2009 – the fourth-best on the team. Now they need his help in the defensive backfield. Duke will lose starter Leon Wright and his 10 career interceptions, and the pass defense, which allowed 215.75 yards per game, could use a boost.

FLORIDA STATE

Spring practice starts: March 16

Spring game: April 10

What to watch:

• Christian Ponder’s return from shoulder surgery. Ponder is expected to practice this spring, though it could be on a limited basis, at least early. He’s ahead of schedule, but the coaches won’t subject him to any risks now. Yes, E.J. Manuel is talented and played well at the end of the season, but make no mistake – Ponder is FSU’s starter and a potential Heisman Trophy candidate.

• The defense under first-year coordinator Mark Stoops. His secondary, in particular, will be interesting to watch, as will how quickly he can help the front seven generate a pass rush and plug the middle. Stoops has been a secondary coach, and the Noles lost three starters there. The fourth, Ochuko Jenije, could be pushed to retain his job.

• New faces, new opportunities. In addition to the fab freshmen who are coming in, FSU has a handful of unfamiliar players already on the roster who played sparingly or not at all. We'll see how they fit in this spring. RS-So DT Anthony McCloud and RS-So RB Debrale Smiley are both junior college transfers and former teammates. Physically, freshman linebacker Jeff Luc is already a man, but how quickly can he mature on the field? Two young wide receivers worth watching are Rodney Smith and Willie Haulstead.

GEORGIA TECH

Spring practice starts: March 29

Spring game: April 24

What to watch:

• The defensive transformation. The Jackets will switch from the 4-3 to the 3-4 under first-year coordinator Al Groh. In addition to learning the new scheme, the staff has to figure out who goes where. Linebackers might play defensive end and vice versa, safeties might play outside linebacker. It’s anyone’s guess as to how this team lines up in the spring.

• The replacements. From Georgia Tech’s coaching staff to the new faces who will be tasked with filling in for the Fab Four -- Jonathan Dwyer, Derrick Morgan, Morgan Burnett and Demaryius Thomas -- the Jackets will need some “Hello My Name Is” tags this spring.

• The offensive line. Three offensive linemen redshirted who could start, and Georgia Tech might need them to, especially if guard Joseph Gilbert decides to transfer to pursue his MBA. The Jackets lose two starters on the offensive line, and Gilbert, who graduates this spring, would be a third if he leaves. Center Sean Bedford and tackle Austin Barrick return as seniors.

MARYLAND

Spring practice starts: March 23

Spring game: April 24

What to watch:

• The quarterback competition. Chris Turner has graduated, leaving Jamarr Robinson the top option going into the spring, but he has limited experience. The staff liked what he did when Turner was injured, but Danny O’Brien, Miami (Ohio) transfer Clay Belton and C.J. Brown will all be given an opportunity. Look for O’Brien to start the spring at No. 2 on the depth chart.

• Cornerback: Cameron Chism is the only returning starter in the secondary, but right now the staff has fewer concerns about the safeties. Maryland will have to find some bodies at corner, and Dexter McDougle, who redshirted as a true freshman last year, is one option. Michael Carter and Trenton Hughes, who was the third corner last year, are also among a handful of candidates.

• The offensive line. Losing Bruce Campbell to the NFL hurt, but the Terps also lost starter Phil Costa. Justin Gilbert, a redshirt sophomore, could inherit Campbell’s job. And there’s always Mr. Versatility -- Paul Pinegar. He has helped the Terps at both tackle spots and left guard, and this spring he’ll likely be given a shot at center.

MIAMI

Spring practice starts: Feb. 23

Spring game: March 27 (tentative)

What to watch:

• Tight end/offensive line: Jimmy Graham is gone, and the Canes don’t return any tight ends with any experience other than Richard Gordon, who was injured the majority of last season. Miami signed four tight ends in this recruiting class, but none of them were early enrollees. Miami has to replace three starters up front, including both tackles and the center.

• How the two young quarterbacks perform: The health of Jacory Harris was precious last year, as he had nobody behind him with any experience after the transfers of Taylor Cook and Cannon Smith. The depth has improved a bit with A.J. Highsmith, who played sparingly last year, and Stephen Morris, one of the early enrollees.

• Upgrade on the d-line? Progress up front began with the hire of Rick Petri as defensive line coach, and it’s up to Petri to help the Canes become better pass rushers. Miami will depend upon its two mainstays -- Allen Bailey and Josh Holmes. The right end position was a group effort last year, and Miami has to replace Joe Joseph and Eric Moncur.

NORTH CAROLINA

Spring practice starts: March 15

Spring game: April 10

What to watch:

• Quarterback T.J. Yates. It’s his job to lose, and the coaching staff still has confidence in him, but Bryn Renner is waiting in the wings, and Braden Hanson will also be given an opportunity. The staff is looking for the offense to improve its passing efficiency and cut down on turnovers.

• The offensive line. It was a patchwork effort in 2009, thanks to injuries and inexperience, and will be a major key in how much UNC improves offensively this year. The Heels have to replace two starters, and Jonathan Cooper is likely to move from guard to center, and right guard Alan Pelc will miss spring drills while recovering from shoulder surgery.

• Defensive line tweaks. There aren’t many questions on a defense that should be one of the best in the country, but somebody has to replace Cam Thomas and defensive end E.J. Wilson. Tydreke Powell is the frontrunner to take over at defensive tackle and Quinton Coples at defensive end. Both were backups last year at their respective positions.

NC STATE

Spring practice starts: March 9

Spring game: April 17

What to watch:

• Backup quarterback Mike Glennon. Russell Wilson is the starter, but he’s going to be playing baseball all spring. Keep an eye on his backup to see if Glennon can make it any more of a competition in Wilson’s absence.

• Chris Ward at punter. No, it’s not usually, the highlight of the spring, but in this case, it’s necessary. Ward is it -- he’s their only option right now, and it’s a position the Pack struggled with last year. Ward was expected to be the starter last season, but he was inconsistent. He’s definitely got the talent to be the guy.

• The recovery of linebacker Nate Irving. After being severely injured in a one-car crash last summer, Irving is hopeful he can go through spring drills. He has been lifting with the team and running with the sports medicine staff, but it’s still uncertain how limited his contact will be.

VIRGINIA

Spring practice starts: March 15

Spring game: April 10

What to watch:

• Quarterback competition. Marc Verica is the only one with any experience, and first-year offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Bill Lazor hasn’t been in Charlottesville long enough to evaluate any of the candidates. That’s what the spring is for, and true freshman Michael Strauss is the lone incoming quarterback on campus, so he’ll have a head start on the playbook. Of the four quarterbacks Virginia signed in this year’s class, Strauss is the only one listed as a true quarterback. The Cavs also have Ross Metheny, who redshirted last year, and Riko Smalls, who redshirted in ‘08 and was No. 2 on the depth chart when Verica was out with a concussion.

• Coaching transition. First-year coach Mike London has hired almost an entirely new staff, and they’ll bring changes in philosophy and scheme. London has said he wants to get the defense back to the traditional 4-3, and revert to the tradition of featuring the tight ends, offensive linemen and running backs.

• Running back. The Cavs will have the help up front, but they need to replace their four leading rushers in Mikell Simpson, Rashawn Jackson, Vic Hall and Jameel Sewell. The staff will look at true freshman Kevin Parks, but also have Torrey Mack and Dominique Wallace, who had just seemed to be coming on at Southern Miss when he was injured and missed the rest of the season.

VIRGINIA TECH

Spring practice starts: March 31

Spring game: April 24

What to watch:

• Revamped defensive line. The Hokies have to replace three of four starters up front. The only defensive ends with significant playing time are Chris Drager, who the staff wanted to move back to tight end, and Steven Friday. Redshirt freshmen will be given a chance – Duan Perez-Means, Tyrel Wilson, James Gayle and J.R. Collins – but they’ve never played. Isaiah Hamlette is the only other end who’s played and that was a skinny minute. At defensive tackle, Antoine Hopkins will be the frontrunner to replace Cordarrow Thompson.

• Darren Evans’ comeback. Evans, the team’s leading rusher in 2008, is working his way back from a season-ending ACL injury, and one of the biggest questions in Blacksburg is how the staff will divide the carries in such a talented backfield that includes Ryan Williams. With two returning 1,000-yard rushers, will David Wilson decide to redshirt? The spring will help him in that decision.

• The evolution of Tyrod Taylor. He’s going to be a senior, and with so many questions on defense heading into the season, the offense will be leading the way. This should be a breakout year for Taylor, who by now should have mastered the offense and should consistently be a passing threat to compliment his running abilities.

WAKE FOREST

Spring practice starts: March 16

Spring game: April 17

What to watch:

• The quarterback competition. It’s the most glaring hole the Deacs have to fill this spring, as they’re tasked with replacing the winningest quarterback in school history, Riley Skinner, and his backup, Ryan McManus. Redshirt sophomores Ted Stachitas and Skylar Jones, and sophomore Brendan Cross, will compete with rookie Tanner Price for the top spot.

• Offensive line. The Deacs will take a huge hit here, as seven players in the two-deep depth chart were redshirt seniors, including all four tackles. Three starters have to be replaced.

• The interior defensive line. Nose guard Boo Robinson and John Russell have graduated, and Russell’s backup, Michael Lockett, was also a redshirt senior. The Deacs are in good shape at the ends, but will need some help inside.

Jameel Sewell, Marc Verica, Chris Turner, Christian Ponder and Thaddeus Lewis are all on this list. Not a good week for ACC quarterbacks. Duke will need everyone healthy in order to beat Georgia Tech, and while several key offensive players are listed as probable, they're still listed:

BOSTON COLLEGE

OUT FOR SEASON

LB Mark Herzlich (illness)

FOR VIRGINIA GAME

RB Rolandan Finch (illness) - OUT

DE Alex Albright (ankle) – DOUBTFUL

LS Jack Geiser (foot) – DOUBTFUL

WR Billy Flutie (head) - PROBABLE

OT Rich Lapham (shoulder) - PROBABLE

LB Mike McLaughlin (leg) - PROBABLE

CLEMSON

Out

DaQuan Bowers, DE, knee

Probable

Coty Sensabaugh, CB, toe

Cleared to play

Kantrell Brown, DB, concussion

DUKE

QB Thaddeus Lewis (leg) -- Probable

LB Damian Thornton (neck) -- Probable

WR Donovan Varner (knee) -- Probable

WR Conner Vernon (head) -- Probable

WR Johnny Williams (knee) -- Probable

LB Abraham Kromah (leg) -- Questionable

OG Mitchell Lederman (foot) -- Questionable

LB Vincent Rey (leg) -- Questionable

K Will Snyderwine (leg) -- Questionable

DT Vince Oghobaase (leg) -- Doubtful

RB Kyle Griswould (leg) -- OUT FOR SEASON

WR Tyree Watkins (leg) -- OUT FOR SEASON

S Anthony Young-Wiseman (knee) -- OUT FOR SEASON

FLORIDA STATE

Out

76 OT Garrett Faircloth (hip)

70 OT Antwane Greenlee (knee)

51 LB Aaron Gresham (knee)

44 LB Maurice Harris (neck)*

97 DT Demonte McAllister (knee)

94 DT Justin Mincey (knee)

81 TE Caz Piurowski (knee)*

7 QB Christian Ponder (shoulder)*

74 OT John Prior (knee)

27 CB Xavier Rhodes (thumb)

11 LB Vince Williams (back)

Questionable

28 CB Dionte Allen (thumb)

9 WR Richard Goodman (groin)

Probable

89 WR Louis Givens (hand)

72 DT Budd Thacker (knee)

* - out for the season

GEORGIA TECH

Out

Austin Barrick, r-Jr., OT (heel)

Kevin Cone, r-Jr., WR (ankle)

Robert Hall, r-Jr., DE (knee)

Out For Season

Kyle Jackson, r-So., LB (foot)

Cooper Taylor, So., S (undisclosed)

MARYLAND

Out for season:

Tyler Bowen (foot)

Nolan Carroll (leg)

Bennett Fulper (shoulder)

Isaiah Ross (knee)

Out:

Da’Rel Scott (wrist)

Doubtful

Chris Turner (knee)

Questionable

Ronnie Tyler (upper body)

Austin Walker (lower body)

Probable

Demetrius Hartsfield (hand)

MIAMI

Probable

DL Eric Moncur – Lower Extremity

DB DeMarcus Van Dyke – Lower Extremity

Out

DB Ray-Ray Armstrong – Lower Extremity

FB Patrick Hill – Lower Extremity

DB JoJo Nicolas – Upper Extremity

LB Sean Spence – Lower Extremity

Surgery and Out for the Season

DL Dyron Dye – Lower Extremity

DL Marcus Forston – Lower Extremity

LB Jordan Futch – Lower Extremity

TE Richard Gordon – Upper Extremity

LB Shayon Green – Lower Extremity

DE Gavin Hardin – Upper Extremity

DB Ryan Hill – Upper Extremity

DE Adewale Ojomo – Jaw

NORTH CAROLINA

Out

Joshua Adams WR Shoulder

AJ Blue RB/QB Knee

David Collins OT Foot

Shaun Draughn TB Shoulder

Carl Gaskins OT Knee

Matt Merletti S Knee

Trevor Stuart DS Knee

Ryan Taylor TE Knee

Jamal Womble TB Wrist

Questionable

Brennan Williams OT Wrist

Probable

Cam Holland C Shoulder

NC STATE

OUT FOR SEASON

Mario Carter, TE - knee

Ryan Cheek, LB - hip

Denzelle Good, OL – shoulder

T.J. Graham, WR – stress fracture/leg

Nate Irving, LB - leg

Colby Jackson, FB - knee

R.J. Mattes, OG - knee

Everett Proctor, QB – shoulder

Jeff Rieskamp, DE – sports hernia

Rashard Smith, CB - knee

Javon Walker, S – knee

James Washington, HB - knee

PROBABLE

Ray Michel, LB - ankle

VIRGINIA

Out

Raynard Horne (back)

Quintin Hunter (ankle)

Questionable

Darren Childs (neck)

Jameel Sewell (shoulder)

Marc Verica (head)

Probable

Javaris Brown (ankle)

Aaron Clark (knee)

Matt Conrath (ankle)

Colte Phillips (leg)

VIRGINIA TECH

Out for Season

Darren Evans (ACL)

Doubtful

Beau Warren (knee)

Posted by ESPN.com’s Heather Dinich

Things have changed at Miami.

It’s not as if the Canes (6-2, 3-2 ACC) have regressed, though they haven’t been as formidable in the past four games as they were in the first four games, and the national spotlight has dimmed since losing in overtime to Clemson on Oct. 24. Miami is still a very good, nationally ranked football team, but heading into Saturday’s homecoming game against Virginia, the Canes have shown some vulnerabilities.

“We’re not the same team that we were in the first four games of the season,” said Miami coach Randy Shannon. “We had a lot of guys then that were healthy like Ryan Hill, Pat Hill, JoJo Nicolas, Eric Moncur, Ray Armstrong, Sean Spence and Jordan Futch, and right now those guys are out. We have some guys on the team that need to step up. As coaches, we are going to keep grinding the other guys to step up. We are teachers and need to teach them every day and that is one thing we will do every day to finish out the season strong.”

The possibility of a 10-win season still remains, and that would be quite an accomplishment considering the grueling schedule Miami has had this year. It seems as if people have forgotten how much credit the schedule was given in August, when the first four games were deemed by many as one of the most unforgiving starts to the season in the country. Miami fared better than many expected, though, losing only on the road to Virginia Tech and knocking off three ranked teams in the process.

Since then, though, the defense has taken some hits, and quarterback Jacory Harris has thrown eight touchdowns and six interceptions, and been the victim of too many sacks. Miami is tied for 107th in the nation with an average of three sacks allowed per game. ("I’m not really beat up," Harris said. "People always call me too skinny, but I have survived taking hits this far.") The Canes allowed both Clemson and Wake Forest over 400 yards each of total offense.

After back-to-back tight games, Shannon cut practices to an hour this week to help his players stay mentally and physically fresh heading into the Virginia game. The fact they’re a year older and more mature allowed him to run faster, shorter practices. When you’re down to only three linebackers on the roster who are playing, though, there’s not much of a choice other than to back off a bit.

Futch was starting to play more at linebacker to spell Spence, and it seems as if the Canes have struggled to develop depth at linebacker since Shannon took over. Hill and Nicolas would’ve helped out in the secondary because they’re veterans. Technically, the Canes are only missing two true starters -- Pat Hill at fullback and Spence at linebacker -- but the team’s depth and experience has definitely decreased over the past few weeks.

Harris said the injuries can’t be an excuse.

“We need to go back to how we started off the year,” Harris said. “We have some injuries but that happens and we need to fight through it. We have depth at every position.”

Just not as much as they started with.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

I think I actually have them all this week ...

BOSTON COLLEGE

Questionable

DE Alex Albright (ankle)

Doubtful

OT Rich Lapham (shoulder)

LB Mike McLaughlin (leg)

Out

WR Ifeanyi Momah (knee)

RB Rolandan Finch (illness)

CLEMSON

Out for Season

J.K. Jay, OT, back

Probable

Scotty Cooper, LB, Concussion

Doubtful

Michael Palmer, TE, Concussion

Out

Kantrell Brown, S, Concussion

DUKE

RB Re'quan Boyette (knee) -- Questionable

CB Lee Butler (leg) -- Doubtful

LB Abraham Kromah (leg) -- OUT

WR Tyree Watkins (leg) -- OUT

RB Kyle Griswould (leg) -- OUT FOR SEASON

S Anthony Young-Wiseman (knee) -- OUT FOR SEASON

FLORIDA STATE

Out for the season

44 LB Maurice Harris (neck)

81 TE Caz Piurowski (knee)

Out

28 CB Dionte Allen (thumb)

76 OT Garrett Faircloth (hip)

70 OT Antwane Greenlee (knee)

51 LB Aaron Gresham (knee)

97 DT Demonte McAllister (knee)

74 OT John Prior (knee)

72 DT Budd Thacker (knee)

11 LB Vince Williams (back)

Questionable

27 CB Xavier Rhodes (thumb)

21 CB Patrick Robinson (ankle)

Probable

9 WR Richard Goodman (groin)

26 RV Korey Mangum (shoulder)

94 DT Justin Mincey (knee)

36 LB Dekoda Watson (groin)

GEORGIA TECH

Out

Kevin Cone, r-Jr., WR (ankle)

Robert Hall, r-Jr., DE (knee)

Cooper Taylor, So., S (undisclosed)

Questionable

Julian Burnett, Fr., LB (knee)

Out For Season

Kyle Jackson, r-So., LB (foot)

MIAMI

Probable

OL Joel Figueroa – Upper Extremity

K Matt Bosher - Illness

Out

DB Ray-Ray Armstrong – Lower Extremity

FB Patrick Hill – Lower Extremity

RB Javarris James – Lower Extremity

DL Eric Moncur – Lower Extremity

DB JoJo Nicolas – Lower Extremity

LB Sean Spence – Lower Extremity

Surgery and Out for the Season

DL Dyron Dye – Lower Extremity

DL Marcus Forston – Lower Extremity

LB Jordan Futch – Lower Extremity

TE Richard Gordon – Upper Extremity

LB Shayon Green – Lower Extremity

DE Gavin Hardin – Upper Extremity

DB Ryan Hill – Upper Extremity

DE Adewale Ojomo – Jaw

NC STATE

OUT FOR SEASON

Mario Carter, TE - knee

Ryan Cheek, LB - hip

Denzelle Good, OL - shoulder

Nate Irving, LB - leg

Colby Jackson, FB - knee

Everett Proctor, QB – shoulder

Jeff Rieskamp, DE – sports hernia

Rashard Smith, CB - knee

Javon Walker, S – knee

James Washington, HB - knee

OUT

T.J. Graham, WR/RET – leg

Ray Michel, LB - ankle

Jesse Riley, DB - knee

Dwayne Maddox will start at middle linebacker in place of Michel; Clem Johnson, Jamelle Eugene and Donald Bowens will return punts/kicks.

VIRGINIA

Out

Aaron Clark (knee)

Matt Conrath (ankle)

Probable

Oday Aboushi (knee)

Landon Bradey (knee)

Darren Childs (leg)

Nate Collins (leg)

Cam Johnson (knee)

Corey Mosley (shoulder)

Brandon Woods (shoulder)

WAKE FOREST

Out for Season

WR Terence Davis (knee)

Questionable

DE Kyle Wilber

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

If you don't see it, that means I didn't get it:

CLEMSON

Out

Kantrell Brown, DB, Concussion

Scotty Cooper, LB, Concussion

DUKE

RB Re'quan Boyette (knee) -- OUT

LB Abraham Kromah (leg) -- OUT

WR Tyree Watkins (leg) -- OUT

RB Kyle Griswould (leg) -- OUT FOR SEASON

S Anthony Young-Wiseman (knee) -- OUT FOR SEASON

GEORGIA TECH

Out

Kevin Cone, r-Jr., WR (ankle)

Robert Hall, r-Jr., DE (knee)

Doubtful

Julian Burnett, Fr., LB (knee)

Questionable

Anthony Egbuniwe, Jr., DE (illness)

Cooper Taylor, So., S (undisclosed)

Out For Season

Kyle Jackson, r-So., LB (foot)

MARYLAND

Out for season:

Tyler Bowen (foot)

Nolan Carroll (leg)

Out:

Kerry Boykins (upper body)

Gary Douglas (upper body)

Bennett Fulper (upper body)

Demetrius Hartsfield (hand)

Da’Rel Scott (wrist)

Lansford Watson (lower body)

Questionable:

Lamar Young (upper body)

MIAMI

Probable

RB Graig Cooper – Lower Extremity

OL Joel Figueroa – Lower Extremity

DL Josh Holmes – Lower Extremity

RB Javarris James – Lower Extremity

RB Mike James – Lower Extremity

WR Aldarius Johnson – Upper Extremity

DL Eric Moncur – Lower Extremity

DB JoJo Nicolas – Upper Extremity

DB Randy Phillips – Upper Extremity

Out

FB Patrick Hill – Lower Extremity

Surgery and Out for the Season

DL Dyron Dye – Lower Extremity

DL Marcus Forston – Lower Extremity

LB Jordan Futch – Lower Extremity

TE Richard Gordon – Upper Extremity

LB Shayon Green – Lower Extremity

DE Gavin Hardin – Upper Extremity

DB Ryan Hill – Upper Extremity

DE Adewale Ojomo – Jaw

VIRGINIA

Out

Matt Conrath (ankle)

Doubtful

none

Questionable

Oday Aboushi (knee)

Joe Torchia (shoulder)

Probable

Javaris Brown (ankle)

Cam Johnson (knee)

Corey Mosley (shoulder)

Mike Parker (knee)

LaRoy Reynolds (knee)

Jameel Sewell (ankle)

Brandon Woods (shoulder)

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

BOSTON COLLEGE

OUT FOR SEASON

LB Mark Herzlich (illness)

FOR NC STATE GAME

WR Ifeanyi Momah (knee) – OUT

TE Jordon McMichael (hip) – DOUBTFUL

LB Will Thompson (shoulder) – DOUBTFUL

FB James McCluskey (Achilles) – QUESTIONABLE

FS Okechukwu Okoroha (leg) – PROBABLE

DT Austin Giles (back) – PROBABLE

CB Roderick Rollins (Leg) – PROBABLE

DE Alex Albright (ankle) – PROBABLE

DT Damik Scafe (neck/shoulder) – PROBABLE

CLEMSON

I don't have an injury report, but I do have the following lineup changes:

After practice Thursday coach Dabo Swinney announced that Dalton Freeman would start at center. Scotty Cooper will miss the game while still recovering from a concussion suffered at Maryland. Daniel Andrews will move up to second-team strongside linebacker behind Kevin Alexander.

GEORGIA TECH

Out

Kevin Cone, r-Jr., WR (ankle)

Robert Hall, r-Jr., DE (knee)

Questionable

Anthony Egbuniwe, Jr., DE (illness)

Cooper Taylor, So., S (undisclosed)

Out For Season

Kyle Jackson, r-So., LB (foot)

MARYLAND

Out for season:

Tyler Bowen (foot)

Nolan Carroll (leg)

Out:

Travis Baltz (ankle)

Masengo Kabongo (leg)

Da’Rel Scott (wrist)

Questionable:

Bruce Campbell (leg)

Demetrius Hartsfield (hand)

MIAMI

Probable

RB Lee Chambers – Lower Extremity

RB Graig Cooper – Lower Extremity

Doubtful

OL Joel Figueroa – Lower Extremity

Out

FB Patrick Hill – Lower Extremity

DL Josh Holmes – Lower Extremity

WR Aldarius Johnson – Upper Extremity

DL Eric Moncur – Lower Extremity

DB JoJo Nicolas – Upper Extremity

DB Randy Phillips – Upper Extremity

Surgery and Out for the Season

DL Dyron Dye – Lower Extremity

DL Marcus Forston – Lower Extremity

LB Jordan Futch – Lower Extremity

TE Richard Gordon – Upper Extremity

LB Shayon Green – Lower Extremity

DE Gavin Hardin – Upper Extremity

DB Ryan Hill – Upper Extremity

DE Adewale Ojomo – Jaw

NC STATE

OUT FOR SEASON

Mario Carter, TE - knee

Ryan Cheek, LB - hip

Denzelle Good, OL - shoulder

Nate Irving, LB - leg

Colby Jackson, FB - knee

Everett Proctor, QB - shoulder

Javon Walker, S - knee

OUT

Jeff Rieskamp, DE – hip

Jesse Riley, DB - knee

VIRGINIA

Out

Javaris Brown (ankle)

Doubtful

Mikell Simpson (neck)

Questionable

none

Probable

Landon Bradley (knee)

BJ Cabbell (ankle)

Patch Duda (flu)

Mike Parker (knee)

Zane Parr (ankle)

Brandon Woods (foot)

VIRGINIA TECH

Out for Season

Darren Evans (ACL)

Probable

Marcus Davis (ankle)

Mark Muncey (knee)

Sergio Render (pec strain)

Eddie Whitley (ankle)

Ryan Williams (illness)

Out

Brandon Dillard (ankle)

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

I heard there's going to be a rowdy crowd on Saturday in Lane Stadium, or at least that's what Tyler Lopez from Arlington, Va., is willing to bet:

Tyler writes: "If it were a night game, this might be a different pick, but the Canes are too calm, composed and confident to let a 3:30 p.m. crowd at Lane Stadium determine the outcome."Heather, I would like to bet you one giant smoked turkey leg (approx. value $7 at Lane Stadium) that a 3:30 p.m. crowd at Lane Stadium will be just as much of a factor for the Miami game as they would be for any other game. See: VT 16 Nebraska 15. I seem to remember a certain 3:30 PM crowd contributing significantly to the stop of one FG range drive, which, after several false start and delay of game penalties, became a punt. In a one point game, the crowd may have been the biggest factor in the win.Then again, maybe that was a lazy 3:30 PM crowd. So what do you say? I bet you one giant smoked turkey leg that the crowd is fully in the game tomorrow! (I'll figure out how you can purchase my snack pending the outcome)(Wish I could be there!)Tyler LopezVT Class of 2007

Heather Dinich: Man, from my seat in the press box I see the smoke coming from that turkey leg stand, but I've never had the time to run over there and get one. This sounds like a very tempting bet, but I've been around long enough to know NOT to be against the Lane Stadium crowd. I'm just saying that it's a very different atmosphere, say, on a Thursday night than it is at 3:30 p.m. on a Saturday, and honestly, Tyrod Taylor was the difference against Nebraska, not the crowd. Y'all seemed kind of quiet last week.

---

And Roger in Blacksburg writes: The Miami fans are already on campus yelling loud.

HD: Roger that.

---

Andrew in Tallahassee, Fla., writes: Ms. Dinich, could you tell me why Christian Ponder is not being looked at as a legitimate Heisman contender? The man played with grit against Miami, he was the only good thing to come out of the JSU game besides the W, and was amazing against BYU on the road. His numbers are legit, and after saturday people will see his team is as well.

HD: First of all, Andrew, please don't call me that. You say, "Ms. Dinich" and I turn around and look for my mom. Second, I agree with you that Ponder has played outstanding so far - his numbers on third down against BYU were ridiculously good. But Jacory Harris has been even more efficient, and has defeated two ranked teams. Harris is currently third in the nation in passing efficiency (184.07) while Ponder is 39th (143.62). He's behind Russell Wilson, Riley Skinner and T.J. Yates in that category. His completion percentage is less than those guys, too. So while Ponder has played very well this season, the numbers indicate there's still room for improvement, and the more the Noles win, the more recognition Ponder will get. If you're interested in more stats, BTW ...

---

Matt in Baltimore, Md., writes: Heather,Could you please tell me where I can find team defensive statistics like the ones you cited in your ACC Defense blog post? I tried looking through espn.com and then tried google but couldn't find any statistics regarding rushing yards allowed, passing yards allowed, total defense, etc.ThanksMatt

HD: For most of my stats, I go to the NCAA, because not only does it break it down nationally for you, it does it by player, team, conference, etc.

---

David in Atlanta writes: Heather, if Miami beats Virginia Tech tomorrow, how much credit do you think should go to how spread out their schedule has been thusfar? That game will be only their third -- only Louisville, Illinois, Baylor and Kentucky have played that few games so far. It'll be their third game in 19 days, but VT's fourth in 20 days -- very similar to last week, when their second game in 10 days was GT's third game in 12.

HD: Funny how the toughest schedule in the ACC suddenly has some advantages to it. Look, I don't care that they haven't played four games yet, look at WHO the Canes have played - two ranked teams, including one on the road. And they've got another road trip against the defending ACC champs on Saturday, followed by - that's right - the runners-up for the national title. There is no William & Mary in there, no Gardner-Webb and no Elon. Miami might have had some extra rest and prep time in there, but guess what? With that schedule, they needed it.

---

Jonathan in Durham writes: So i was watching tv the other night and saw a commercial for the duke nccu game. Apparently this game has been dubbed the Durham grid iron bowl. And they are playing for the position of power in Durham. As a duke basketball fan and a state football fan, should this game get as much focus as it is getting?

HD: Funny, I was watching TV the other night and saw an AT&T commercial with Tyler Hansbrough in it, and thought, why on earth is he in that commercial? He doesn't even say anything. But I digress. Actually, it's being dubbed the "Bull City Gridiron Classic." The only one in any "position of power" in that city is Mike Krzyweski, but I think it's good this game is getting some attention because it's good for both schools. They're so close to each other, it's the first time they're playing each other, there are personal connections between both programs. I'd say it's a win-win for the schools and the community, but battle of power? That's more between UNC and NC State.

---

Dan in Washington, D.C. writes: Heather - does the injury to starting D linemen Forston and Smith for Miami change your prediction in the game? You had the game close anyway, and with Miami losing their biggest interior D lineman and possibly their fastest (and strongest) DE has got to be a major factor given Tech's running game and they won't have the depth to sub in fresh legs....will you take the bait or do you not see them as being a big enough factor to change a 3 point prediction?

HD: I have a good friend who's also a Miami fan who sent me a text asking me the same question this morning. No, it doesn't change my prediction. The Canes still have Eric Moncur and Allen Bailey up front, and Olivier Vernon has been playing very well. Yes, it will hurt their depth, and Virginia Tech will get its rushing yards, but Miami's offense will be too much for Virginia Tech's defense, and in the end, that will be the difference.

---

Andrew in Winston-Salem writes: Hi Heather,Does USC's dominating defensive performance against a highly touted offensive team ranked #4 in the nation renew some of the hype for Russell Wilson and the NC State offense? Suddenly, being shut down by USC doesn't look all that bad if you ask me. I'm looking forward to the Pitt game to see where their offense really stands. AndrewWinston Salem, NC

HD: I've been saying since that game that South Carolina's defense was a major reason for NC State's quiet night in that opener, and I think Wilson will be the difference in the Pitt game. However, the Pack still has a lot to prove offensively, and Gardner-Webb and Murrary State aren't the caliber opponents you learn much from. I'm with you - let's see what happens Saturday to see where the offense is.

---

Sean in Nashua, N.H. writes: What does Boston College have to do defensively to stop Wake?

HD: Rattle Riley Skinner. They've got to pressure him and force him into mistakes, because he's the biggest advantage the Deacs have right now - a veteran quarterback. Getting linebacker Mike McLaughlin back will be huge for the Eagles.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Anytime you see more than two players listed with an "illness" you have to wonder these days if its the Swine Flu. I'm checking on it. As the headline indicates, here are the injury reports for Thursday night's game between Georgia Tech and Miami:

GEORGIA TECH

Out

Jaybo Shaw, So., QB (broken collarbone)

Kyle Jackson, r-So., LB (foot)

Doubtful

Tyler Melton, So., WR (knee)

Questionable

Preston Lyons, r-Jr., BB (shoulder)

Richard Watson, r-Fr., BB (hamstring)

MIAMI

Probable

DE Eric Moncur -- lower extremity

Questionable

WR Aldarius Johnson -- lower extremity

Doubtful

OL Ben Jones -- illness

RB Damien Berry -- illness

Out

DE Adewale Ojomo -- jaw

OL Cory White -- lower extremity

LB Levi Paalua -- upper extremity

DB DeMarcus Van Dyke -- head

DB JoJo Nicolas -- illness

Surgery/Out for Season

DE Gavin Hardin -- upper extremity

LB Shayon Green -- lower extremity

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

You get used to coaches describing injuries as body parts (He's got a leg. He's got a shoulder. He's got a toe.) But this is taking it to a whole new level. Meet Miami's injured players for the FSU game ... and their "extremities."

Doubtful

DE Eric Moncur -- Lower Extremity

Out

DE Adewale Ojomo -- Jaw

OL Cory White -- Lower Extremity

CB Ryan Hill -- Upper Extremity

S Vaughn Telemaque -- Upper Extremity

LB Levi Paalua -- Upper Extremity

Surgery/Out for Season

DE Gavin Hardin -- Upper Extremity

LB Shayon Green -- Lower Extremity

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Miami defensive end Eric Moncur will miss Monday's Florida State game with an injury, coach Randy Shannon said on Wednesday's ACC teleconference.

Defensive end Adewale Ojomo, who will miss at least several weeks after surgery for a broken jaw, will also be out for the Florida State game. Still, Shannon said he is confident in the defensive line, and downplayed the numerous reported nicks the unit has suffered this summer. Miami's official depth chart has not yet been released.

"Everybody else is healthy, fully healthy,'' Shannon said. "They've been healthy for a week. When you look at injuries, we may have an ankle here or maybe I rested a guy. Like sometimes in practice I've rested [defensive tackles] Allen Bailey and Josh Holmes and Joe Joseph some days on different days. ... We're pretty healthy right now."

When I asked Shannon if he thought the Canes would be OK without Moncur and Ojomo, he said, "We'll miss them, their experience and things like that, but we have confidence in [defensive ends] Olivier Vernon, Marcus Robinson, Andrew Smith and Steven Wesley -- who has done a great job for us. We have a lot of guys who played a lot of football last year on this team at that position.''

Miami's defensive line will be tested early against the Noles, as FSU is expected to have one of the best offensive lines in the conference this year, if not the best, and stopping the run will be one of the Canes biggest challenges in that game. Last year, in Florida State's 41-39 win, Antone Smith rushed for a career-best four touchdowns, quarterback Christian Ponder ran for 144, and the Noles racked up 310 rushing yards to Miami's 51.

"You've got to be able to stop the run," Shannon said. "That's what it comes down to. If you can stop the run defensively, you can make it a typical game that you want to be addressing, when you can let your pass rush get after the quarterback, and get them in a long-yardage situation. Last year, we weren't able to do that at certain times in the game, and Florida State did a nice job of running the football with Ponder and mixing it up with their tailbacks."

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Around the league we go ...

• Georgia Tech cornerback Mario Butler takes pride in his toughness, and the coaches have noticed.
• Maryland's boosters have ponied-up the cash so the Terps don't have to take the bus.
• At BC, it's no surprise the defense is still ahead of the offense. Fumbles, sacks, drops, you name it. For some, it looks like question marks. For others, it's simply an opportunity.
• Clemson first-year defensive coordinator Kevin Steele has been around the block at a few programs, but the Tigers' defensive line is one of the deepest he's ever seen.
• Miami's defensive ends took another step back with the news that Eric Moncur went to Philly to be examined for pain near his groin. The good news, though, is that Graig Cooper is out of his boot, and Manny Navarro has an interesting update on the infamous Bryce Brown.
• Al Groh hasn't ruled out the possibility of getting Vic Hall and Jameel Sewell on the field together at the same time this fall, but he's not exactly talking about it, either.
• Virginia Tech's Ryan Williams is getting more reps now that Josh Oglesby and Darren Evans are hurt.
• Wake Forest tight end Ben Wooster would like be a little more involved in the passing game, and he's not afraid to try a little osmosis on his roommate to help his cause.
• FSU's defensive line was a little bit undersized last year, but they've added some bulk.
• One of the big questions facing Duke is how the Blue Devils will replace star receiver Eron Riley, but as a group, they could have it covered.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

1. Clemson -- The Tigers return three starters up front, and first-year defensive coordinator Kevin Steele's pressure defense is the perfect fit for guys like Da'Quan Bowers and Ricky Sapp. Sapp was having a good season last year before he tore his ACL at Virginia and missed the rest of the season. Defensive end Kevin Alexander is a returning starter who had 34 tackles last year, and nose guard Jarvis Jenkins tied Sapp for the team lead with 10 tackles for loss. Opposing quarterbacks won't have time to think against this bunch.

2. Miami -- Anyone watching the Virginia Tech game last year saw what this group is capable of, and of the nine linemen who started at least one game for Miami last year, seven are back. Allen Bailey has moved from end to tackle, but he sometimes played there in third-down situations. He led the team with five sacks. Marcus Robinson is a solid pass rusher, Marcus Forston could also be an impact and Eric Moncur is entering his sixth season and if he plays like he did in 2007 (11.5 tackles for loss) could really give this line a boost.

3. Virginia Tech -- Depth is the only question mark here, as Jason Worilds, John Graves, Cordarrow Thompson and Nekos Brown are more than capable of continuing Bud Foster's tradition of nationally ranked defenses. Nobody is questioning Worilds' toughness, that's for sure, and Graves and Thompson both started every game last year. They're still looking for another defensive end, though, and will keep an eye on what Chris Drager adds to the position after moving from tight end.

4. North Carolina -- Not only do all four starters return, but the depth is the best it's been in recent years. Last year, defensive end Robert Quinn became a starter in the second game of the season, and defensive tackle Cam Thomas had one of his his best season at UNC. Marvin Austin and E.J. Wilson played well, and should be even better this year. Reserves Quinton Coples and Michael McAdoo had solid rookie seasons and will push Wilson and Quinn for playing time this year. Aleric Mullins and Tydreke Powell are interchangeable with Austin and Thomas as starters at tackle.

5. Florida State -- The end position is reason for concern, as the Noles have to replace both Everette Brown and Neefy Moffett, who were first and second, respectively, on the team in sacks. Markus White will be tasked with filling the shoes of Brown, but he had a good transition season from junior college last year to build off of. Kevin McNeil, who had four sacks last year, is the favorite to replace Moffett. The interior should be solid with the return of Budd Thacker, Kendrick Stewart, Moses McCray and Justin Mincey.

6. NC State -- Defensive tackle Alan-Michael Cash and end Willie Young have combined for 46 starts and should be two of the best linemen in the conference. The other two players penciled in as starters -- Shea McKeen and Leroy Burgess -- were both junior college transfers who earned starting time last year. Backup tackles will be a concern, but Markus Kuhn could wind up playing a bit of both until the staff decides where he can help the most.

7. Wake Forest -- Tackles John Russell and Boo Robinson will highlight a defense that recently bid farewell to some of the best seniors to come through the program. It should be one of the Deacs' most experienced groups in recent years, which is important considering the new faces behind them at linebacker. Defensive end Kyle Wilbur showed a lot of promise as a redshirt freshman with three sacks in only seven starts, and Tristan Dorty played in 10 games as a redshirt defensive end last year.

8. Virginia -- It's one of the few units on this team that didn't get a complete makeover, as seven of the top eight linemen return. Sophomore Matt Conrath, who had 35 tackles and four sacks last year, returns at end. There's a lot of experience next to him at nose tackle, where senior Nate Collins and sophomore Nick Jenkins split time last season. Collins' 35 tackles are the top among the returning linemen, while Jenkins finished with 25. Junior John-Kevin Dolce proved himself in the pass rush package with five sacks among his nine total tackles last year.

9. Boston College -- Replacing tackles B.J. Raji and Ron Brace is obviously one of the biggest concerns for this team, but they've got several options. Damik Scafe, Nick Rossi and Brendan Deska were each second-stringers at the tackle position and are the early favorites to replace the NFL draft picks. The Eagles also signed a pair of defensive tackles in the offseason, including highly touted recruit Dillon Quinn, who could make an immediate impact. Austin Giles replaced the injured Alex Albright last year for 12 starts, and Jim Ramella started all 14 games at the other end position.

10. Georgia Tech -- The Yellow Jackets have to replace three of four starters up front, and until they prove they found dependable replacements, they're going to be stuck down here. The lone returning starter is junior end Derrick Morgan, and there's no doubt about his capabilities, but the Jackets will sorely miss the three starters who combined for 100 career starts and 100 tackles for loss. Ben Anderson, Robert Hall and T.J. Barnes are all candidates to start.

11. Duke -- The Blue Devils took a step forward last year and should improve again with the return of tackle Vince Oghobaase and end Ayanga Okpokwuruk, who started five games and had 6.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. They combined for 9.5 sacks last year. Oghobaase ranks second in the ACC in both career tackles for loss (29.0) and quarterback sacks (11.5). They'll need new starters at nose guard and right end.

12. Maryland -- The Terps have to fill a void left by Jeremy Navarre and Trey Covington, and so far it looks like that will be up to Derek Drummond, Dion Armstrong, Travis Ivey and Jared Harrell, though Armstrong was dealing with some academic issues. The arrival of De'Onte Arnett, Zachariah Kerr, and Cody Blue this past spring should help with the depth.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

It looks like wide receiver Travis Benjamin, who hurt his ankle last week against Virginia Tech, and starting left tackle Jason Fox, who sprained his right ankle Nov. 1 at Virginia, should be good to go for Thursday's game at Georgia Tech. Both of those guys give Miami's offense an immediate boost, and Benjamin can help win the field position battle. Here is Miami's full injury report:

Probable
WR Travis Benjamin -- Leg
WR Leonard Hankerson -- Leg
OT Jason Fox -- Leg

Out
LB Jordan Futch -- Head
S Randy Phillips -- Leg
S Vaughn Telemaque -- Arm

Surgery/Out for Season
LB Colin McCarthy -- Shoulder
DL Eric Moncur -- Leg
WR Tommy Streeter -- Arm
WR Kendal Thompkins -- Shoulder

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Probable
LB Jordan Futch -- Head
DL Josh Holmes -- Leg
DB DeMarcus Van Dyke -- Head

Doubtful
WR Leonard Hankerson -- Leg
DB Joseph Nicolas -- Leg

Out
RB Lee Chambers -- Leg
DL Eric Moncur -- Leg
S Randy Phillips -- Leg
S Vaughn Telemaque -- Arm

Surgery/Out for Season
LB Colin McCarthy -- Shoulder
WR Tommy Streeter -- Arm
WR Kendal Thompkins -- Shoulder

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Probable
OL Chris Barney -- Leg
RB Damien Berry -- Leg
LB Glenn Cook -- Head
RB Javarris James -- Leg

Questionable
OL Joel Figueroa -- Back
WR Leonard Hankerson -- Leg
DL Dwayne Hendricks -- Head
OL Reggie Youngblood -- Leg

Out
RB Lee Chambers -- Leg
LB Jordan Futch -- Head
LB Colin McCarthy -- Shoulder
DL Eric Moncur -- Leg
S Randy Phillips -- Leg
S Vaughn Telemaque -- Arm

Surgery/Out for Season
WR Tommy Streeter -- Arm
WR Kendal Thompkins -- Shoulder