ESPN College Football

This Nats-Phillies stuff is awesome.

• Kudos to the sports info staff at Georgia Tech, which was honored Monday by the FWAA.
• Former Miami QB Jacory Harris believes things will work out for him in the NFL, Brain Biggane writes in the Palm Beach Post.
• Duke coach David Cutcliffe is a mentor for life to Peyton and Eli Manning, Andrew Jones writes on FoxSportsCarolinas.com.
• Being OK is not good enough, NC State AD Debbie Yow says in an extensive interview with the Raleigh News & Observer's Andrew Westney.
• Blake DeChristopher and other Hokies have taken alternate routes to the NFL, Mike Barber writes in the Richmond Times Dispatch.

2011 overall record: 6-6
2011 conference record: 3-5 (T-4th, Coastal)
Returning starters: Offense: 4; defense: 6; kicker/punter: 2

Top returners
WR Allen Hurns, TE Clive Walford, RT Jon Feliciano, RG Brandon Linder, DE Anthony Chickillo, DT Darius Smith, LB James Gaines, LB Denzel Perryman, CB Brandon McGee, S Vaughn Telemaque

Key losses
WR Travis Benjamin, WR Tommy Streeter, LT Brandon Washington, LG Harland Gunn, C Tyler Horn, QB Jacory Harris, RB Lamar Miller, DE Marcus Robinson, DT Adewale Ojomo, LB Sean Spence, CB Mike Williams, S JoJo Nicolas

2011 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Lamar Miller (1,271 yards)
Passing: Jacory Harris (2,486 yards)
Receiving: Tommy Streeter (811 yards)
Tackles: Sean Spence (106)
Sacks: Anthony Chickillo*/Marcus Robinson (5)
Interceptions: JoJo Nicolas (2)

Spring answers

1. Ryan Williams can challenge Stephen Morris: Williams received most of the spring reps with Morris sidelined, and the Memphis transfer should enter preseason camp with a chance to overtake Morris for the No. 1 spot. That's all the Hurricanes can hope for with Morris recovering from back surgery.

2. The defense should be OK: Yes, some of that ugly 7-6 final from the spring game has to be blamed on putrid offense, but the defense deserves plenty of credit for forcing five turnovers. The unit also forced 10 sacks and picked off three passes in the team's March 30 scrimmage. The Canes return six starters from a defense that ranked 17th nationally in scoring in 2011.

3. Running backs stepping up: Al Golden has praised Mike James and Eduardo Clements this spring for both their performances on the field and their leadership off it. A strong showing from the duo will certainly ease the loss of Lamar Miller, but that could depend more on the progress of the offensive line than anything else.

Fall questions

1. What will Morris be like upon return? No one wants to lose his job to injury, and Morris surely noticed the performance of Williams this spring. Morris was able to take reps toward the end of spring without pads, which is certainly encouraging, but how he fares against defenses remains to be seen.

2. How soon can newcomers contribute? Golden landed the nation's No. 8 recruiting class for 2012, and many of the rookies can't get to campus soon enough. Miami lost 30 players this past season and has questions at receiver, in the secondary and along the offensive line. Spots could be there for the taking, so seeing which newcomers step up early will be interesting.

3. About that elephant in the room … Coaches and players will repeat that they only worry about what they can control, but the black cloud from the Nevin Shapiro scandal won't stop looming over the program until the NCAA delivers its ruling. The day that comes will be a welcome relief for the program, dark as that day may be. But if Golden could lure the No. 8 recruiting class despite the scandal, imagine what he could do once it subsides.

As mentioned in lunch links, Clemson announced the signings of undrafted lineman Landon Walker (Cincinnati Bengals) and punter Dawson Zimmerman (Atlanta Falcons). And a couple of generous readers have passed along a few more signings from ACC schools.

Virginia Tech guard Blake DeChristopher signed with the Cardinals, and Hokies defensive back Cris Hill signed with the Bills.

Big thanks to Matt from Alexandria, Va., Ben in Blacksburg, Va., and Lynn in Blacksburg, Va., for the head's up.

The updated, working list is below. Feel free to pass along any oversights.

BOSTON COLLEGE
CB Donnie Fletcher: New York Jets

CLEMSON
DE Kourtnei Brown: San Francisco 49ers
FB Chad Diehl: Baltimore Ravens
OL Antoine McClain: Baltimore Ravens
DT Rennie Moore: Houston Texans
OT Landon Walker: Cincinnati Bengals
P Dawson Zimmerman: Atlanta Falcons

DUKE
S Matt Daniels: St. Louis Rams

FSU
WR Bert Reed: Cleveland Browns
S Terrence Parks: Kansas City Chiefs
P Shawn Powell: Buffalo Bills

MARYLAND
CB Cameron Chism: Indianapolis Colts
RB Davin Meggett: Houston Texans

MIAMI
WR LaRon Byrd: Arizona Cardinals
OL Joel Figueroa: Miami Dolphins (rookie camp tryout)
TE Chase Ford: Philadelphia Eagles
DL Marcus Forston: New England Patriots
LB Jordan Futch: Tampa Bay Bucaneers
G Harland Gunn: Dallas Cowboys
QB Jacory Harris: Miami Dolphins (rookie camp tryout)
C Tyler Horn: Atlanta Falcons
S JoJo Nicolas: New York Giants
DL Adewale Ojomo: New York Giants
DT Micanor Regis: Atlanta Falcons

UNC
CB Charles Brown: Baltimore Ravens
C Cam Holland: Kansas City Chiefs
WR Dwight Jones: Houston Texans
S Matt Merletti: Indianapolis Colts
DT Tydreke Powell: Minnesota Vikings

NC STATE
TE George Bryan: Dallas Cowboys
FB Taylor Gentry: Kansas City Chiefs

VIRGINIA
CB Chase Minnifield: Washington Redskins
OG Austin Pasztor: Minnesota Vikings
S Rodney McLeod: St. Louis Rams
DT Matt Conrath: St. Louis Rams

VIRGINIA TECH
WR Jarrett Boykin: Jacksonville Jaguars
OT Jaymes Brooks: Green Bay Packers
G Blake DeChristopher: Arizona Cardinals
CB Cris Hill: Buffalo Bills
S Eddie Whitley: Dallas Cowboys

WAKE FOREST
TE Cameron Ford: Green Bay Packers
S Cyhl Quarles: Baltimore Ravens

Thirty-one players from ACC schools were drafted this past weekend, but many more signed free-agent deals with NFL teams in the aftermath of the draft.

The following is a list of ACC players, by school, who have signed undrafted free agent deals with NFL teams. It was compiled largely from NFL.com, along with official releases from NFL teams and ACC schools. Georgia Tech is the only ACC school currently without an undrafted free-agent signing.

By all means, feel free to let me know if I have overlooked anyone.

BOSTON COLLEGE
CB Donnie Fletcher - New York Jets

CLEMSON
DE Kourtnel Brown - San Francisco 49ers
FB Chad Diehl - Baltimore Ravens
OL Antoine McClain - Baltimore Ravens
DT Rennie Moore - Houston Texans

DUKE
S Matt Daniels - St. Louis Rams

FSU
WR Bert Reed - Cleveland Browns
S Terrence Parks - Kansas City Chiefs
P Shawn Powell - Buffalo Bills

MARYLAND
CB Cameron Chism - Indianapolis Colts
RB Davin Meggett - Houston Texans

MIAMI
WR LaRon Byrd - Arizona Cardinals
TE Chase Ford - Philadelphia Eagles
DL Marcus Forston - New England Patriots
LB Jordan Futch - Tampa Bay Bucaneers
G Harland Gunn - Dallas Cowboys
C Tyler Horn - Atlanta Falcons
S JoJo Nicolas - New York Giants
DL Adewale Ojomo - New York Giants
DT Micanor Regis - Atlanta Falcons

UNC
CB Charles Brown - Baltimore Ravens
C Cam Holland - Kansas City Chiefs
WR Dwight Jones - Houston Texans
S Matt Merletti - Indianapolis Colts
DT Tydreke Powell - Minnesota Vikings

NC STATE
TE George Bryan - Dallas Cowboys
FB Taylor Gentry - Kansas City Chiefs

VIRGINIA
CB Chase Minnifield – Washington Redskins
OG Austin Pasztor - Minnesota Vikings
S Rodney McLeod – St. Louis Rams
DT Matt Conrath – St. Louis Rams

VIRGINIA TECH
WR Jarrett Boykin - Jacksonville Jaguars
OT Jaymes Brooks - Green Bay Packers
S Eddie Whitley - Dallas Cowboys

WAKE FOREST
TE Cameron Ford - Green Bay Packers
S Chyl Quarles - Baltimore Ravens

The Hurricanes also announced that quarterback Jacory Harris and offensive lineman Joel Figueroa have both been invited to rookie camp tryouts with the Miami Dolphins.

A trio of Miami players broke the 4.5 barrier in the 40-yard dash at the school's pro day, but two of the fastest Hurricanes decided to sit out the 40 on Thursday.

Lamar Miller and Tommy Streeter, both content with their 4.40 performances at last month's NFL scouting combine, participated only in position drills, with both performing the "L" drill and Miller participating in the vertical jump.

"I think I did pretty good," Miller said, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "I had a very good day catching the ball out of the backfield, doing the position drills."

Miller, whose 40-time led all running backs at the combine, is projected as a late-first or early-second round draft pick. Streeter figures to be a mid-round pick.

Leading the way for Hurricanes runners at their pro day was LaRon Byrd (4.41), followed by Lee Chambers (4.43) and Ben Bruneau (4.48). Defensive end Olivier Vernon, one of five Miami players to declare for the draft early, ran a 4.64 40, up from his 4.80 in Indianapolis.

Chambers topped all in the vertical, at 40.5 inches, with Bruneau just behind him there, as well, with a 39.5-inch jump. Jacory Harris and Travis Benjamin opted to rely on most of their combine numbers.

Linebacker Sean Spence, who benched 225 pounds just 12 times at the combine, told reporters a bone bruise in his left shoulder was the reason for the low number, saying he can usually do 19 reps.

Eight Miami players had participated in last month's combine, and 26 worked out at the school's pro day

Miami’s offense will have an entirely new look this spring, as the Canes have to replace eight starters from last year’s team. I spoke with offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch about the challenges his group will face when spring practices begin on Saturday. Here are the highlights of our conversation. (Note: This interview was done before the spring depth chart was released on Thursday.)

What does Stephen Morris have to do to grasp the reins of that offense, and how much is he going to be pushed by the other guys on the roster?

Jedd Fisch: Well, what he has to do is grab the reigns of the offense. He has to have total command of it. I thought he did a tremendous job of everything we asked him to do last year on the practice field and the reps he did have. Stephen is going to have a great year for us, I really believe that. He’s got an extremely strong arm, he’s got great athleticism, all he has to do is own it – own it the way Jacory owned it, and really improve upon -- and I think he has -- his football knowledge. He’s done a great job there. I’m excited to watch him go.

Is it accurate to say it’s his job to lose?

JF: We’re always going to have competition. We really can’t say it because we haven’t been on the field with the other guys. We don’t necessarily know what the other guys can do. I think all of us going into it are really confident with Stephen, and excited to see what Stephen can do now that he’s not behind Jacory anymore.

In general, how unnerving is it for you that you’ve got to replace eight starters on offense?

JF: Yeah, well, it’s interesting. It’s certainly challenging. We’ll end up losing our center, left tackle, our running back with the most reps in, our two wide receivers with the most production and our quarterback who completed 65 percent of his passes and was the captain of the team. And our starting tight end. So we obviously know that that’s a challenge, but we’re also looking forward to it. I think it’s going to be fun to watch the young guys step up. I think spring will be very different than fall for us this year, based on the fact that so many guys a year ago participated in both spring and fall, where with this group, so many guys are coming in with the 32 guys we signed. That’s going to be a substantial difference.

It’s going to be almost like a whole new team come summer camp, right?

JF: Exactly. We’ll have a whole new group of guys coming into training camp. It’s going to be different. All six wide receivers we signed will be here for training camp. None of them will be here for spring ball. The passing game is going to be a little interesting in the spring, but it’s going to be a great opportunity for Phillip Dorset, a great opportunity for Rashawn Scott, a great opportunity for Allen Hurns and Kendal Thompkins, the four guys that are coming back to really take rep after rep after rep. Same with the running backs, for Michael (James) and Eduardo (Clements), to secure where their places are, and for Clive Walford to improve. It’s going to be fun. It’s certainly going to be different than the veteran-type team we had a year ago.

How about your offensive line? What’s the depth chart look like there?

JF: (He laughed). Yeah, isn’t it funny how this conversation is a little different from the one we had a year ago?

No kidding.

JF: Our offensive line is going to be a major competition. We’re really not exactly sure who’s going to end up starting. The good thing we do know is that everybody that’s on the offensive line will be here in the spring. The guys we signed on the offensive line are here early. … The only guy who’s not here is Danny Isidora. That will make a huge difference. We can watch all those guys compete. We’re going to have to see where Malcolm Bunche and Seantrel Henderson are. At the end of spring last year, we were really pleased with the way Malcolm Bunche was playing. Seantrel had back surgery. Now that everybody is healthy and back, it will be interesting to see how that all works out.

How does all of this youth change what you can do with the playbook? How much do you have to scale back?

JF: We’re going through that process right now. We’re looking at everything. We’re looking at everything and making decisions on what our guys can handle, what they’ll do well and what we call. A lot of it has to do with, you go into a season thinking you’re going to do something, and then as the season progresses, you realize you’re doing something else. You ask yourself, No. 1 why, and No. 2 what can we do to make it better? We’re in the process of doing all of the evaluations. Our goal this spring is to get better fundamentally. If you’re going to get better fundamentally, you’re going to cut back on some things schematically.

At running back, who’s the guy who’s at the top without Lamar?

JF: You could put Michael and Eduardo Clements next to each other. Those two guys are going to be challenging each other as you saw as the season progressed. Eduardo got more and more carries. He really became a valuable short-yardage player for us. Michael, from the Duke game on, he was healthy and started running the ball well. Those two guys are going to duke it out until Duke gets here and Danny Dillard gets here, and then when the four of them are here, it will be a nice, four-way competition.

Speaking of Duke, Miami fans seem to be super excited about Duke Johnson. What did you guys like about him in the recruiting process?

JF: Duke’s everything you want when you recruit a player because he doesn’t want to be recruited, he wants to tell you how much he wants to be a part of the program. It wasn’t about trying to sell Miami to Duke. Duke was sold on Miami and was excited to be a part of Miami football. He’s an electric player. He can make every play. He can catch the football, he can run the football, he can make guys miss, he can run between the tackles, he can run outside the tackles. He’s got speed, he’s got elusiveness. I think what got the Miami fans most excited is anyone who can have 376 yards in a state championship game is a pretty elite player, especially when it’s in the state of Florida. He’s got that dynamic ability we’re all excited to see in person.

DUKE

Spring practice start date: Feb. 22
Spring game: March 31

What to watch:

• The defense in the second season under coordinator Jim Knowles. The Blue Devils should be more comfortable in the 4-2-5 alignment that uses three safeties, but they lost their top safety, Matt Daniels. Will the comfort level of the rest of the defense help compensate for the departure of the team’s top defensive playmaker? More players have a better understanding of the system and philosophy.
• The health of the team. For Duke to stand a chance at reaching a bowl game, it must have its top players healthy. Guys like defensive end Kenny Anunike, linebacker Kelby Brown and safety Lee Butler have all proved they can make plays, but how quickly will they regain their form?
• The running game. The offensive line should be deeper, more athletic and more competitive than in past years, and the running game should follow suit. Two of the highest-rated recruits in Duke’s 2012 class were running backs, but will the Blue Devils have to wait until summer camp to see a difference?

GEORGIA TECH

Spring practice start date: March 26
Spring game: April 20

What to watch:

• The quarterback competition. There’s no question that Tevin Washington is the undisputed starter heading into the spring, but coach Paul Johnson has said he expects backups Vad Lee and Synjyn Days to push Washington. Finding the No. 2 will be a priority this offseason, but will either play well enough to unseat Washington?
• The status of LB Julian Burnett. He has been the Jackets’ leading tackler, but he also has a medical condition or injury that Johnson won’t comment on publicly. Johnson has said he’ll leave it up to Burnett, but signs are pointing toward his inability to play.
• The defensive progress. Some Georgia Tech fans were expecting more in the second season of Al Groh’s 3-4 defense, and Johnson is also among those hoping to see more progress this offseason. Groh has to replace two of three starters on the defensive line.

MIAMI

Spring practice start date: March 3
Spring game: April 14

What to watch:

• The offensive overhaul. The coordinator is the same; it’s the players who will change. How do you replace eight starters on offense? How will the young players contribute and where? The Canes need to replace their leading rusher from a year ago, Lamar Miller, and their starting quarterback, Jacory Harris.
• The quarterback competition. Is Stephen Morris ready to take over the offense, or will Ryan Williams, Gray Crow or Preston Dewey win the job from him? Morris is the most experienced quarterback in the system, but Williams probably would have pushed Harris for the starting job last year if he didn’t have to sit out for a season per NCAA transfer rules.
• The new leader on defense. Miami will lose five starters on defense, but none of them had quite the leadership impact as linebacker Sean Spence. Who will be the new coach on the field for the Canes, not to mention compensate for the loss of Spence’s playmaking abilities?

NORTH CAROLINA

Spring practice start date: March 14
Spring game: April 14

What to watch:

• Buying in. It shouldn’t take much longer than spring practice to know whether the Tar Heels have bought in to first-year coach Larry Fedora, his staff and the changes they plan to make. Fedora has said he’s changing just about everything within the program, including offensive and defensive schemes.
• How the defense will look in the new scheme with new faces. UNC will switch to a 4-2-5 scheme, which will allow it to have multiple fronts and looks and go from four down linemen to three without subs. The Heels will need more defensive backs and more hybrid players who can play linebacker/safety and linebacker/defensive end. Will they find them this spring?
• An exciting offense. As good as the offensive line was last season, it should be even better this season with four starters returning and untapped potential at center. And if quarterback Bryn Renner had a 3,000-yard, record-setting season with bone spurs in his ankle, how much better can he be after his surgery?

VIRGINIA

Spring practice start date: March 19
Spring game: April 14

What to watch:

• Kicking competitions. They’re all gone -- the placekicker, punter and kickoff specialist. When you lose all three of them, it’s a question mark. The Hoos have some options but no answers.
• Defensive replacements. Virginia has to replace seven starters on defense, including veterans like defensive end Cam Johnson and cornerback Chase Minnifield. Two of the three starting linebackers return, but the secondary is filled with guys who played sparingly or redshirted last year.
• The next go-to receiver. Virginia has several young, talented receivers, but which one of them will emerge as the go-to player for quarterback Michael Rocco? Kris Burd leaves the biggest shoes to fill on the offense.

VIRIGNIA TECH

Spring practice start date: March 28
Spring game: April 21

What to watch:

• Life without David Wilson. Virginia Tech begins the spring in search of its next great running back, as Wilson left early for the NFL draft, and his backup, Josh Oglesby, has graduated. True freshman J.C. Coleman and redshirt freshman Michael Holmes will be the top two options, as Tony Gregory will be out to recover from surgery on his knee.
• New-look offensive line. Adding to the offensive uncertainty is the fact that Virginia Tech must replace four starters on the offensive line. All four were redshirt seniors, and there are likely to be growing pains while trying to compensate for the loss of their leadership and knowledge.
• Secondary replacements. The Hokies will be challenged to find replacements for Jayron Hosley and Eddie Whitley in the secondary. Whitley had played cornerback, rover, outside linebacker and free safety during his career. Hosley, who led the nation in interceptions in 2010, decided to leave early for the NFL draft.

The official invite list for the NFL combine is out. Every school but Duke is represented, and there are a total of 43 former players from the conference who will participate, including Miami's entire starting lineup from 2011. Well, ok, not really, but it's a pretty big hit for the Canes. Best of luck to all of these guys at the next level.

Here are your ACC representatives:

BOSTON COLLEGE (1)

• Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

CLEMSON (6)

• Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson
• Andre Branch, DE, Clemson
• Antoine McClain, OG, Clemson
• Rennie Moore, DT, Clemson
• Coty Sensabaugh, DB, Clemson
• Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

FLORIDA STATE (6)

• Nigel Bradham, LB, Florida State
• Andrew Datko, OT, Florida State
• Mike Harris, CB, Florida State
• Shawn Powell, P, Florida State
• Beau Reliford, TE, Florida State
• Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State

GEORGIA TECH (1)

• Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

MARYLAND (1)

• Davin Meggett, RB, Maryland

MIAMI (8)

• Travis Benjamin, WR, Miami
• Marcus Forston, DT, Miami
• Jacory Harris, QB, Miami
• Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
• Sean Spence, LB, Miami
• Tommy Streeter, WR, Miami
• Olivier Vernon, DE, Miami
• Brandon Washington, OT, Miami

NORTH CAROLINA (6)

• Charles Brown, CB, UNC
• Zach Brown, LB, UNC
• Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
• Dwight Jones, WR, UNC
• Donte Paige-Moss, DE, North Carolina
• Tydreke Powell, DT, UNC

NC STATE (5)

• Audie Cole, LB, NC State
• T.J. Graham, WR, NC State
• Markus Kuhn, DT, NC State
• Terrell Manning, LB, NC State
• J.R. Sweezy, DT, NC State

VIRGINIA TECH (4)

• Jarrett Boykin, WR, Virginia Tech
• Danny Coale, WR, Virginia Tech
• Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech
• David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

VIRGINIA (2)

• Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia
• Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia

WAKE FOREST (4)

• Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest
• Joe Looney, OG, Wake Forest
• Cyhl Quarles, S, Wake Forest
• Kyle Wilber, LB, Wake Forest

It's about that time of year where I have to remind some of you that I don't control which schools are featured in the links: The newspapers that cover them do.

• Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has been both an early bird and a strong closer on the recruiting trail.
• Clemson is just dumping money into its program by the boatload.
• Georgia Tech might lose one of its top recruits to Miami.
• The Senior Bowl is a chance for former UNC defensive end Quinton Coples to erase some doubts about his effort.
• Here's a closer look at Miami's 2012 class.
• When it comes to Florida running backs, Miami-bound Randy "Duke" Johnson is at the top.
• Could Preston Dewey be the quarterback prospect that ends Miami's drought at the position in the NFL draft?
• Mel Kiper says it doesn't look like Jacory Harris is going to help the cause.
• Virginia beat Boston College for this quarterback's commitment.

Miami (FL) Hurricanes

Record: 6-6, 3-5 ACC

Overview: Miami fans are lucky first-year coach Al Golden didn’t pack his bags and run in August. Golden thought he was hired to win, but as it turns out, he was hired to navigate the program through an embarrassing NCAA investigation, try to win a season opener with eight suspended players, and get the team to a bowl game it never intended to play in in the first place.

Bienvenido a Miami.

There was never a dull moment in Coral Gables this year. From the time Yahoo! Sports reported that booster Nevin Shapiro provided thousands of impermissible benefits to at least 72 athletes from 2002 through 2010, Golden has been trying to keep the focus on the field. There was the out-of-character arrest of Ramon Buchanan, who challenged a police officer. Receiver Aldarius Johnson was suspended, and the Canes’ summer quarterback competition was settled when Jacory Harris was suspended for the opener. Golden’s contract also became an off-field distraction when his former coach, Penn State’s Joe Paterno, was fired.

On the field, Golden encountered several of the same problems former coach Randy Shannon did, though, particularly with consistency. Miami only put together back-to-back wins one time this season, against North Carolina and Georgia Tech. The Canes lost three of their last five games, including a home loss in the regular-season finale to Boston College. Miami managed to gut out a 6-3 win over South Florida to become bowl eligible, but the following Sunday, athletic director Shawn Eichorst informed Golden the Canes would decline a bowl invitation.

And yet Golden reaffirmed his commitment to the program by signing a contract extension that would keep him with the program until Feb. 1, 2020. Whatever lies ahead couldn’t possibly be as challenging or as surprising as what Golden had to deal with in Year 1.

Offensive MVP: Harris. He moved into first place all-time in the Hurricanes record book in pass attempts for a career with 1,170, surpassing Ken Dorsey’s previous record-high of 1,153. He finished the season with a single-season school record for passing accuracy with a 65 percent success rate (195-for-300) and had the third-best passer efficiency rating in the conference at 158.2. He had 20 touchdowns and nine interceptions and 2,486 yards.

Defensive MVP: LB Sean Spence. He led the team and tied for fifth in the ACC with 106 tackles. He finished his career with 47 tackles for loss, which ranked second among active NCAA players, including 14.0 in 2011. He earned ACC Linebacker of the Week honors three times during the season, and was named a semifinalist for the Butkus Award. He also recorded a season-high 14 tackles three times this season.

Turning point: The minute the Yahoo! investigation was printed. With eight players suspended for the opener against Maryland, the Canes were already off to an 0-1 start in Golden’s first season.

What’s next: Recruiting and praying. That’s what Miami and its fans should be doing this offseason. Recruiting for the future, and praying that the NCAA doesn’t impose an additional bowl ban and that any possible loss of scholarships is manageable.

» Power Rankings: ACC | Big 12 | Big East | Big Ten | Pac-12 | SEC

The regular season is over, and there are only two teams who still have a chance to make a statement this week, as Clemson and Virginia Tech will face each other in Saturday's ACC championship game. Clemson had the upper hand earlier this season in a 23-3 win over the Hokies, but much has changed since then. Including who is No. 1 ...

1. Virginia Tech (11-1, 7-1 ACC; LW: No. 1) – With their convincing win over rival Virginia on Saturday, the Hokies clinched the Coastal Division title and they also earned 11 wins during the regular season for only the second time in school history. The Hokies are ranked No. 5 in the latest BCS standings heading into the championship game, and they’ve come a long way since their 23-3 loss to Clemson during the regular season.

2. Clemson (9-3, 6-2 ACC; LW: No. 2) – The Tigers dropped to No. 20 in the BCS standings following their third straight loss to rival South Carolina this past weekend. Clemson has faltered down the stretch, losing three of their final four games, but this is the second time in three years the Tigers have won the Atlantic Division.

3. Virginia (8-4, 5-3 ACC; LW: No. 3) – The Cavaliers were outplayed in every phase of the game against Virginia Tech, but this season should still be considered a success under coach Mike London. The Hoos are bowl bound for the first time since 2007, and they beat both Florida State and Miami during a four-game winning streak.

4. Florida State (8-4, 5-3 ACC; LW: No. 4) – Does this eight-win season feel more like a six-win season to anyone else? The Noles have been flat offensively in recent weeks, and they lost the games that mattered most this season. FSU is likely bound for Champs Sports Bowl, but will the Noles remember to take their offense with them?

5. Georgia Tech (8-4, 5-3 ACC; LW: No. 5) – The 6-0 start to this season was too good to be true, as Georgia Tech went 1-2 against Clemson, Virginia Tech and Georgia. Georgia’s defense smothered the Jackets, who were held to 79 rushing yards in the second half. Quarterback Tevin Washington threw two interceptions and linebacker Julian Burnett said the team is “tired of being the little brothers in the state.”

6. Wake Forest (6-6, 5-3 ACC; LW: No. 6) – The Deacs played like they had their bowl eligibility all wrapped up, and Vanderbilt played like it was their Super Bowl in a 41-7 win. The Commodores became bowl eligible for the first time since 2008, and the Deacs allowed 481 yards of total offense.

7. NC State (7-5, 4-4 ACC; LW: No. 7) – Unbelievable. NC state was trailing 41-14 with six minutes left in the third quarter and came back to beat Maryland 56-41. It was the second-biggest comeback in ACC history, and the Wolfpack became bowl eligible with the win. It was a remarkable way to finish the season.

8. Miami (6-6, 3-5 ACC; LW: No. 8) – Ugh. The senior class closed its chapter with a home loss to a woeful Boston College team, and quarterback Jacory Harris threw a forgettable four picks. It was a disappointing finish for the recruiting class of 2008, which never lived up to the hype it entered with, but a new contract extension for coach Al Golden assured fans recruiting will continue under his watch.

9. North Carolina (7-5, 3-5 ACC; LW: No. 9) – The Tar Heels continue to be a more physical team than rival Duke, and it showed up front on Saturday, as the offensive line paved the way for 508 total yards. UNC beat Duke for the eighth straight year and is one win away from matching its eight-win ceiling under former coach Butch Davis.

10. Boston College (4-8, 3-5 ACC; LW: No. 10) – It was an impressive effort in the win over Miami, and the Eagles deserve a lot of credit for winning three of their last five after starting the season 1-6. There is no bowl game, but there is some positive momentum to build off of heading into the offseason. The question is whether any staff or personnel changes will be made.

11. Duke (3-9, 1-7 ACC; LW: No. 11) – It’s an all-too-familiar storyline for the Blue Devils, who finished the season with seven straight losses. The defense remains a question heading into the offseason, and recruiting must improve if Duke is going to take the next step under coach David Cutcliffe.

12. Maryland (2-10, 1-7 ACC; LW: No. 12) – The Terps tanked under first-year coach Randy Edsall. From a nine-win season to a two-win season that was capped off by Saturday’s meltdown at NC State, it should be a relief to everyone that the season is over in College Park. Edsall is locked into a lucrative contract, but it will be interesting to see how much turnover there is on the roster and if any staff changes are made.

With bowl games no longer an option for either team, both Miami and Boston College were playing on Friday afternoon for their seniors, their pride and their future.

At Boston College, the Eagles never quit this season, despite losing six of their first seven games. BC rallied in the second half of the season under coach Frank Spaziani and finished with a 3-2 record in the final five games, including Friday’s 24-17 win over the Canes. It was a gritty, disciplined performance on the road that was classic BC -- tough, hard-nosed, blue-collar football led by the defense.

For Miami, in many ways the game was a microcosm of the entire careers of the recruiting class of 2008: A disappointment that fell below expectations. Miami’s offense produced two big touchdown plays early, but then stuttered for the majority of the game. The running game wasn’t working, so the Canes turned to a short passing game, but third-and-long situations put Miami under pressure. Untimely penalties like the holding call on Harland Gunn early in the fourth quarter were devastating and came at points when Miami desperately needed a spark. Quarterback Jacory Harris threw four interceptions, and made poor throws and decisions down the stretch.

BC’s Chase Rettig, on the other hand, played tough and aggressive in the face of Miami’s pass rush. He made good decisions and threw the ball well. The Eagles also made great use of tight end Chris Pantale, and the running game opened things up in the play-action pass. This was the closest thing to a bowl game that Boston College will see this year, and the Eagles played like it.

Both programs, though, have lots of questions to answer this offseason. Al Golden’s recent contract extension went a long way in erasing the speculation surrounding his future, but the NCAA must still rule on the program’s future. Until it does, though, recruiting will remain the No. 1 priority.

BC must also find a way back to the postseason. Will the Eagles' determination down the stretch be enough to keep Spaziani in the good graces of AD Gene DeFilippo, or will another change be made? Was that the last spectacular collegiate performance for junior linebacker Luke Kuechly, a projected first-round draft pick?

It was a trying season for both programs and head coaches, but on Friday, BC found a way to finish on a positive note.

Miami coach Al Golden was smiling. His players were dancing, bobbing their heads and waving their arms.

And this was before Jake Wieclaw kicked the winning field goal against South Florida in a 6-3 game.

This is why Al Golden is a good coach. Because in crunch time, with the game and bowl eligibility on the line, he got his players to relax, have fun, and win. South Florida couldn't ice that.

The Bulls' defense was smothering all game. Miami quarterback Jacory Harris was sacked six times and the Canes went nowhere. When it mattered most, though, Miami was able to move the ball enough to get Wieclaw in field goal position, and he sealed the deal with a 36-yarder. It wasn't pretty, but Miami got its sixth win of the season, and the Canes did it on the road against a gritty, relentless, in-state opponent. That's a win no matter how you look at it.

There's a reason neither of these teams are ranked.

Some telling stats from this game:

• Miami has had three turnovers.
• Florida State has had three first downs and two rushing yards.
• FSU has had the ball for just 9:37.

Florida State has finally run into some better competition, and once again, the Noles' defense has been its best attribute. Miami quarterback Jacory Harris was injured late in the first half and went to the locker room early, leaving the game in the hands of capable backup Stephen Morris. If there is an official update from Miami on Harris' status, I'll post it. Special teams has also played a role in this game, as Greg Reid returned a punt 83 yards for a touchdown, and Dustin Hopkins missed a field goal. If FSU is going to hang onto this lead, the defense has continue to continue to pressure Miami into mistakes.

Thanks as always to the sports information directors throughout the league for this week’s package of notes:

ACC: With Virginia Tech RB David Wilson, North Carolina RB Giovani Bernard, and Miami RB Lamar Miller leading the way, the ACC could set a league record for the most 100-yard rushing games in a single season in its history. Heading into Saturday, ACC runners have reached or surpassed the 100-yard mark in rushing on 47 occasions led by Wilson (9), Bernard (6) and Miller (6). The league mark of 55 100-yard rushing games was set last year. What makes this year’s total even more impressive is the fact that Boston College’s Montel Harris, who personally has 22 career 100-yard games, has contributed just one to the total this season due to an injury which has forced him to miss almost the entire 2011 season.

BOSTON COLLEGE: In BC’s 38-7 home loss to Florida State, a season-high 10 players were sidelined with injuries. In addition to the five players who have suffered season-ending injuries – WR Ifeanyi Momah (knee), DB C.J. Jones (knee), DL Connor Wujciak (shoulder), RB Montel Harris (knee) and DL Kaleb Ramsey (foot) – five veterans have suffered various recent injuries. They include senior OL Nate Richman, redshirt freshman RB Tahj Kimble, sophomore LB Kevin Pierre-Louis, junior DB Jim Noel and sophomore RB Andre Williams.

CLEMSON: The Tigers have defeated Wake Forest 23 of the past 25 meetings in Death Valley and have not lost to Wake Forest at home since 1998. Clemson has a 6-0 record at home this year and an average victory of 41-25. A win Saturday would also give Clemson a 7-0 record at home this year, the program’s first perfect home season since 1990 when Clemson was 6-0 in Death Valley.

DUKE: Duke has played five one-possession games (decided by eight points or less) this season with an average margin of difference of 2.40 points. The five games are tied for the third most in the nation. Duke’s 2.40 average is the sixth lowest nationally among schools that have played at least three one-possession games, with Buffalo ranking first at 1.67 average points in three games.

FLORIDA STATE: In 2011, 15 true freshmen have played, tied for the seventh-most among all FBS teams. The ‘Noles have played 11 redshirt freshmen for a total of 26 freshmen played. That number is tied for third among FBS schools, trailing only Clemson and Indiana, with 29 each. Five FSU true freshmen–-C Austin Barron, RB Devonta Freeman, WR Rashad Greene, OT Bobby Hart, and TE Nick O’Leary – have made starts, along with redshirt freshman QB Clint Trickett. FSU played 12 true freshmen in 2010 and 12 redshirt freshmen for a whopping 40 freshmen who have played to this point over the past two seasons.

GEORGIA TECH: The Jackets have allowed a 100-yard rusher in a game five times this season (all five have been ACC opponents). David Wilson’s rushing total (175 yards) was the most by a Tech opponent since 2009.

MARYLAND: WR Quintin McCree had his second career 100-yard receiving game with 117 yards against Virginia. It was also McCree’s second 100-yard effort in his last three games. WR Kerry Boykins also had the first of his career with 101 yards in Saturday’s Virginia game. McCree and Boykins are just the second Maryland duo in the past 16 years to post 100 receiving yards in the same game. Danny Oquendo (111) and Torrey Smith (115) both went over 100 receiving yards against Boston College on Nov. 29, 2008. Prior to that, the feat hadn’t occurred since 1995.

MIAMI: With his 202-yard performance against Duke on Nov. 5, Jacory Harris remains in second place in Miami’s records book with 8,097 career passing yards, surpassing Gino Torretta and trailing only Ken Dorsey (9,565).

NORTH CAROLINA: North Carolina has never had a 1,000-yard runner and 1,000-yard receiver in the same season. Last week at NC State, Bernard became the 15th player in UNC history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season and the first since Jonathan Linton in 1997. Heading into the Virginia Tech game, senior wide receiver Dwight Jones, who has 913 receiving yards, needs 87 yards to become just the second player in UNC history with 1,000 receiving yards in a single season.

NC STATE: Tom O’Brien has won 42 games in BC’s Alumni Stadium, but is looking for his first win there as a visitor.

VIRGINIA: The Cavaliers enter Saturday’s game at Duke tied for third in the ACC in total offense at 427.7 yards per game. UVa is tied for 13th nationally with just eight sacks allowed this season (312 pass attempts). OG Austin Pasztor along with OT Oday Aboushi, OG Luke Bowanko, C Anthony Mihota and OT Morgan Moses have started all nine games this season. The only other ACC teams to start the same offensive line this year are NC State and Virginia Tech. The last time the same five players started an entire season on the offensive line at UVa was 2004. Coincidentally, that was the last time UVa averaged more rushing yards (242.8) per game than this year (190.1).

VIRGINIA TECH: The two rushing touchdowns by quarterback Logan Thomas against Georgia Tech gave him eight for the season, tying the single-season record for rushing touchdowns by a Tech quarterback. In 1999, Michael Vick rushed for eight touchdowns (he had another in the Sugar Bowl, but the NCAA didn’t count bowl statistics then). Thomas finished with 70 yards rushing,

WAKE FOREST: Wake Forest had come away with points on 11 straight trips to the red zone over four games heading into the Notre Dame game. Wake scored touchdowns on each of its first two trips to the red zone against Notre Dame and held a 17-10 halftime lead. But Wake’s string of 13 consecutive scoring trips came to a close when the Deacons failed on both red zone visits in the second half. The drives ended with a Brandon Pendergrass fumble at the Notre Dame nine-yard line and a missed field goal by PK Jimmy Newman.