ESPN College Football

2009 overall record: 3-9

2009 conference record: 2-6

Returning starters

Offense: 6, defense: 6, punter/kicker 2

Top returners

WR Kris Burd, QB Marc Verica, DE Matt Conrath, LB Steve Greer, CB Ras-I Dowling

Key losses

WR Vic Hall, T Will Barker, C Jack Shields, QB Jameel Sewell, FB Rashawn Jackson, NG Nate Collins, CB Chris Cook, LB Denzel Burrell, TB Mikell Simpson

2009 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Jackson (461 yards)

Passing: Sewell (1,848 yds)

Receiving: Burd* (413 yds)

Tackles: Greer* (92)

Sacks: Collins (6)

Interceptions: Cook (4)

Spring answers

1. Johnson’s move a hit. Cam Johnson’s move from linebacker to defensive end proved beneficial, as he returned an interception 51 yards in the Cavaliers’ spring game. Johnson, who started 10 of the 12 games he played in last year, showed he can transition to playing with his hand on the ground.

2. Aboushi a boost up front. Offensive tackle Oday Aboushi could be Virginia’s next stellar lineman. He’ll only be a sophomore, but he showed this spring he can help plug up some holes in an offensive line that was rather porous last year. Aboushi played in late in the Clemson game and he held his own as a freshman last year.

3. Mending fences. First-year coach Mike London has been working the crowd and winning it over by making the staff more approachable. He held a scrimmage at Old Dominion, and had been rebuilding relationships with high school coaches and media throughout the state.

Fall questions

1. Which Verica will show this fall? The one who was pushed into duty without experience two years ago and performed well, or the one who last year struggled in mop-up duty? Verica said he avoided turnovers during every team drill this spring, but threw two interceptions in the spring game. Verica is the only player on the roster who has attempted a pass in a game.

2. Kicking competition. Last year, the kicking duties were done by committee. This year, London would like to find one player capable of PATs, field goals and kickoffs. Robert Randolph handled most of the field goal duties last year. Drew Jarrett handled the PATs at the end of the year and Chris Hinkebein did kickoffs. Hinkebein has the strongest but least accurate leg.

3. Defensive transition. How will the players adjust to their new roles in the transition from a 3-4 to a 4-3 scheme? London has moved a lot of players into positions where he’s trying to get speed on the field. LaRoy Reynolds and LoVante Battle moved from the secondary to strongside linebacker. Ausar Walcott moved from defensive back to whip linebacker, and other players -- like Conrath -- have moved from defensive end to tackle.

Ten former Virginia players auditioned on Thursday for representatives from more than two dozen NFL teams on campus, including former fullback Rashawn Jackson, who is listed as the No. 1 fullback in this year's NFL draft by ESPN's Mel Kiper. Virginia does not release its pro day results, but Jeff White reported on the event, as did Jay Jenkins.

Other former Cavs who participated included defensive lineman Nate Collins, cornerback Chris Cook, offensive lineman Will Barker, linebackers Denzel Burrell and Darren Childs, running back Mikell Simpson, quarterback Jameel Sewell, safety Brandon Woods and athlete Vic Hall. Both Cook and Jackson participated in last month's NFL combine and didn't fully participate in Thursday's drills.

We'll go ahead and consider these unofficial results, but here are a few highlights, according to both reports:

• Hall bench-pressed 225 pounds 19 times, only three fewer than Barker and Collins. He ran his second 40-yard dash in about 4.4 seconds.
• Collins ran the 40 in about 4.9 seconds.

According to the Daily Progress:

"Sewell posted a 4.58 according to one stopwatch and Collins added another in 4.93. Mikell Simpson was timed unofficially at 4.69 and 4.60, numbers that do not compare well to running backs who were invited to the NFL combine."

Jackson actually played tailback for most of his senior year and led the team in rushing with 461 yards on 96 carries, but he told White "I think I'm a fullback." Kiper seems to agree:

Jackson gets a nod here because he had to step in and carry the ball a lot. He's had better production than the tailbacks, with 96 carries for 461 yards. His ability to block well is a bonus. Versatile fullbacks are valued commodities in some systems.

We continue our strong and weak series today with Virginia:

Strongest position: Defensive backs

Key returnees: S Rodney McLeod, CB Ras-I Dowling

Key departures: CB Chris Cook, S Brandon Woods

The skinny: The Cavaliers return six of eight players on their final two-deep roster of the 2009 season, including Dowling, who opted to return for his senior season instead of enter the NFL draft. Dowling will be the face and leader of not only the defense this year, but also of probably the whole team. He was fifth on the team in tackles and broke up eight passes. The Cavaliers also return Chase Minnifield, who had two interceptions last year and played in all 12 games, and Corey Mosley, who played in every game and had 47 tackles and two forced fumbles.

Weakest position: Running back

Key returnees: Torrey Mack, Dominique Wallace

Key departures: Mikell Simpson, Rashawn Jackson

The skinny: The Cavs have to replace their four leading rushers in Simpson, Jackson, receiver Vic Hall and quarterback Jameel Sewell. That might not be so bad, considering Virginia ranked 112th in the country last year in rushing offense. True freshman Kevin Parks is an option, but the staff will also look at Mack, who played sparingly in nine games last year, and Wallace, who had just seemed to be coming on at Southern Miss when he was injured and missed the rest of the season.

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.

Each team has plenty of questions to answer heading into spring practice, so let the competition begin. Here are five position battles worth watching in the ACC this spring:

1. Wake Forest quarterback – Replacing Riley Skinner, the winningest quarterback in school history won’t be easy. The job is wide open, and the candidates include Ted Stachitas, Skylar Jones, Brendan Cross, walk-on Turner Faulk, and true freshman Tanner Price.

2. Virginia Tech defensive ends – Experience is at a premium here after the early departure of Jason Worilds to the NFL. Chris Drager and Steven Friday are now the veterans of the group, but there are also several redshirt freshmen in the mix. The staff has high hopes for Duan Perez-Means, Tyrel Wilson, James Gayle and J.R. Collins, but could also make some position changes to fill the need.

3. Virginia’s quarterback – The Cavaliers are also starting from scratch after the departure of Jameel Sewell, and Marc Verica is the most experienced of the bunch. There were four quarterbacks in this year’s recruiting class, but only Michael Strauss enrolled early. The Cavs also have Ross Metheny and Riko Smalls.

4. BC defensive line – The Eagles have to replace left tackle Austin Giles and defensive end Jim Ramella, who was one of the top leaders. They return Kaleb Ramsey, Giles’ backup, and Brad Newman, Ramella’s reserve, but several newcomers should work their way into the mix.

5. Miami tight ends/offensive line – The Canes have to replace three starters up front, and tight end Jimmy Graham has graduated. Miami brought in four tight ends in this recruiting class, but none of them were early enrollees. Richard Gordon, who was injured the majority of last season, is the only returning tight end with experience.

As if it couldn’t get any worse than losing to William & Mary in the season opener, Virginia suffered further embarrassment in Game 2 when mascot Cavman fell off his horse.

Talk about an omen of things to come.

It was another trying season in Charlottesville, but one that was too difficult to ignore. Virginia (3-9, 2-6 ACC) ended the season with six straight losses, a finish which cost Al Groh and all but two of his assistants their jobs. In typical Groh fashion, though, there was a point during the season when it seemed as if Virginia might rally, just as it had done so many times before. After opening the season with three straight losses, Virginia used its bye week to regroup and reeled off three straight wins to suddenly jump back into the Coastal Division race. It turned out to be a fleeting moment, and the Cavaliers were exposed once they faced better competition.

Much of this year’s struggles could be attributed to the sweeping offseason staff changes, in which offensive coordinator Gregg Brandon was hired to implement the spread offense. The change didn’t work, as Virginia didn’t have the personnel to execute it.

Offensive MVP: Quarterback Jameel Sewell – He rushed for 104 yards and a touchdown against rival Virginia Tech, and finished the season with 1,848 passing yards, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions. He completed 53.8 percent of his passes. He had his 10th 200-yard passing game against BC.

Defensive MVP: Nate Collins – He finished second on the team with 77 tackles, but led the defense with 10.5 tackles for loss, had six sacks, one interception and one fumble recovery.

Turning point: After evening their record at 3-3 following an 0-3 start, the Cavaliers surrendered an 18-play, 82-yard, 10:47 third-quarter scoring drive by Georgia Tech to allow the Yellow Jackets to pull ahead 20-6 in what had been a close game. Georgia Tech won 34-9 and UVA did not win again the remainder of the season.

What’s next: Former Richmond coach and UVA defensive coordinator Mike London has officially taken over and faces the difficult challenge of regrouping the fan base, filling the seats, recruiting and beating Virginia Tech. No pressure.

Here's a quick look around the league at this afternoon's games:

Virginia Tech 14, Virginia 13

This is the ACC's most entertaining game of the afternoon. Jameel Sewell is playing well, and the Hokies have struggled to stop him when he's running today. The Cavaliers have actually outrushed the Hokies 151-78, despite two rushing touchdowns by Ryan Williams. The Hokies' defense will have to clamp down in the second half in order to preserve this precarious lead, and the offense needs to control the clock better. It's clear Virginia hasn't quit, and they're putting forth an impressive effort in what is likely Al Groh's last game.

Florida 24, Florida State 0

Well, this got ugly much quicker than I expected, but Florida State's defense hasn't changed, and either has the gap between these two programs. On the Gators' last scoring drive, Florida State missed at least four tackles. The Noles haven't been able to get anything going offensively. There's an obvious difference in talent and speed on the field, and that's sad for Florida State fans to see. FSU hasn't been able to convert one third down, while the Gators continue to move the chains. If you're an FSU fan, don't look at the stat line for the quarterbacks. You'll cringe, but that's to be expected when a rookie is in the Swamp for the first time, and Tim Tebow is playing there for the last time.

Miami 21, South Florida 3

So much for my upset pick, eh? Miami's defense is doing a number on the Bulls, holding them to just 98 yards of total offense in the first half and forcing two turnovers. B.J. Daniels is facing a better defense than he did in the win against Florida State and is struggling. Jacory Harris, meanwhile, has played a great first half without an interception. They've had a balanced offensive attack so far, and just need to maintain it in the second half.

Boston College 16, Maryland 10

This one isn't over yet, and the Terps have one more half of football left to play this season. BC is thriving on field goals so far in this game, and will need more if they're going to hang onto their lead. Both teams are struggling on third downs, and Maryland has used both Chris Turner and Jamarr Robinson. The Terps have nothing left to lose, but have the opportunity to go out with some pride in their season finale.

If you don't see it here, I didn't get it ...

BOSTON COLLEGE

OUT FOR SEASON

LB Mark Herzlich (illness)

FOR MARYLAND GAME

RB Rolandan Finch (illness) – DOUBTFUL

LS Jack Geiser (foot) – DOUBTFUL

OG Thomas Claiborne (leg) – QUESTIONABLE

DE Alex Albright (ankle) – QUESTIONABLE

DT Kaleb Ramsey (ankle) – QUESTIONABLE

CLEMSON

They're "all in." (Sorry, too easy.)

DUKE

QB Thaddeus Lewis (leg) -- Probable

RB Re'quan Boyette (leg) -- Questionable

DT Vince Oghobaase (leg) -- Questionable

WR Johnny Williams (knee) -- Questionable

RB Kyle Griswould (leg) -- OUT FOR SEASON

OG Mitchell Lederman (foot) -- OUT FOR SEASON

QB Sean Renfree (knee) -- 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)*

62 OG Rodney Hudson (knee)

97 DT Demonte McAllister (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

9 WR Richard Goodman (groin)

30 ROV Jajuan Harley (hamstring)

Probable

94 DT Justin Mincey (knee)

* - out for the season

GEORGIA TECH

Out

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

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

Malcolm Munroe, r-Fr., LB (knee)

Probable

Sean Bedford, r-Jr., C (ankle)

Omoregie Uzzi, r-Fr., OL (back)

Anthony Barnes, r-Jr., LB

Out For Season

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

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

Cooper Taylor, So., S (undisclosed)

MIAMI

Probable

RB Lee Chambers – Lower Extremity

WR Thearon Collier – Lower Extremity

DB Sam Shields – Lower Extremity

Doubtful

OL Jason Fox – Illness

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

DB JoJo Nicolas – Upper Extremity

DE Adewale Ojomo – Jaw

NC STATE

OUT

Audi Augustin, DE - elbow

Mike Glennon, QB - clavicle

DeAndre Morgan, CB - concussion

OUT FOR SEASON

Mario Carter, TE - knee

Ryan Cheek, LB - hip

Denzelle Good, OL – shoulder

T.J. Graham, WR – stress fracture/leg

Steven Howard, WR - knee

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

NORTH CAROLINA

Out

Joshua Adams WR Shoulder

AJ Blue RB/QB Knee

Curtis Campbell DB Wrist

David Collins OL Foot

Shaun Draughn TB Shoulder

Carl Gaskins OT Knee

Matt Merletti S Knee

Trevor Stuart DS Knee

Ryan Taylor TE Knee

Jamal Womble RB Wrist

Questionable

Anthony Elzy RB Ankle

Devon Ramsay FB Ankle

Gene Robinson CB Back

VIRGINIA

Out

Isaac Cain (foot)

Raynard Horne (back)

Torrey Mack (ankle)

Doubtful

Darren Childs (ankle)

Questionable

Jared Green (shoulder)

Mikell Simpson (leg)

Probable

Daniel Childress (ankle)

Matt Conrath (ankle)

Connor McCartin (shoulder)

Jameel Sewell (shoulder)

Patrick Slebonick (leg)

VIRGINIA TECH

Probable:

Beau Warren (knee)

Ed Wang (knee)

CLEMSON, S.C. -- After being the best offensive option the Cavaliers had in the first half, Virginia tailback Mikell Simpson has disappeared again. Why? Why no Simpson for the first two series of the second half? It's almost as baffling as Simpson not playing at all last weekend against BC. Without Simpson, Virginia's offense has stalled so far. It doesn't matter if Jameel Sewell or Vic Hall is getting the snap. Virginia isn't going to be passing. Not against this secondary. Their best bet is what we saw in the first half -- running it with Simpson. Apparently they left that game plan in the locker room.

CLEMSON, S.C. -- At this point in the season, Virginia has nothing to lose. So try the Wildcat. Make Clemson stop the run. Jameel Sewell to Vic Hall back to Sewell for a big gain. Reverse option pass for a touchdown from Hall to tight end Joe Torchia.

Clemson is baffled.

Virginia is in this game, tied at 14.

Al Groh and offensive coordinator Gregg Brandon are reaching into their bag of tricks. They're finding ways to use the athletes they have. Too bad they waited until now to do it.

CLEMSON, S.C. -- No, Virginia didn't switch quarterbacks. Al Groh has lined up running back Mikell Simpson in the Wildcat formation, taking the direct snap, and it's working. He's done it repeatedly here in the first quarter, and Clemson hasn't been able to stop it. It's surprising because Simpson hasn't had the year many expected.

In fact, Simpson, who was supposed to be one of the Cavaliers' top offensive playmakers, didn't even play last week. It was the "coach's decision." And a very questionable decision at that unless Simpson violated some sort of team rule we're all unaware of. Regardless, it was Simpson who put the Cavaliers in position for the game-tying touchdown. Simpson had five straight carries for 43 yards and quarterback Jameel Sewell punched it in with a six-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 7.

Here are the guys who are down n' out for Week 12 ...

BOSTON COLLEGE

OUT FOR SEASON

LB Mark Herzlich (illness)

FOR NORTH CAROLINA GAME

RB Rolandan Finch (illness) - DOUBTFUL

DE Alex Albright (ankle) – QUESTIONABLE

DT Kaleb Ramsey (ankle) – QUESTIONABLE

FB James McCluskey (leg) – QUESTIONABLE

OT Mike Goodman Jr. (illness) – PROBABLE

CB Isaac Johnson (illness) – PROBABLE

DE Jim Ramella (ankle) – PROBABLE

LB Dan Williams (back) – PROBABLE

FS Wes Davis (leg) – PROBABLE

RB Montel Harris (back) – PROBABLE

CLEMSON

Probable

DaQuan Bowers, DE, knee

Thomas Austin, OG, ankle

DUKE

WR Austin Kelly (upper body) -- Probable

LB Abraham Kromah (leg) -- Probable

QB Thaddeus Lewis (leg) -- Probable

LB Vincent Rey (leg) -- Probable

K Will Snyderwine (leg) -- Probable

RB Re'quan Boyette (leg) -- OUT

DT Vince Oghobaase (leg) -- OUT

WR Johnny Williams (knee) -- OUT

RB Kyle Griswould (leg) -- OUT FOR SEASON

OG Mitchell Lederman (foot) -- OUT FOR SEASON

QB Sean Rengree (knee) -- 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; out for the season)

62 OG Rodney Hudson (knee)

97 DT Demonte McAllister (knee)

94 DT Justin Mincey (knee)

81 TE Caz Piurowski (knee; out for the season)

7 QB Christian Ponder (shoulder; out for the season)

74 OT John Prior (knee)

27 CB Xavier Rhodes (thumb)

11 LB Vince Williams (back)

Questionable

9 WR Richard Goodman (groin)

MIAMI

Probable

DB Ray-Ray Armstrong – Lower Extremity

QB Jacory Harris – Upper Extremity

Questionable

LB Sean Spence – Lower Extremity

DB Vaughn Telemaque – Upper Extremity

Out

RB Lee Chambers – Lower Extremity

WR Thearon Collier – Lower Extremity

FB Patrick Hill – Lower Extremity

DB Sam Shields – 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

DB JoJo Nicolas – Upper Extremity

DE Adewale Ojomo – Jaw

NORTH CAROLINA

Out

Joshua Adams WR Shoulder

AJ Blue RB/QB Knee

Curtis Campbell DB Wrist

David Collins OL 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

Devon Ramsay FB Ankle

Gene Robinson DB Back

NC STATE

OUT FOR SEASON

Mario Carter, TE - knee

Ryan Cheek, LB - hip

Denzelle Good, OL – shoulder

T.J. Graham, WR – stress fracture/leg

Steven Howard, WR - knee

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

VIRGINIA

Questionable

Vic Hall (hip)

Probable

Kris Burd (shoulder)

Darren Childs (neck)

Matt Conrath (ankle)

Colter Phillips (leg)

Jameel Sewell (shoulder)

VIRGINIA TECH

Out for Season

Darren Evans (ACL)

Probable

Beau Warren (knee)

Are you reading these? Busted. You should be in the chat! ...

• Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen said his team isn't very lucky this year. Bad luck is when the person who takes your seat at the slot machine in AC right after you hits the jackpot. It takes more than bad luck, though, to lose eight games.
• Wake Forest will be home for the holidays for the first time since it raised the standard by going to the Orange Bowl in 2006. It was tough news for quarterback Riley Skinner to swallow.
• It's quite fitting that once "coach Dabo Swinney becomes over the hill, Clemson should get over the hump." Clemson beat writer Paul Strelow writes that age is just a number with Clemson's new coaches.
• Florida State's newfound hopes at a bowl won't determine whether or not Bobby Bowden will come back in 2010 -- he says he will (again).
• Virginia quarterback Jameel Sewell apologized after he "lost it" on a fourth-and-1 call that was determined to be short on the Cavaliers' final offensive play.
• Why wait two weeks to make a predicition on Georgia Tech/Georgia? The Jackets have this one in the bag, right? If so, is it time to sweeten the deal again for Paul Johnson? Tony Barnhart says yes.
• Is BC's best bet the Emerald Bowl, even with a nine-win season?
• Regardless of which bowl UNC winds up in, it's certainly a better scenario than the one they had a few weeks ago.
• Despite Duke's loss to Georgia Tech (no shame in that, by the way), the Blue Devils have still made progress.
• Virginia Tech won, but did it mean anything?
• Despite the mounting turnovers, Miami coach Randy Shannon said he still has confidence in quarterback Jacory Harris. (Realistically, though, what else could he say?)

Boston College is alive for another weekend in the Atlantic Division. It came down to the final 17 seconds of the game, and Virginia quartertback Jameel Sewell came up inches short of the first down in the Cavaliers' 14-10 home loss to the Eagles.

Both teams struggled offensively -- BC quarterback Dave Shinskie threw two interceptions and Sewell had one -- but the Eagles hung on for their first road win of the season.

Virginia certainly didn't lose for a lack of effort, but once again, the offense came up short. Virginia's best hope now is to play spoiler against Clemson next weekend. Boston College trails the Tigers by a half game and needs Clemson to lose in order to have a shot at returning to the ACC championship game for a third straight season.

Virginia backup quarterback Marc Verica is not dressed for today's home game against Boston College.

Verica was listed as questionable for today's game with a head injury, and starter Jameel Sewell was listed as questionable with a shoulder injury. Sewell has to be ready to go. The backup now is Riko Smalls, who hasn't played in a game yet.