ACC: Jim Grobe
It's OK to be a hater -- at least this week.
The theme at ESPN.com is the coaches we love to hate, and your opinion counts. Tell me, which coach in the ACC do you love to hate? From my esteemed colleague Mark Schlabach's column ...
Who in the ACC gets your vote for the hate and why? It can be a current coach, or it can be the most hated coach in ACC history. Hmm. Give it some thought and then drop me a line in the mailbag. I'll check them out and on Friday we'll crown the most hated coach in the conference. Consider this your invitation to send me some "hate" mail.
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The theme at ESPN.com is the coaches we love to hate, and your opinion counts. Tell me, which coach in the ACC do you love to hate? From my esteemed colleague Mark Schlabach's column ...
Clemson fans hate Dana Holgorsen for putting up 70.
Clemson fans hate Dabo Swinney for giving up 70.
Wake Forest's opponents hate Jim Grobe for beating them with less.
Florida State fans hate Jimbo Fisher for losing to Wake Forest with more.
Who in the ACC gets your vote for the hate and why? It can be a current coach, or it can be the most hated coach in ACC history. Hmm. Give it some thought and then drop me a line in the mailbag. I'll check them out and on Friday we'll crown the most hated coach in the conference. Consider this your invitation to send me some "hate" mail.
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Welcome back to the ACC’s ultimate road trip. In case you’re just joining us, this series is your ticket to each of the best games in the ACC every week. These are the games that -- if you had the money and the time -- you would want to be at this fall. The season is still a long ways off, but here in the blogosphere, we’re already into Week 3:
Saturday, September 15
Why: In theory, this should not be one of those years the lil' ol' Deacs get the edge. If Florida State is as good as many expect it to be this year, the Noles shouldn’t have to worry about beating the smallest school in the BCS, right? Florida State’s defensive line should be the difference against a Wake Forest offensive line that will feature four new starters. But ... BUT ... this is the ever-unpredictable ACC, where Wake Forest beat Florida State in 2006, 2007 and 2008. And 2011. The Deacs have won in Tallahassee before. They were a surprise contender in the Atlantic Division race last year, coming within a field goal of playing for the title. Jim Grobe has made it clear not to count his teams out. Another win over the Noles and they're right back in it again.
More in this series:
Saturday, September 15
- Boston College at Northwestern
- Furman at Clemson
- North Carolina Central at Duke
- Wake Forest at Florida State
- Virginia at Georgia Tech
- Connecticut at Maryland
- Bethune-Cookman at Miami
- North Carolina at Louisville
- South Alabama at NC State
- Virginia Tech at Pittsburgh
Why: In theory, this should not be one of those years the lil' ol' Deacs get the edge. If Florida State is as good as many expect it to be this year, the Noles shouldn’t have to worry about beating the smallest school in the BCS, right? Florida State’s defensive line should be the difference against a Wake Forest offensive line that will feature four new starters. But ... BUT ... this is the ever-unpredictable ACC, where Wake Forest beat Florida State in 2006, 2007 and 2008. And 2011. The Deacs have won in Tallahassee before. They were a surprise contender in the Atlantic Division race last year, coming within a field goal of playing for the title. Jim Grobe has made it clear not to count his teams out. Another win over the Noles and they're right back in it again.
More in this series:
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has played in the ACC title game twice as the Tigers’ head coach and won it once, yet if you ask Clemson fans, most would probably tell you he still needs to prove he can beat South Carolina. Swinney is hardly the only one in the ACC, though, with something to prove this fall. There are plenty of players, coaches and position groups who need to make a statement this season. We’ll start with the Atlantic Division, where the development of a few offensive lines could be a huge factor in the division race. Here’s a look at who in the division has the most to prove this fall:
1. Maryland coach Randy Edsall. There is no bigger burden being carried in the ACC than the one Edsall shoulders, as he inherited a nine-win bowl team and finished last year with a 2-10 record. Many questioned the hire to begin with. Another disastrous season would further fuel the critics.
2. Boston College coach Frank Spaziani. The Eagles fell as low as 1-6 overall and 0-4 in the ACC last year -- the second straight season they started with four straight conference losses. BC’s streak of 12 straight bowl games came to an end and the program suffered its first losing season since 1998. Spaziani has to turn it around quickly, and he’ll have to do it without star running back Montel Harris, who was dismissed from the team for a violation of team rules.
3. Clemson’s offensive line. The Tigers have to replace three starters up front and five seniors who were in the rotation on last year’s ACC championship team. Tyler Shatley had a good spring after moving from nose tackle to right guard, but this group has a lot to prove if Andre Ellington is going to get his yards.
4. Florida State’s offensive line. This was the weak link in the Noles’ offense last year, but it matured before our eyes in the Champs Sports Bowl win over Notre Dame. Both starting offensive tackles have to be replaced, and it’s still an extremely young group.
5. NC State’s linebackers. This was a strength for the Wolfpack last year, with Audie Cole and Terrell Manning among the best in the league. They’ll be tough to replace. Dontae Johnson has some starting experience at linebacker, but he’s more of a safety and played a crossover role last year. D.J. Green, who was injured, is the only returning starter.
6. Wake Forest’s offensive line. The Deacs gave up 35 sacks last year and must do a better job of protecting Tanner Price. That could be easier said than done, as Wake Forest has to replace four starters. Coach Jim Grobe has said he’s comfortable about three of those spots after spring practices, but the Deacs will need more to build upon last year’s surprising success.
1. Maryland coach Randy Edsall. There is no bigger burden being carried in the ACC than the one Edsall shoulders, as he inherited a nine-win bowl team and finished last year with a 2-10 record. Many questioned the hire to begin with. Another disastrous season would further fuel the critics.
2. Boston College coach Frank Spaziani. The Eagles fell as low as 1-6 overall and 0-4 in the ACC last year -- the second straight season they started with four straight conference losses. BC’s streak of 12 straight bowl games came to an end and the program suffered its first losing season since 1998. Spaziani has to turn it around quickly, and he’ll have to do it without star running back Montel Harris, who was dismissed from the team for a violation of team rules.
3. Clemson’s offensive line. The Tigers have to replace three starters up front and five seniors who were in the rotation on last year’s ACC championship team. Tyler Shatley had a good spring after moving from nose tackle to right guard, but this group has a lot to prove if Andre Ellington is going to get his yards.
4. Florida State’s offensive line. This was the weak link in the Noles’ offense last year, but it matured before our eyes in the Champs Sports Bowl win over Notre Dame. Both starting offensive tackles have to be replaced, and it’s still an extremely young group.
5. NC State’s linebackers. This was a strength for the Wolfpack last year, with Audie Cole and Terrell Manning among the best in the league. They’ll be tough to replace. Dontae Johnson has some starting experience at linebacker, but he’s more of a safety and played a crossover role last year. D.J. Green, who was injured, is the only returning starter.
6. Wake Forest’s offensive line. The Deacs gave up 35 sacks last year and must do a better job of protecting Tanner Price. That could be easier said than done, as Wake Forest has to replace four starters. Coach Jim Grobe has said he’s comfortable about three of those spots after spring practices, but the Deacs will need more to build upon last year’s surprising success.
Who doesn't love lists or rankings?
And, to take that one step further, who doesn't love lists that include 124 people?
Steve Greenberg and Matt Hayes over at The Sporting News took the unenviable task of rankings every single FBS coach, Nos. 1-124. It should come as no surprise that Alabama's Nick Saban topped all coaches after winning two of the past three national titles.
Frank Beamer tops the ACC contingent, and is the only coach from the conference cracking the top-10, as Virginia Tech's leader is ranked ninth.
The average ranking of the 12 ACC coaches was 45.6, fourth-best among conferences.
Here's how they stacked up:
9. Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech
19. Paul Johnson, Georgia Tech
27. Dabo Swinney, Clemson
31. Jim Grobe, Wake Forest
34. Al Golden, Miami
38. Jimbo Fisher, FSU
45. Mike London, Virginia
49. Tom O'Brien, NC State
53. Larry Fedora, UNC
65. Randy Edsall, Maryland
67. David Cutcliffe, Duke
110. Frank Spaziani, BC
And, to take that one step further, who doesn't love lists that include 124 people?
Steve Greenberg and Matt Hayes over at The Sporting News took the unenviable task of rankings every single FBS coach, Nos. 1-124. It should come as no surprise that Alabama's Nick Saban topped all coaches after winning two of the past three national titles.
Frank Beamer tops the ACC contingent, and is the only coach from the conference cracking the top-10, as Virginia Tech's leader is ranked ninth.
The average ranking of the 12 ACC coaches was 45.6, fourth-best among conferences.
Here's how they stacked up:
9. Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech
19. Paul Johnson, Georgia Tech
27. Dabo Swinney, Clemson
31. Jim Grobe, Wake Forest
34. Al Golden, Miami
38. Jimbo Fisher, FSU
45. Mike London, Virginia
49. Tom O'Brien, NC State
53. Larry Fedora, UNC
65. Randy Edsall, Maryland
67. David Cutcliffe, Duke
110. Frank Spaziani, BC
Our series concludes today with the Demon Deacons, who, like many in the ACC this season, have to shore up their offensive line.
For a complete recap of the series, click here.
Wake Forest: C Garrick Williams
2011 stats: Williams played in all 13 games last season, starting in 11.
What he means to the Demon Deacons: Williams performed well during his first season as a starter, but he also had the benefit of playing alongside four fourth- or fifth-year players. Now, there is no safety net. Williams is the lone returning starter to a unit that is rebuilding, one that will be charged with protecting enough skill position players for the Deacs to think they can repeat their surprising 2011 season. Coach Jim Grobe has said coming out of spring that he's comfortable with three spots on the line: Williams in the middle, Colin Summers at right tackle and Antonio Ford at left guard. Williams is the leader of the group, and his presence cannot be overstated.
For a complete recap of the series, click here.
Wake Forest: C Garrick Williams
2011 stats: Williams played in all 13 games last season, starting in 11.
What he means to the Demon Deacons: Williams performed well during his first season as a starter, but he also had the benefit of playing alongside four fourth- or fifth-year players. Now, there is no safety net. Williams is the lone returning starter to a unit that is rebuilding, one that will be charged with protecting enough skill position players for the Deacs to think they can repeat their surprising 2011 season. Coach Jim Grobe has said coming out of spring that he's comfortable with three spots on the line: Williams in the middle, Colin Summers at right tackle and Antonio Ford at left guard. Williams is the leader of the group, and his presence cannot be overstated.
2011 overall record: 6-7
2011 conference record: 5-3 (T-2nd, Atlantic)
Returning starters
Offense: 3; defense: 7; kicker/punter: 2
Top returners
QB Tanner Price, WR Michael Campanaro, C Garrick Williams, DE Zach Thompson, NG Nikita Whitlock, OLB Joey Ehrmann, ILB Scott Betros, ILB Riley Haynes, CB Merrill Noel, FS Kenny Okoro
Key losses
WR Chris Givens, T Dennis Godfrey, T Doug Weaver, G Joe Looney, G Michael Hoag, TE Cameron Ford, RB Brandon Pendergrass, DE Tristan Dorty, DE Kyle Wilber, SS Cyhl Quarles, FS Josh Bush
2011 statistical leaders (* returners)
Rushing: Brandon Pendergrass (823 yards)
Passing: Tanner Price* (3,017 yards)
Receiving: Chris Givens (1,330 yards)
Tackles: Cyhl Quarles (101)
Sacks: Kyle Wilber/Nikita Whitlock* (3.5)
Interceptions: Josh Bush (6)
Spring answers
1. Tanner Price: As a sophomore last season, Price threw for more than 3,000 yards to go with 20 touchdowns and six interceptions. Coach Jim Grobe has challenged Price to improve on his accuracy, especially on underneath passes, and if the quarterback can build off last season's 60-percent completion rate, the Demon Deacons should be just fine under center.
2. Skill players: Michael Campanaro is sliding into the go-to target shoes left behind by Chris Givens, shifting the focus to who will be the Deacs' No. 2 receiver. Josh Harris has been healthy all spring and should add a boost to a backfield that returns Orville Reynolds and DeAndre Martin. Deep? Not exactly. But Wake knows what it has in its skill-position players, and has enough weapons around Price for the quarterback to make a jump in his junior year. This spring has helped ease some concerns.
3. Front seven: The Deacs return a majority of their front-seven, including second-team All-ACC nose guard Nikita Whitlock. Grobe has praised the overall speed and depth of the defense as a whole, and he expects the team to be better on that side of the ball. Look for more pressure this season in new outside linebacker coach Derrick Jackson's first year on staff.
Fall questions
1. Offensive line: There's no sugar-coating this one: If Wake wants to repeat its surprising 2011 season -- one that saw it come within a field goal of playing for the ACC title -- it needs to find some answers up front. The line is replacing four starters. Grobe said coming out of spring that he feels comfortable about three spots at the moment, but the Deacs will need more than that if they want to get the most out of their skill players.
2. New staff: Grobe has had little turnover in his 11 years at Wake Forest, but he hired three new assistants this offseason -- Jackson, Jonathan Himebauch (offensive line) and Tim Duffie (secondary). The fresh blood, Grobe said, led to much more energy this spring, but the biggest tests will obviously come in-season.
3. Secondary. Speaking of Duffie, he'll have his work cut out for him in Year 1. Both safeties are gone, including Josh Bush, now with the Jets. Experience at cornerback will help ease the transition for the secondary, but building depth at safety could be an issue.
2011 conference record: 5-3 (T-2nd, Atlantic)
Returning starters
Offense: 3; defense: 7; kicker/punter: 2
Top returners
QB Tanner Price, WR Michael Campanaro, C Garrick Williams, DE Zach Thompson, NG Nikita Whitlock, OLB Joey Ehrmann, ILB Scott Betros, ILB Riley Haynes, CB Merrill Noel, FS Kenny Okoro
Key losses
WR Chris Givens, T Dennis Godfrey, T Doug Weaver, G Joe Looney, G Michael Hoag, TE Cameron Ford, RB Brandon Pendergrass, DE Tristan Dorty, DE Kyle Wilber, SS Cyhl Quarles, FS Josh Bush
2011 statistical leaders (* returners)
Rushing: Brandon Pendergrass (823 yards)
Passing: Tanner Price* (3,017 yards)
Receiving: Chris Givens (1,330 yards)
Tackles: Cyhl Quarles (101)
Sacks: Kyle Wilber/Nikita Whitlock* (3.5)
Interceptions: Josh Bush (6)
Spring answers
1. Tanner Price: As a sophomore last season, Price threw for more than 3,000 yards to go with 20 touchdowns and six interceptions. Coach Jim Grobe has challenged Price to improve on his accuracy, especially on underneath passes, and if the quarterback can build off last season's 60-percent completion rate, the Demon Deacons should be just fine under center.
2. Skill players: Michael Campanaro is sliding into the go-to target shoes left behind by Chris Givens, shifting the focus to who will be the Deacs' No. 2 receiver. Josh Harris has been healthy all spring and should add a boost to a backfield that returns Orville Reynolds and DeAndre Martin. Deep? Not exactly. But Wake knows what it has in its skill-position players, and has enough weapons around Price for the quarterback to make a jump in his junior year. This spring has helped ease some concerns.
3. Front seven: The Deacs return a majority of their front-seven, including second-team All-ACC nose guard Nikita Whitlock. Grobe has praised the overall speed and depth of the defense as a whole, and he expects the team to be better on that side of the ball. Look for more pressure this season in new outside linebacker coach Derrick Jackson's first year on staff.
Fall questions
1. Offensive line: There's no sugar-coating this one: If Wake wants to repeat its surprising 2011 season -- one that saw it come within a field goal of playing for the ACC title -- it needs to find some answers up front. The line is replacing four starters. Grobe said coming out of spring that he feels comfortable about three spots at the moment, but the Deacs will need more than that if they want to get the most out of their skill players.
2. New staff: Grobe has had little turnover in his 11 years at Wake Forest, but he hired three new assistants this offseason -- Jackson, Jonathan Himebauch (offensive line) and Tim Duffie (secondary). The fresh blood, Grobe said, led to much more energy this spring, but the biggest tests will obviously come in-season.
3. Secondary. Speaking of Duffie, he'll have his work cut out for him in Year 1. Both safeties are gone, including Josh Bush, now with the Jets. Experience at cornerback will help ease the transition for the secondary, but building depth at safety could be an issue.
Six ACC schools held their spring games this past Saturday, with colleagues Mark Schlabach and Ivan Maisel doubling as coaches in Florida State's scrimmage. Here's a look at three of the other spring games. (Don't worry, UNC and Clemson fans, we'll have you covered later this afternoon.)
WAKE FOREST
Josh Harris went a long way to showing he is completely healthy this spring, rushing for 40 yards and two scores on six carries to help lead the White team to a 21-10 win over the Black squad. Harris played in just five full games last season because of a hamstring injury, limiting his production to 432 yards for his sophomore season.
"He looked like Josh Harris and that's what I like," coach Jim Grobe said. "He had two or three inside runs, he wasn't trying to bounce everything to the perimeter. I loved his touchdown run down in the red zone, I thought he got north and just powered his way up into the end zone and if we can get him to do that all the time — we know he has a chance to be special, but today it looked like he had a little bit of determination and a little bit of pop and was getting up inside, which I like, I like guys that don't mind running inside."
A.J. Marshall, transitioning to safety from cornerback, also had a strong spring game, intercepting two passes, taking the second one back 58 yards with less than a minute remaining to seal the deal for the White squad.
"The key to the game today was turnovers," Grobe said. "The offense needs to take better care of [the ball], but if the defense keeps taking it away like that we'll be a pretty good defensive football team."
MIAMI
The final score — the Orange team beat the Green team, 7-6 — says it all about the Hurricanes' spring game Saturday. Ryan Williams was 15 of 27 for 169 yards but threw a pair of picks for the Orange team. For the Green side, Gray Crow also threw two picks.
Thomas Finnie, Brandon McGee, Ray-Ray Armstrong and Vaughn Telemaque were responsible for the interceptions.
Mike James' five-yard touchdown run with 4:19 left marked was the game's only touchdown. He finished with 57 yards on 15 carries.
Finnie walked away with the team's special teams most improved player award for the spring, with Rashawn Scott (most improved - offense), Shayon Green (most improved - defense) and Garrett Kidd (walk-on) taking home the other spring honors.
VIRGINIA
Mike London was not shy this spring when talking about his team's need for explosive plays. So the Cavaliers coach must have been all smiles when Orange team quarterback Michael Rocco connected with Jake McGee for a 47-yard score on the fourth play from scrimmage Saturday. The Orange (made up of mostly offensive starters) beat the White (defensive starters), 20-17.
"We are going to continue to make downfield throws and try to get the ball in the hands of as many guys as possible," London said. "There is an emphasis on explosive plays, plays that move the ball beyond 15 yards. We have guys that can run, that were athletes and track runners in high school, and we are going to find ways to get them the ball."
Of the reported 500 yards totaled in the game, 410 came through the air.
Virginia also announced its spring award winners and 2012 captains, with Will Hill and Dominique Terrell taking home hardware for most improved honors. Demetrious Nicholson was honored for his classroom, field and community success during his first year. Billy Schautz and Jake Snyder shared academic honors, and Tim Smith was recognized for his work in the weight room.
Hill will serve as a captain this fall, along with Perry Jones, Oday Aboushi and LaRoy Reynolds. Jones was a captain last season as well.
WAKE FOREST
Josh Harris went a long way to showing he is completely healthy this spring, rushing for 40 yards and two scores on six carries to help lead the White team to a 21-10 win over the Black squad. Harris played in just five full games last season because of a hamstring injury, limiting his production to 432 yards for his sophomore season.
"He looked like Josh Harris and that's what I like," coach Jim Grobe said. "He had two or three inside runs, he wasn't trying to bounce everything to the perimeter. I loved his touchdown run down in the red zone, I thought he got north and just powered his way up into the end zone and if we can get him to do that all the time — we know he has a chance to be special, but today it looked like he had a little bit of determination and a little bit of pop and was getting up inside, which I like, I like guys that don't mind running inside."
A.J. Marshall, transitioning to safety from cornerback, also had a strong spring game, intercepting two passes, taking the second one back 58 yards with less than a minute remaining to seal the deal for the White squad.
"The key to the game today was turnovers," Grobe said. "The offense needs to take better care of [the ball], but if the defense keeps taking it away like that we'll be a pretty good defensive football team."
MIAMI
The final score — the Orange team beat the Green team, 7-6 — says it all about the Hurricanes' spring game Saturday. Ryan Williams was 15 of 27 for 169 yards but threw a pair of picks for the Orange team. For the Green side, Gray Crow also threw two picks.
Thomas Finnie, Brandon McGee, Ray-Ray Armstrong and Vaughn Telemaque were responsible for the interceptions.
Mike James' five-yard touchdown run with 4:19 left marked was the game's only touchdown. He finished with 57 yards on 15 carries.
Finnie walked away with the team's special teams most improved player award for the spring, with Rashawn Scott (most improved - offense), Shayon Green (most improved - defense) and Garrett Kidd (walk-on) taking home the other spring honors.
VIRGINIA
Mike London was not shy this spring when talking about his team's need for explosive plays. So the Cavaliers coach must have been all smiles when Orange team quarterback Michael Rocco connected with Jake McGee for a 47-yard score on the fourth play from scrimmage Saturday. The Orange (made up of mostly offensive starters) beat the White (defensive starters), 20-17.
"We are going to continue to make downfield throws and try to get the ball in the hands of as many guys as possible," London said. "There is an emphasis on explosive plays, plays that move the ball beyond 15 yards. We have guys that can run, that were athletes and track runners in high school, and we are going to find ways to get them the ball."
Of the reported 500 yards totaled in the game, 410 came through the air.
Virginia also announced its spring award winners and 2012 captains, with Will Hill and Dominique Terrell taking home hardware for most improved honors. Demetrious Nicholson was honored for his classroom, field and community success during his first year. Billy Schautz and Jake Snyder shared academic honors, and Tim Smith was recognized for his work in the weight room.
Hill will serve as a captain this fall, along with Perry Jones, Oday Aboushi and LaRoy Reynolds. Jones was a captain last season as well.
Six ACC spring games slated for Saturday
April, 13, 2012
Apr 13
5:15
PM ET
By
Matt Fortuna | ESPN.com
Six ACC schools will conclude their spring seasons Saturday with intrasquad scrimmages open to the public. And, in the case of Miami, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida State and Clemson, on ESPN3, too. (FSU's will also air on ESPNU.)
Let's take a quick look at what to look for as each squad unveils its latest look for 2012:
Wake Forest (1 p.m.)
For the first time during coach Jim Grobe's 12-year tenure, the Demon Deacons' spring game will be an actual game -- two teams facing off at BB&T Field. Previously, Wake would hold a controlled scrimmage between the offense and defense. Tanner Price returns to lead the offense, looking to build off his 3,000-yard sophomore season from 2011. Keep an eye on the offensive line, which is replacing four starters from last season's squad.
Miami (2 p.m.)
Can Ryan Williams continue his stellar spring and make things interesting upon Stephen Morris' return for fall camp? The Memphis transfer has drawn rave reviews thus far while Morris recovers from back surgery, and the starting job will likely be anything but a sure thing for Morris once he returns. A poor performance in the Hurriacnes' second scrimmage this spring left a bad taste in Williams' mouth following a stellar showing in scrimmage No. 1, and he'll look to end the spring on a strong note Saturday.
Virginia (2:15 p.m.)
Can the Cavaliers capitalize on the big play? That's not a question just for the offense, either. Yes, Michael Rocco is back throwing the football again this season, but he lost leading receiver Kris Burd. The replacements, including returning starter Tim Smith, create matchup problems with their speed. How they perform and respond against a secondary replacing three starters is something to keep an eye on.
North Carolina (3 p.m.)
How fast can the Tar Heels adjust to new coach Larry Fedora's pace? The program opened the spring right after NCAA sanctions were announced, providing closure before the official start of a new era. Now, it's about keeping up to speed on offense, where UNC will look to resemble Southern Miss' 74.4 plays per game last season, a bump up from the Heels' 62.5 in 2011.
Clemson (4 p.m.)
All anyone wants to talk about is the defense after the Tigers gave up 70 points in an Orange Bowl loss to West Virginia. And new coordinator Brent Venables should have more to work with, especially at linebacker. Preventing the big play will be key, as will be giving Tajh Boyd and the rest of Clemson's skill players the freedom to operate as the squad replaces three starters on the offensive line.
Florida State (4 p.m.)
We know what the defense is capable of. And EJ Manuel is back for a second full season under center. But can the Seminoles protect him? Going off that, can they establish a consistent ground game? Too many three-and-outs hindered FSU last season, which ended with four freshman offensive line starters in the Champs Sports Bowl win against Notre Dame. The maturation of that unit can go a long way toward the Seminoles fulfilling expectations in 2012.
Let's take a quick look at what to look for as each squad unveils its latest look for 2012:
Wake Forest (1 p.m.)
For the first time during coach Jim Grobe's 12-year tenure, the Demon Deacons' spring game will be an actual game -- two teams facing off at BB&T Field. Previously, Wake would hold a controlled scrimmage between the offense and defense. Tanner Price returns to lead the offense, looking to build off his 3,000-yard sophomore season from 2011. Keep an eye on the offensive line, which is replacing four starters from last season's squad.
Miami (2 p.m.)
Can Ryan Williams continue his stellar spring and make things interesting upon Stephen Morris' return for fall camp? The Memphis transfer has drawn rave reviews thus far while Morris recovers from back surgery, and the starting job will likely be anything but a sure thing for Morris once he returns. A poor performance in the Hurriacnes' second scrimmage this spring left a bad taste in Williams' mouth following a stellar showing in scrimmage No. 1, and he'll look to end the spring on a strong note Saturday.
Virginia (2:15 p.m.)
Can the Cavaliers capitalize on the big play? That's not a question just for the offense, either. Yes, Michael Rocco is back throwing the football again this season, but he lost leading receiver Kris Burd. The replacements, including returning starter Tim Smith, create matchup problems with their speed. How they perform and respond against a secondary replacing three starters is something to keep an eye on.
North Carolina (3 p.m.)
How fast can the Tar Heels adjust to new coach Larry Fedora's pace? The program opened the spring right after NCAA sanctions were announced, providing closure before the official start of a new era. Now, it's about keeping up to speed on offense, where UNC will look to resemble Southern Miss' 74.4 plays per game last season, a bump up from the Heels' 62.5 in 2011.
Clemson (4 p.m.)
All anyone wants to talk about is the defense after the Tigers gave up 70 points in an Orange Bowl loss to West Virginia. And new coordinator Brent Venables should have more to work with, especially at linebacker. Preventing the big play will be key, as will be giving Tajh Boyd and the rest of Clemson's skill players the freedom to operate as the squad replaces three starters on the offensive line.
Florida State (4 p.m.)
We know what the defense is capable of. And EJ Manuel is back for a second full season under center. But can the Seminoles protect him? Going off that, can they establish a consistent ground game? Too many three-and-outs hindered FSU last season, which ended with four freshman offensive line starters in the Champs Sports Bowl win against Notre Dame. The maturation of that unit can go a long way toward the Seminoles fulfilling expectations in 2012.
10 ACC coaches in Chick-fil-A Bowl Challenge
April, 13, 2012
Apr 13
11:30
AM ET
By
Matt Fortuna | ESPN.com
Paul Johnson and Jon Barry will be looking to defend their crown later this month, as the Georgia Tech duo will be one of 10 ACC teams competing in the 16-team Chick-fil-A Bowl Challenge charity golf tournament, with the hope of winning a share of the $520,000 scholarship purse for their respective schools.
The sixth annual tournament will be held April 29 - May 1 at the Reynolds Plantation resort on Lake Oconee outside Atlanta. Florida State's Jimbo Fisher and Terrell Buckley, the 2010 winners, will be competing as well, along with the 2007 winners from Virginia Tech, Frank Beamer and Dell Curry.
Clemson (Dabo Swinney/Steve Fuller), Maryland (Randy Edsall/Stan Gelbaugh), Miami (Al Golden/Gino Torretta), North Carolina (Larry Fedora/Roy Williams), North Carolina State (Tom O'Brien/Tom Gugliotta), Virginia (Mike London/Jim Dombrowski) and Wake Forest (Jim Grobe/Riley Skinner) are the other seven ACC teams participating in the tournament.
The Yellow Jackets' duo of Johnson and Barry won the event last year with an 11-under par, four strokes better than the Seminoles' win from 2010. South Carolina's Steve Spurrier and Sterling Sharpe, who won the 2009 and 2008 tournaments with 12-unders, will be participating again this season.
Alabama, Mississippi State, Ohio State, Ole Miss and Tennessee are the other schools competing.
ESPN is taping the event for broadcast in the fall.
The sixth annual tournament will be held April 29 - May 1 at the Reynolds Plantation resort on Lake Oconee outside Atlanta. Florida State's Jimbo Fisher and Terrell Buckley, the 2010 winners, will be competing as well, along with the 2007 winners from Virginia Tech, Frank Beamer and Dell Curry.
Clemson (Dabo Swinney/Steve Fuller), Maryland (Randy Edsall/Stan Gelbaugh), Miami (Al Golden/Gino Torretta), North Carolina (Larry Fedora/Roy Williams), North Carolina State (Tom O'Brien/Tom Gugliotta), Virginia (Mike London/Jim Dombrowski) and Wake Forest (Jim Grobe/Riley Skinner) are the other seven ACC teams participating in the tournament.
The Yellow Jackets' duo of Johnson and Barry won the event last year with an 11-under par, four strokes better than the Seminoles' win from 2010. South Carolina's Steve Spurrier and Sterling Sharpe, who won the 2009 and 2008 tournaments with 12-unders, will be participating again this season.
Alabama, Mississippi State, Ohio State, Ole Miss and Tennessee are the other schools competing.
ESPN is taping the event for broadcast in the fall.
This would be awesome.
- Jim Grobe is encouraged by Wake Forest's secondary, Dan Collins writes in the Winston-Salem Journal.
- New Virginia quarterback Greyson Lambert looks the part, Michael Phillips writes in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
- Jimbo Fisher believes toughness can lead to greatness for FSU, Coley Harvey writes in the Orlando Sentinel.
- Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas is taking control this spring, Mark Giannotto writes in the Washington Post.
- Georgia Tech's secondary is young but experienced, Ken Sugiura writes in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Three ACC schools held scrimmages over the weekend. Here's a roundup of the good and bad from a busy weekend.
DUKE
Sean Renfree completed 14 of 17 passes for 220 yards and three touchdowns. Tight ends David Reeves and Issac Blakeney had scores of 31 and 70 yards, respectively.
Corey Gattis led all pass-catchers with six receptions for 81 yards and a 42-yard touchdown catch from Thomas Sirk. Sirk did a bit of everything, completing 5 of 9 passes for 75 yards, carrying it four times for 54 yards and hauling in two receptions for 25 yards.
The Blue Devils' spring game is March 31.
MIAMI
No Stephen Morris, no problem. At least on Saturday at Ted Hendricks Stadium in Hialeah. With Morris out recovering from back surgery, Ryan Williams completed 14 of 21 passes for 228 yards and four touchdowns. Early enrollees Gray Crow and Preston Dewey were behind the Memphis transfer, going a combined 11-for-26 for 64 yards in action that was more situationally simulated than a typical spring game, which Miami will hold April 14.
Mike James and Eduardo Clements combined for 134 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 31 carries, with James accounting for three of those scores.
The Hurricanes will hold another scrimmage at 6:45 p.m. ET this Friday at Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers.
Also, defensive back Keion Payne was dismissed from the team for a violation of team rules, UM associate athletic director for communications and marketing Chris Freet told reporters. Payne had appeared in just two games.
WAKE FOREST
Michael Campanaro impressed as the Demon Deacons' top receiver, catching 10 balls for 116 yards to lead the offense, which got off to a rough start.
After misfiring on seven of his first eight pass attempts, Tanner Price finished strong, completing 17 of 30 passes on the day for 169 yards and a touchdown on six drives. Nikita Whitlock had an 87-yard interception return for a score on Price.
Reserve signal-caller Patrick Thompson finished 5-for-6 passing for 79 yards with a touchdown, and Wake's defense finished with five sacks from five different players.
“I think we’ve improved quite a bit from the first day of practice when we didn’t look very good,” coach Jim Grobe said of the offensive line. “I thought Thursday we improved a little bit and I thought today we got a little better. It’s going to take time before these guys are really comfortable.
"We’ve got guys who like to play, who like to get after it but they’re just making too many mistakes right now and you can’t do that up front. We just play against too many good people. You want to get to the point where when they beat us, they beat us physically and not because we didn’t block the right guy.”
Wake Forest's spring game is April 14.
DUKE
Sean Renfree completed 14 of 17 passes for 220 yards and three touchdowns. Tight ends David Reeves and Issac Blakeney had scores of 31 and 70 yards, respectively.
Corey Gattis led all pass-catchers with six receptions for 81 yards and a 42-yard touchdown catch from Thomas Sirk. Sirk did a bit of everything, completing 5 of 9 passes for 75 yards, carrying it four times for 54 yards and hauling in two receptions for 25 yards.
The Blue Devils' spring game is March 31.
MIAMI
No Stephen Morris, no problem. At least on Saturday at Ted Hendricks Stadium in Hialeah. With Morris out recovering from back surgery, Ryan Williams completed 14 of 21 passes for 228 yards and four touchdowns. Early enrollees Gray Crow and Preston Dewey were behind the Memphis transfer, going a combined 11-for-26 for 64 yards in action that was more situationally simulated than a typical spring game, which Miami will hold April 14.
Mike James and Eduardo Clements combined for 134 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 31 carries, with James accounting for three of those scores.
The Hurricanes will hold another scrimmage at 6:45 p.m. ET this Friday at Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers.
Also, defensive back Keion Payne was dismissed from the team for a violation of team rules, UM associate athletic director for communications and marketing Chris Freet told reporters. Payne had appeared in just two games.
WAKE FOREST
Michael Campanaro impressed as the Demon Deacons' top receiver, catching 10 balls for 116 yards to lead the offense, which got off to a rough start.
After misfiring on seven of his first eight pass attempts, Tanner Price finished strong, completing 17 of 30 passes on the day for 169 yards and a touchdown on six drives. Nikita Whitlock had an 87-yard interception return for a score on Price.
Reserve signal-caller Patrick Thompson finished 5-for-6 passing for 79 yards with a touchdown, and Wake's defense finished with five sacks from five different players.
“I think we’ve improved quite a bit from the first day of practice when we didn’t look very good,” coach Jim Grobe said of the offensive line. “I thought Thursday we improved a little bit and I thought today we got a little better. It’s going to take time before these guys are really comfortable.
"We’ve got guys who like to play, who like to get after it but they’re just making too many mistakes right now and you can’t do that up front. We just play against too many good people. You want to get to the point where when they beat us, they beat us physically and not because we didn’t block the right guy.”
Wake Forest's spring game is April 14.
Tim Duffie hired as Wake's secondary coach
March, 22, 2012
Mar 22
3:00
PM ET
By
Matt Fortuna | ESPN.com
Tim Duffie is Wake Forest's new secondary coach, the school announced Thursday.
Duffie replaces Steve Russ, who left to become defensive coordinator at his alma mater, Air Force.
“I’m really excited about adding Tim to our staff,” Demon Deacons head coach Jim Grobe said in a release. “He has a great deal of experience on defense and particularly in the secondary. Tim is also a great recruiter. I feel like we’ve hired somebody who will not only do a good job on defense but will help bring some great players to Wake Forest.”
A 12-year college coaching veteran, Duffie enters Winston-Salem, N.C., after four years at Colorado State, where he coached the secondary and cornerbacks. He was also the Rams' main recruiter in the state of Texas.
Duffie replaces Steve Russ, who left to become defensive coordinator at his alma mater, Air Force.
“I’m really excited about adding Tim to our staff,” Demon Deacons head coach Jim Grobe said in a release. “He has a great deal of experience on defense and particularly in the secondary. Tim is also a great recruiter. I feel like we’ve hired somebody who will not only do a good job on defense but will help bring some great players to Wake Forest.”
A 12-year college coaching veteran, Duffie enters Winston-Salem, N.C., after four years at Colorado State, where he coached the secondary and cornerbacks. He was also the Rams' main recruiter in the state of Texas.
The final team of our series, the Demon Deacons are forced to replace a versatile home-run threat who left school early for the NFL.
OUT: Chris Givens. Givens led Wake Forest in 2011 with 83 receptions for a school-record 1,330 yards and nine touchdowns. His 102.3 receiving yards per game led the ACC, and his 6.4 catches per game were second in the conference. Givens averaged 110.8 all-purpose yards per game. The first-team all-conference receiver had seven 100-yard receiving games, one shy of the school record. He leaves school with 163 career catches for 2,473 yards, with 21 receiving touchdowns, along with 45 carries for 238 yards and two scores.
IN: Michael Campanaro. While not as fast as Givens, Campanaro may be more of a complete receiver. Coach Jim Grobe has said Campanaro is a better possession receiver than Givens, and the bigger question may be who slides into Campanaro's No. 2 role after a 2011 season that saw him catch 73 passes for 833 yards and two touchdowns. Matt James and Brandon Terry are both 6-foot-5 and speedy, and the latter has run track at Wake Forest as well. Terence Davis had 20 catches last season for 269 yards and five touchdowns. Lovell Jackson had success as a kick returner but is sitting out spring practice as he recovers from a shoulder injury.
OUT: Chris Givens. Givens led Wake Forest in 2011 with 83 receptions for a school-record 1,330 yards and nine touchdowns. His 102.3 receiving yards per game led the ACC, and his 6.4 catches per game were second in the conference. Givens averaged 110.8 all-purpose yards per game. The first-team all-conference receiver had seven 100-yard receiving games, one shy of the school record. He leaves school with 163 career catches for 2,473 yards, with 21 receiving touchdowns, along with 45 carries for 238 yards and two scores.
IN: Michael Campanaro. While not as fast as Givens, Campanaro may be more of a complete receiver. Coach Jim Grobe has said Campanaro is a better possession receiver than Givens, and the bigger question may be who slides into Campanaro's No. 2 role after a 2011 season that saw him catch 73 passes for 833 yards and two touchdowns. Matt James and Brandon Terry are both 6-foot-5 and speedy, and the latter has run track at Wake Forest as well. Terence Davis had 20 catches last season for 269 yards and five touchdowns. Lovell Jackson had success as a kick returner but is sitting out spring practice as he recovers from a shoulder injury.
Something going on in basketball this week?
- The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Jeff Schultz says Georgia Tech's lost ACC title seems unfair, but it's not unexpected.
- Wake Forest's offensive line is Jim Grobe's biggest focus right now, Dan Collins writes in the Winston-Salem Journal.
- The Virginian-Pilot's Andy Bitter is taking a position-by-position look at Virginia Tech's roster. Here's his look at the wide receivers.
- Tyler Shatley is pushing for Clemson's starting right guard spot, Travis Sawchik writes in the Charleston Post and Courier.
- Going against just two quarterbacks this spring, Maryland's pass-rushers are taking a hands-off approach, Jonas Shaffer writes in the Baltimore Sun.
Atlantic won't roll over for FSU, Clemson
March, 7, 2012
Mar 7
2:00
PM ET
By
Heather Dinich | ESPN.com
Back-to-back top-10 recruiting classes have already begun to separate Florida State and Clemson from the rest of the Atlantic Division -- at least on paper.
It’s only news, though, when those programs don’t bring in some of the nation’s most talented players.
Clemson, after all, just won its first ACC title for the first time since 1991. Florida State last year couldn’t beat Wake Forest. Which is why there is no reason for the Deacs or anyone else in the division to surrender just yet.
“They key for us is not how many stars they come in with, it’s how good they play when they’re juniors and seniors,” Wake Forest coach Jim Grobe said. “At least that’s our key. For us it’s all about developing players. It’s a standard joke among coaches, ‘How’d your recruiting go? Well, we’ll know in a couple of years.’ Sometimes that’s good to laugh and giggle about, but absolutely at Wake Forest, we know when they’re juniors and seniors if we’ve done the right thing in recruiting.
“For us, I think we know where we are. We’re a development program. We’ve got to do a great job of coaching our kids in the offseason and the weight room and out on the practice field, so by the time they’re juniors and seniors, there are a lot of other teams in the league that look at them and say, ‘Man, I wish I would’ve taken that guy.’”
Guys like Alphonso Smith, Aaron Curry, Chris Givens and Joe Looney. At Boston College, guys like Montel Harris and Luke Kuechly.
“Here’s the way I’ve always looked at the competition,” said BC coach Frank Spaziani. “As the competition gets better, everybody else better get better and move forward. There are a lot of other areas to it than just that.”
Just how much of a talent discrepancy is there within the division? Can BC compensate for a lack of stars with its hard-working, disciplined, blue-collar traits? Can Wake Forest continue to develop diamonds out of its “recruiting puddle?” NC State already beat a No. 7-ranked Clemson team, but can it win consistently? Will the hire of offensive coordinator Mike Locksley change Maryland recruiting?
Florida State and Clemson are ahead of the race, there’s no question about it. But until either one of them plays and wins with more consistency, it won’t be a two-team race in the ACC.
It’s only news, though, when those programs don’t bring in some of the nation’s most talented players.
Clemson, after all, just won its first ACC title for the first time since 1991. Florida State last year couldn’t beat Wake Forest. Which is why there is no reason for the Deacs or anyone else in the division to surrender just yet.
“They key for us is not how many stars they come in with, it’s how good they play when they’re juniors and seniors,” Wake Forest coach Jim Grobe said. “At least that’s our key. For us it’s all about developing players. It’s a standard joke among coaches, ‘How’d your recruiting go? Well, we’ll know in a couple of years.’ Sometimes that’s good to laugh and giggle about, but absolutely at Wake Forest, we know when they’re juniors and seniors if we’ve done the right thing in recruiting.
“For us, I think we know where we are. We’re a development program. We’ve got to do a great job of coaching our kids in the offseason and the weight room and out on the practice field, so by the time they’re juniors and seniors, there are a lot of other teams in the league that look at them and say, ‘Man, I wish I would’ve taken that guy.’”
Guys like Alphonso Smith, Aaron Curry, Chris Givens and Joe Looney. At Boston College, guys like Montel Harris and Luke Kuechly.
“Here’s the way I’ve always looked at the competition,” said BC coach Frank Spaziani. “As the competition gets better, everybody else better get better and move forward. There are a lot of other areas to it than just that.”
Just how much of a talent discrepancy is there within the division? Can BC compensate for a lack of stars with its hard-working, disciplined, blue-collar traits? Can Wake Forest continue to develop diamonds out of its “recruiting puddle?” NC State already beat a No. 7-ranked Clemson team, but can it win consistently? Will the hire of offensive coordinator Mike Locksley change Maryland recruiting?
Florida State and Clemson are ahead of the race, there’s no question about it. But until either one of them plays and wins with more consistency, it won’t be a two-team race in the ACC.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Heather Dinich
Dinich covered ACC and Big Ten football for five seasons before joining ESPN.com in November 2007. She's an Indiana grad but somehow her favorite day of the week is Saturday.
