ESPN College Football

We've gone over mock drafts, position rankings, draft boards and all the other stuff out there that's fun to predict this far away from the next NFL draft. Today, Mel Kiper does all of that. And, he is very high on Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas.

Kiper ranks Thomas as the No. 4 overall prospect on his 25-man Big Board. NC State's David Amerson (No. 8) and Florida State's Xavier Rhodes (No. 20) are the other ACC players on the board.

Virginia's Oday Aboushi just missed the cut.

Kiper also ranks the top-5 players at each position, this time breaking it down by senior and junior classes. The ACC contingent:

SENIORS
Mike Glennon (NC State), No. 4 QB
Andre Ellington (Clemson), No. 4 RB
Marcus Davis (Virginia Tech), No. 3 WR
Aboushi, No. 2 OT
Jonathan Cooper (UNC), No. 1 OG
Omoregie Uzzi (Georgia Tech), No. 5 OG
Brandon Jenkins (FSU), No. 4 DE
Kevin Reddick (UNC), No. 2 ILB
Ray-Ray Armstrong (Miami), No. 5 S
Dustin Hopkins (FSU), No. 5 K

JUNIORS
Thomas, No. 1 QB
James Hurst (UNC), No. 4 OT
Andrew Miller (Virginia Tech), No. 5 C
Christian Jones (FSU), No. 4 OLB
Amerson, No. 1 CB
Rhodes, No. 2 CB
Chandler Catanzaro (Clemson), No. 5 K
Dalton Botts (Miami), No. 2 P

Josh. Hamilton.

• From yesterday: Our ACC spring wrap, along with team-by-team breakdowns.
• The Sporting News ranks the ACC's head coaches.
• Virginia Tech wide receiver Marcus Davis makes CBSSports.com's Bruce Feldman's list of the game's 10 craziest athletes. FSU LB Kelvin Benjamin just misses the cut.
• Paul Johnson was not happy with Georgia Tech's finish last season, Chris Gay writes in the Augusta Chronicle.
• The Virginian-Pilot's Andy Bitter has an interesting story here on defense attorney Jimmy Turk, who is the go-to guy for Hokie athletes facing trouble.

2011 overall record: 11-3
2011 conference record: 7-1 (1st, Coastal)
Returning starters: Offense: 3; defense: 9; kicker/punter: 1

Top returners
QB Logan Thomas, WR Marcus Davis, C Andrew Miller, DE James Gayle, DE J.R. Collins, DT Derrick Hopkins, DT Antoine Hopkins, ILB Bruce Taylor, ILB Tariq Edwards, OLB Jeron Gouveia-Winslow, CB Kyle Fuller, S Antone Exum

Key losses
WR Danny Coale, WR Jarrett Boykin, TE Chris Drager, LT Andrew Lanier, RT Blake DeChristopher, RG Jaymes Brooks, LG Greg Nosal, RB David Wilson, CB Jayron Hosley, FS Eddie Whitley

2011 statistical leaders (* returners)
Rushing: David Wilson (1,709 yards)
Passing: Logan Thomas* (3,013 yards)
Receiving: Danny Coale (904 yards)
Tackles: Antone Exum* (89)
Sacks: James Gayle* (7)
Interceptions: Jayron Hosley (3)

Spring answers

1. Logan Thomas: The ACC is loaded with talented quarterbacks in 2012, and Thomas is among the top returners. He accounted for 30 total touchdowns last season and threw for more than 3,000 yards. He is the unquestioned leader and centerpiece of the Hokies' offense, and a strong season could result in a handshake from Roger Goodell at Radio City next April.

2. Defensive line: This unit has the potential to be the best in the conference, as it will play eight or nine men on a regular basis and be the foundation for a defense among the best in the ACC. This group led the conference in sacks a year ago and has looked every bit as capable this spring of doing that again in 2012.

3. Security: The Hokies were faced with a similar position last season, only the exact opposite: Loads of offensive talent came back and the defense had some uncertainties. Virginia Tech still reached the ACC title game and a BCS bowl, extending its nation-best streak of 10 or more wins to an eighth straight season. Entering his 26th season and first as the longest-tenured FBS coach, Frank Beamer has an established track record and knows how to get the most out of his pieces. The hard part right now is finding them on offense.

Fall questions

1. Who will replace David Wilson? Wilson is off with the Giants, a first-round draft pick following a campaign in which he ran for more yards than any running back in Virginia Tech history. Michael Holmes figures to be the No. 1 back entering preseason camp, with J.C. Coleman pushing him for time. The Hokies welcome three new backs this fall, along with Tony Gregory, who missed spring while recovering from knee surgery.

2. Who will protect the newcomer? Holmes or any of his fellow backfield mates won't have the chance to accomplish anything replicating Wilson's production if they don't get the chance. The Hokies return just one starting offensive lineman from last season and will have to adjust quickly if the offense wants to resemble last year's.

3. Secondary help. Second-team all-ACC corner Kyle Fuller is back, along with leading tackle Antone Exum. Sophomore Detrick Bonner has moved from cornerback to free safety, sophomore Kyshoen Jarrett is now at safety and Exum is now at corner. Secondary coach Torrian Gray likes to build versatility, but he will have his hands full trying to replace Eddie Whitley (graduation) and cornerback Jayron Hosley (draft).

We’ve already taken a look at what the recruiting needs were for the Atlantic Division. Let’s shift our attention to the Coastal Division. Here’s a look at where each school’s biggest holes will be in 2012 or are anticipated to be in the near future:

DUKE


Offensive skill positions: After last year’s rare class that didn’t include either a quarterback or running back, both positions are needed in this group. Quarterback Thomas Sirk -- the MVP of the 57th annual Florida Athletic Coaches Association North-South All-Star Football Classic last December -- has already enrolled in school while Shaquille Powell -- a PARADE All-American running back from Las Vegas -- has committed to the program. In addition, with David Cutcliffe’s offense, wide receivers and tight ends also are a priority.

Kicker: Will Snyderwine, who earned first team All-America honors as a junior before struggling through a sub-par season in 2011, graduated, but Duke has a commitment from Ohio native Ross Martin, considered the No. 2 placekicking prospect in the country by ESPN.com.

Safety: With the transition to a 4-2-5 alignment that utilizes three safeties, this becomes an annual point of emphasis. The Blue Devils lose All-American Matt Daniels to graduation.

GEORGIA TECH


Defensive line: This is the most glaring need in the current class. The Yellow Jackets have to replace senior starters Logan Walls (DT) and Jason Peters (DE), but return Izaan Cross (DE) and solid backups T.J. Barnes (DT), Emmanuel Dieke (DE) and Euclid Cummings (DE). The Jackets are expected to sign about 18 players in this year’s class, and five of them should be defensive linemen.

Wide receiver:This is another glaring need after the departures of Stephen Hill, who decided to leave early for the NFL draft, and Tyler Melton. Darren Waller and Jeff Greene, who both played last season as true freshmen, have lots of potential, but the position still needs depth.


MIAMI

Defensive backs: There’s still a lot of depth with this group, and the return of Ray-Ray Armstrong and Vaughn Telemaque helps, but the Canes have to replace two starters in the secondary and have six commits in the current class to help do that.

Defensive line: The Canes have to replace Adewale Ojomo, Micanor Regis, Andrew Smith and Olivier Vernon from last year’s two-deep. The defensive end position was a particular focus in this class.

Receiver: This position lost a lot with the departures of Tommy Streeter, LaRon Byrd and Travis Benjamin. Allen Hurns is now the veteran of the group, along with redshirt senior Kendal Thompkins. There are five receivers currently committed in this class.

Quarterback: Beyond Stephen Morris, Miami has a lot of questions at the position and not a lot of experience. True freshmen Gray Crow and Preston Dewey are already on the roster, along with redshirt sophomore Ryan Williams.

NORTH CAROLINA

Defensive line: This is one of the biggest areas of concern after the departures of Quinton Coples and Tydreke Powell.

Receivers: Larry Fedora’s offense will make good use of this group, but he needs to replace standout Dwight Jones.

Linebackers: This group was thin to begin with in 2011, and now the Heels need to replace outgoing senior Zach Brown. Kevin Reddick is now the main man.

Safety: UNC will have to replace two starters in Matt Merletti, Charles Brown and Jonathan Smith, so this position will have to be rebuilt for the future.

VIRGINIA

Defensive back: This should be the main priority in this class. The Cavaliers will lose four DBs, including two starting safeties in Rodney McCleod and Corey Mosley, and standout cornerback Chase Minnifield. They’ll also miss Dom Joseph, who came in for the nickel packages. Demetrious Nicholson, who started as a true freshman last year, is suddenly the veteran of the group.

Offensive line: The Hoos will have to replace their starting center and left guard. Redshirt freshman center Cody Wallace could get a promotion, and sophomore right guard Luke Bowanko started in the bowl game. They’ve got some big bodies waiting in the wings, but they’ll have some questions to answer here this spring.

Kickers: This position needs to be rebuilt, as the Cavaliers lose Robert Randolph, who finished sixth all time in scoring at UVa, kickoff specialist Chris Hinkebein, and four-year punter Jimmy Howell. The position is wide open heading into the spring.

VIRGINIA TECH

Running back: This one is a no-brainer, as the Hokies have lost four players here in the past two years. David Wilson and his backup, Josh Oglesby, were the latest to depart, and Tony Gregory just had ACL surgery and is out for the spring. The staff likes Michael Holmes, who redshirted last year, and J.C. Coleman enrolled last week.

Receiver: The Hokies will miss Danny Coale and Jarrett Boykin, and next year’s class has three seniors in Dyrell Roberts, D.J. Coles, and Marcus Davis. The future of the position is young, and the staff is still going after several uncommitted players pretty hard.

Defensive line: This year’s class already includes at least five committed defensive linemen, and the Hokies will be particularly thin at noseguard. They had some players graduate early who didn’t play a lot, but at least provided depth.

Linebacker:The Hokies have four committed, and are still chasing another just to build the depth. The staff missed on some recruits at this position last year and would like to make up for it in this class.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You asked, I answered ...

Joe Bise in Powhatan, Va., writes: Heather,I have a question for you. With the Fiesta Bowl in trouble and possibly being eliminated for BCS is there a possibility that the Belk Bowl or a major Bowl affiliation in Charlotte could replace the Fiesta Bowl or at least raise the bowl exposure in Charlotte?? Joe

HD: Joe it's possible, but I just don't see it. I would think a more high-profile bowl like the Chick-fil-A Bowl would be a more likely choice, and that would get my vote. It's a good location (Atlanta), it's got that SEC, big-time college football feel to it, and it's a cash cow. But the Fiesta Bowl still has a chance to redeem itself, so this is getting a little ahead.

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Benjamin in Durham, N.C. writes: Who are the most hated teams in the conference?

HD: I don't know, you guys tell me. If I had to guess I would say Florida State and Miami. They're the ones who get the most national ink, the ones who are allegedly supposed to make or break the ACC's image. I think the league's fans get tired of hearing it.

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Nick G in Hartford, Conn., writes: Heather, First off I want to say im a Huge Big East Fan, especially my Uconn Huskies. And this is my first time checking out your blog on the ACC. My question to u is with Randy's sudden departure from Uconn to Maryland what do u think he can bring to the Terps football team that he didnt have in CT?? I know he built the program up from what it was, but in my opinion he wasnt that good of a recuiter and besides a couple great running backs our O has played poorly especially throwing the ball. Do u think he can honestly make the Terp program more competitive?? Im still kinda bitter about him leaving and how he did leave, but gotta care about what he did for the U of CT football program. Ill be sure to check in more to your ACC blogs and to check in on Randy's new team and the progress hes making with them.

HD: Welcome to ACC country, Nick. I'm not sure he'll make a huge difference, to be honest with you. He's a good coach and has already made some off-field changes and raised expectations as far as discipline and academics, but there's a ceiling at Maryland. I think it will be a typical cycle for the Terps ... several eight- or nine-win seasons, and every now and then contend for the division title. Recruiting is the key, and I just don't see him bringing in talent that can match the likes of what Clemson and Florida State brings in. I think he can have them in the low top 25, but I don't think Maryland is suddenly going to morph into a consistent BCS bowl contender.

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Rob in Fayetteville, N.C., writes: Hello HD, I've been following you for a while now, and I was curious to know more about Va Tech's Dyrell Roberts and the incoming freshmans who are coming into the program and how will they contribute?Have a nice day, HD

HD: Thanks, Rob. Frank Beamer said recently that Roberts will "do what he can do" this spring. Beamer said, "I think he's ready to do a lot, but I don't think he's ready to go full-tilt. We want him to recover as he can and make sure he's full speed when he does get back." He'll run some routes, but will be limited this spring. As for freshmen, your guess is as good as mine. The breakout candidates to watch at receiver, though, are Marcus Davis and D.J. Coles.

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Jeremy in Winston-Salem, N.C., writes: Hi Heather,We all know that recruiting class rankings are rather meaningless and that it boils down to the coach's ability to develop talent (look not further than Frank Beamer). With that said, there is a lot of excitement about Mike London's latest class at Virginia. How would you assess Virginia's chances of an ACC title in the next 3 years, or at least a return to title contention? Can Virginia get to a bowl game this year?

HD: Here's the problem with Virginia winning an ACC title in the next three years: Virginia Tech, Miami, Georgia Tech and North Carolina will all still be in the same division. That's not to say the Hoos won't contend for it -- I absolutely think they will under London -- but ALL of those programs are going to continue to trip over each other on their way to the ACC championship game unless one of them assembles a class like the one UNC had in 2010 (and keeps them all eligible). As for a bowl game this year? I think it's a good possibility because of the favorable nonconference schedule, but they've got three of the better teams in the Atlantic Division, including a road trip to Florida State. With a new quarterback, I think they're more like a five-win team this year.

Enjoy this weekend's games, we're running out of them ...

• Marcus Davis wasn't able to enjoy his best day as a Virginia Tech wide receiver because during the game against UNC, he received some terrible news.
• And another heartbreaker ... FSU defensive back Michael Harris has made it through this season despite the death of his mother the day of the season-opener.
• Miami quarterback Jacory Harris will be dressed for Saturday's game against the Hokies, but he won't start.
• Which Miami team will show up on Saturday? The Hokies are probably hoping it's the one that lost to UVA.
• John Graves might be big and bad on the field, but off it? He's the nicest guy on the team, they say.
• BC linebacker Luke Kuechly should be the lead candidate for the Butkus Award.
• NC State might be ahead of UNC in the ACC standings, but the Tar Heels have the lead in recruiting.
• It's been a trying career for Georgia Tech defensive end Robert Hall, but as it comes to a close, he said it's all been worth it.
• Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen will be back for at least one more year.
• UVA will be missing injured rusher Keith Payne for the BC game.
• Dabo Swinney wants to win a bowl game (and qualify for one) and he thinks Kyle Parker gives him the best chance to do both.

Here’s your instant replay of Week 11 and fast forward to Week 12:

The good: The Atlantic Division. One week after all of the frontrunners lost, Maryland, NC State and Florida State each rebounded with wins to make this race worth watching. Maryland and NC State left no doubt they were the better teams against Virginia and Wake Forest, respectively, and FSU dug deep after two heart breakers to beat Clemson with a game-winning field goal as time expired.

The bad: Virginia’s penalties. The Cavaliers are tied for 114th in the nation in fewest penalties per game (8.4) and only four teams have more. Virginia had 16 penalties for 145 yards in its 42-23 loss to Maryland on Saturday. “There were a lot of holds on that team, both up front and in the back so I think the officials did as well as they could with that,” Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen told reporters after the game. That came one week after Virginia racked up 11 penalties for 103 yards in a 55-48 loss to Duke.

The ugly: Clemson’s kicking game. It’s hard not to feel bad for Chandler Catanzaro. It’s not like he doesn’t want to make these field goals. In fact, his 29-yard kick with 53 seconds remaining tied the game. And his 22-yard field goal midway through the second quarter gave Clemson a 10-3 lead. But he also had one blocked and missed another, and in a three-point game, those misses add up. Clemson is 7 of 14 on field goals this year.

The emerging: Virginia Tech wide receiver Marcus Davis. He caught two third-quarter touchdown passes to help the Hokies to a 26-10 win at North Carolina. Davis really rose to the occasion with receiver Dyrell Roberts out with a thigh injury. He finished with four catches for 81 yards and two touchdowns. It was the first time the sophomore had seen any meaningful playing time and he made the most of it.

The “gassed.” UNC tailback Anthony Elzy. According to the Raleigh News & Observer, the disappearance of Elzy in the third quarter against Virginia Tech was explained away by Elzy being “gassed,” coach Butch Davis said. Gassed? With the Coastal Division on the line?

The undecided: NC State quarterback Russell Wilson. He’s not sure if he’s returning for his final year of eligibility or joining the Colorado Rockies, but if Saturday was his final game in Carter-Finley Stadium, he went out with a bang. Wilson was honored on senior day and then passed for two touchdowns and ran for two more in the 38-3 win over Wake Forest.

Top three games of Week 12

Florida State at Maryland -- This is the most meaningful game Maryland has played since, well, since it played Florida State for the division lead on Nov. 23, 2008. The Terps lost 37-3 in their most lopsided loss of the year, and sent BC to the title game the following week with a loss in Chestnut Hill. Once again they control their own destiny and could win the Atlantic Division title with two more wins. The Terps’ offensive line has been playing well, and they held their own in a close loss to Miami, but once again will face a true challenge up front.

Virginia Tech at Miami -- This is Miami’s final chance to make a statement this year, as the Canes’ only hope at winning the Coastal Division depends on a win against the Hokies. Virginia Tech, however, needs to win just one more game to clinch the division title. The Hokies lost the last time they played at Miami, and the Canes will be looking for redemption after last year’s meltdown in Blacksburg.

NC State at North Carolina -- This is a passionate rivalry game, and while UNC is out of the championship race, it can still take solace -- and probably a lot of enjoyment -- in playing the role of spoiler. NC State can’t afford to lose another conference game, regardless of if it’s an interdivisional matchup. Tom O’Brien has had the edge over Butch Davis the past three years, but this season, a trip to Charlotte is on the line. This should be a great game but it comes in third because UNC is no longer a factor in the conference race.

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- In the first half, it was impossible to tell who was the best team in the ACC. It certainly didn't look like Virginia Tech.

Now, as the Hokies lead 26-10 late in the third quarter, they have continued to remind us that their forte is making comebacks. If Virginia Tech hangs onto this lead, it will be the fifth time the Hokies have trailed this year and the fourth time they have won -- not including their 0-2 start to the season.

The difference in this half has been Virginia Tech's defense, lack of production from Anthony Elzy, the Hokies' ability to score touchdowns in the red zone, and receiver Marcus Davis. Davis has four catches for 81 yards and two touchdowns.

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- With Virginia Tech receiver Dyrell Roberts out with a thigh injury, the Hokies needed somebody else to step up at receiver, and on the Hokies' first drive of the second half, Marcus Davis rose to the occasion to give Virginia Tech their first lead and first touchdown of the game.

The Hokies are up 16-10 thanks in large part to the big-play capabilities of Davis, a young, talented player whose best is yet to come. He took a screen pass down the left sideline for 46 yards, thanks to a nice block by Danny Coale, and he capped the drive with an 11-yard touchdown pass. It was the first time tonight the Hokies were able to get into the end zone once inside the 20.

Ahh, scrimmages. They're almost like real games, right? Nope. Still, something to hold us over.

Here's a look back at the weekend scrimmages for schools that provided scrimmage reports:

BOSTON COLLEGE

There's a running back other than Montel Harris capable of making some plays. True freshman Andre Williams led the running game with seven carries for 59 yards, including a 19-yard touchdown run.

Quarterback Dave Shinskie completed 9 of 14 pass attempts for 81 yards and a touchdown. Senior tight end Jordon McMichael led all receivers with four catches for 23 yards.

Defensively, true freshman linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis led the Eagles with five tackles. Redshirt freshman defensive tackle Dillon Quinn made three sacks, which should be an encouraging sign to a line in need of some help.

Redshirt freshman kicker Nate Freese went 2-for-3, making from 24 and 44, but missing a 46-yarder off the left upright. Junior Ryan Quigley made from 33 and missed from 34.

CLEMSON

Quarterback Kyle Parker threw three touchdowns passes -- two to running back Andre Ellington -- in Clemson’s two-hour scrimmage in Death Valley on Saturday morning. It was the second scrimmage for the Tigers.

Parker completed 10-of-14 passes for 170 yards and three touchdowns. He led the first-team offense to four touchdowns overall. Roderick McDowell led the rushers with 12 carries for 127 yards on the ground, including a 12-yard touchdown run and a 53-yard run early in the scrimmage.

Terrance Ashe led the receivers with five catches for 76 yards, including a 44-yard completion from Parker.

The defense was led by Brandon Maye, who had six tackles, including a tackle for loss and a diving backwards interception from his linebacker position.

GEORGIA TECH

Quarterback Joshua Nesbitt was the highlight of the Jackets' scrimmage. He opened the scrimmage with a 70-yard scoring drive and had a two-yard touchdown run and a six-yard touchdown pass to Stephen Hill. Defensively, true freshman Louis Young and sophomore linebacker Julian Burnett had interceptions.

VIRGINIA TECH

The kickers were the highlight of the second scrimmage, as the offense didn't score a touchdown. Part of that was because the coaching staff stopped drives inside the 20, because the staff hasn't installed its entire red-zone package. The staff is expected to make a decision on its backup quarterback situation soon.

Here are the Hokies' stats leaders from Saturday:

RUSHING
Darren Evans 12-60
David Wilson 6-33
Ryan Williams 4-18

PASSING
Logan Thomas 9-17-0-82
Tyrod Taylor 5-7-0-42
Ju-Ju Clayton 3-8-0-36

RECEIVING
Marcus Davis 2-15
Austin Fuller 2-20

FIELD GOALS
Chris Hazley made four: 29 yards, 43, 48 and 31

TACKLES
Derek DiNardo, 6

WAKE FOREST

The Deacs scrimmaged for 90 minutes on Saturday in the first of three scrimmages, and the quarterback race continues.

RUSHING
Josh Harris 5-76 and 1 TD
Skylar Jones 10-44
Patrick Thompson 7-29

PASSING
Tanner Price 8-13 for 82 yards
Patrick Thompson 3-10 for 61 yds and an INT
Ted Stachitas 5-of-8 for 95 yds and 1 TD
Skylar Jones 4-of-7 for 27 yds
Brendan Cross 2-of-3 for 16 yds

RECEIVING
Devon Brown 4-67
Marshall Williams 3-79

FIELD GOALS
Jimmy Newman made three, 27 yards, 38 and 25

TACKLES
Justin Jackson, 7

Freshman Joe LaBarbera intercepted Thompson late in the scrimmage and returned it 25 yards.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

BOSTON COLLEGE

OUT FOR SEASON

LB Mark Herzlich (illness)

FOR NC STATE GAME

WR Ifeanyi Momah (knee) – OUT

TE Jordon McMichael (hip) – DOUBTFUL

LB Will Thompson (shoulder) – DOUBTFUL

FB James McCluskey (Achilles) – QUESTIONABLE

FS Okechukwu Okoroha (leg) – PROBABLE

DT Austin Giles (back) – PROBABLE

CB Roderick Rollins (Leg) – PROBABLE

DE Alex Albright (ankle) – PROBABLE

DT Damik Scafe (neck/shoulder) – PROBABLE

CLEMSON

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

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

GEORGIA TECH

Out

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

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

Questionable

Anthony Egbuniwe, Jr., DE (illness)

Cooper Taylor, So., S (undisclosed)

Out For Season

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

MARYLAND

Out for season:

Tyler Bowen (foot)

Nolan Carroll (leg)

Out:

Travis Baltz (ankle)

Masengo Kabongo (leg)

Da’Rel Scott (wrist)

Questionable:

Bruce Campbell (leg)

Demetrius Hartsfield (hand)

MIAMI

Probable

RB Lee Chambers – Lower Extremity

RB Graig Cooper – Lower Extremity

Doubtful

OL Joel Figueroa – Lower Extremity

Out

FB Patrick Hill – Lower Extremity

DL Josh Holmes – Lower Extremity

WR Aldarius Johnson – Upper Extremity

DL Eric Moncur – Lower Extremity

DB JoJo Nicolas – Upper Extremity

DB Randy Phillips – Upper Extremity

Surgery and Out for the Season

DL Dyron Dye – Lower Extremity

DL Marcus Forston – Lower Extremity

LB Jordan Futch – Lower Extremity

TE Richard Gordon – Upper Extremity

LB Shayon Green – Lower Extremity

DE Gavin Hardin – Upper Extremity

DB Ryan Hill – Upper Extremity

DE Adewale Ojomo – Jaw

NC STATE

OUT FOR SEASON

Mario Carter, TE - knee

Ryan Cheek, LB - hip

Denzelle Good, OL - shoulder

Nate Irving, LB - leg

Colby Jackson, FB - knee

Everett Proctor, QB - shoulder

Javon Walker, S - knee

OUT

Jeff Rieskamp, DE – hip

Jesse Riley, DB - knee

VIRGINIA

Out

Javaris Brown (ankle)

Doubtful

Mikell Simpson (neck)

Questionable

none

Probable

Landon Bradley (knee)

BJ Cabbell (ankle)

Patch Duda (flu)

Mike Parker (knee)

Zane Parr (ankle)

Brandon Woods (foot)

VIRGINIA TECH

Out for Season

Darren Evans (ACL)

Probable

Marcus Davis (ankle)

Mark Muncey (knee)

Sergio Render (pec strain)

Eddie Whitley (ankle)

Ryan Williams (illness)

Out

Brandon Dillard (ankle)

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

BLACKSBURG, Va. -- At this point, that was the new goal for BC, or at least it should've been -- to avoid a shutout. Mission accomplished, as Mike Marscovetra completed a 48-yard touchdown pass to Colin Larmond Jr. Of course, the Hokies responded with an 80-yard touchdown from Ju-Ju Clayton to Marcus Davis, the longest pass play in an ACC game for Virginia Tech.

The Eagles now trail 41-7 in the fourth quarter.

It's a long time -- too long -- until the Georgia Tech-Florida State game.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

GREENSBORO, N.C. -- For the first time in three seasons, there's no question which quarterback will start for Virginia Tech, whether there will be a two-quarterback system, or how the quarterbacks will be used.

	John David Mercer/US Presswire
	Tyrod Taylor is dangerous on the move, but that has also gotten him in trouble with injuries.

Virginia Tech is now Tyrod Taylor's team, and while there are plenty of reasons why that's a good thing, there's one glaring problem with Taylor being the only option -- there's nobody else behind him with any experience. Taylor is a competitor who isn't going to back down from fighting with his feet for the first down, and it has cost him a few ankle injuries. But coach Frank Beamer's concern over Taylor putting himself in harm's way seems to have mellowed a bit because of the talent that has blossomed around Taylor.

"I think you just have to play smart, know when you need to go, know when you need to get down, and know when you need to get out of bounds," Beamer said. "I think being a year older, and again, people around him are better. That really helps. We needed a quarterback that could make plays with the last couple of teams, and now I think those people around him can help make the plays, so I think it's kind of a different story for him."

At some point, though, Virginia Tech fans are likely to be introduced to redshirt freshman Ju-Ju Clayton, who earned the backup job after just three weeks of spring practices. Clayton's development this summer will be critical. There's no lack of faith in him, though, from Beamer.

"We've got to work hard to get Ju-Ju Clayton ready, and I think Ju-Ju will be a better quarterback starting fall camp than he was in spring practice, because that's what he's about," Beamer said. "He's hardworking, he's smart, he's a great leader. I think we need to get him to come along. I think before the season is over, he's going to be in a position to win a football game for us. I think he's going to be of that caliber. I really believe that. I think he'll keep getting better, and if he had to go in there and win one, he could do it. Now whether it's going to be early or not, I'm not sure about that, but in the end, I think he's going to be a good backup quarterback."

Beamer said he still wants Marcus Davis to continue to throw the ball, even though he made the switch to receiver this spring. Beamer said that doesn't necessarily mean that he's ruling out Davis as a future quarterback, but he wants to get Davis on the field somewhere.

"You look at the receiving corps, and I don't know how we're going to play, but we look good," Beamer said. "We've got Marcus Davis, you look at him out there, and Xavier Boyce, he's about 6-3 and Marcus is about 6-4 ... we're a good lookin' crowd out there. Marcus Davis needs to be on the field."

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

You asked, I answered ...

Brandon in Columbia, S.C., writes: Heather, Do you believe C.J. Spiller has a legitimate chance to be in the Heisman mix this year? I know it will be hard, considering Tebow, McCoy, and Bradford all returned. However, Spiller is a game changer like no other in college football. What can Clemson do PR-wise to up his stock and get everyone talking?

Heather Dinich: Brandon I think the task falls to Dabo Swinney and the offensive line, not the Tigers' PR department. In order for Spiller to even be in the conversation, he has to get the ball more, which I expect him to do. But because of the very names you mentioned returning, his odds are a long shot.

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Bob K in Atlanta writes: Heather, how many ACC games will you be attending this fall? Any involving the Yellow Jackets?

HD: I usually go to a game every weekend, Bob. Last year I doubled up on Thursday/Saturday games a few times, too. There's also a Monday night game this year that has caught my interest. And considering the high expectations for the Jackets this year, I'm pretty sure Atlanta will be one of my destinations unless I catch them on the road somewhere.

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Mitchell in Atlanta writes: Hey HD first off great blog, keep up the good work. Quick question, I live in SEC country and I keep telling these fans that in three or less years the ACC will be as good if not better than the SEC, what do you think about that?

HD: I think don't push it, Mitchell. There's no question the ACC is getting better, and much of that is a product of better coaches. The conference is closing the gap, albeit slowly. I think the ACC stands a good chance to be among the top three in the country this year. But as good or better than the SEC? Let's wait til' Florida State and Miami beat Florida, Virginia Tech beats Alabama and anybody knocks off LSU. Kudos to Georgia Tech for taking the first step against Georgia.

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Gabe in Wheaton, Ill., writes: Hey HD,I love the blog, it's been my saving grace over the summer so far. I read the article you had today in your lunchtime links about Luckett potentially coming back to the Hokies this next year and it made me wonder, how good can the Hokie's receiving core be? As a VT fan I'm really encouraged to see what they can produce since they are also bringing Dillard back from injury, and all of last years freshman have solid game experience. On top of that you've got a much improved offensive line and a quarterback who has also improved his passing game. How good can they be? Also, who do you think will have the best WRs in the ACC? Thanks again for all your hard work!

HD: No doubt this group should be better, but my expectations for the passing game are somewhat tempered until I see that improvement. Dyrell Roberts had a great spring, but the coaches really liked what Xavier Boyce did, so much so he was named one of the top two newcomers of the spring. And don't forget about Marcus Davis, Danny Coale and Jarrett Boykin. There should be some good competition there this summer. With Tyrod Taylor's improvement and their consistency, this group has the potential to be part of one of the most effective offenses in the ACC. There are no excuses this year. As for the best wide receivers in the ACC? My first reaction is to say Miami. Guys like Demaryius Thomas at Georgia Tech and Jacoby Ford at Clemson stand out, but Miami might be the deepest.

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Adam in Gaithersburg, Md., writes: Heather,If the NCAA keeps FL. States penalty and Coach B gets the 14 wins knocked from his record, do the other coaches or teams get the wins back on their records?

HD: Nope. Nothing that happens to FSU will affect its opponents' records. That's the difference between vacate and forfeit.