ESPN College Football

Lunch links will be here at their normally scheduled time, but I figured I'd compile reaction from Monday's biggest story in one spot here. To read all of our coverage of North Carolina's penalties, click here.

• Ivan Maisel, ESPN.com: "Davis started out doing just what North Carolina hired him to do. He recruited some of the top players in the nation. No school had more players selected in the NFL draft last April than the nine Tar Heels, including five in the first two rounds. But three of those five -- defensive end Robert Quinn, defensive tackle Marvin Austin, and wide receiver Greg Little -- were suspended in this investigation and never played a down in 2010. That team, a preseason top-20 pick, went 8-5, which matched the Tar Heels' victory total in the previous two seasons. Davis went 28-23 in his four seasons. North Carolina went on probation Monday."
• Dennis Dodd, CBSSports.com: "This case breaks a streak of six in a row by schools that have played in BCS bowls. At least, Ohio State, Cincinnati, Boise State, LSU, Georgia Tech and West Virginia could argue it was 'worth' it. All six of those programs have been decided since July."
• Andy Staples, SI.com: "The North Carolina case actually provided more of a road map. Remember, for those who don't consider it an ethical decision -- this includes most of the people who can get rich off the deal -- the decision to break the NCAA's rules is a pure risk/reward calculation. The penalties handed down Monday proved once again that the reward is still far greater than the risk as long as coaches and athletic directors understand a few things from the outset. A program can spit all over the NCAA rule book in an effort to reach or remain at the highest echelon of college football, and as long as that program cooperates with the NCAA during the investigation of its alleged 'crimes,' the Committee on Infractions will respond with a suite of penalties that contain far more bark than bite."
• Tom Sorensen, Charlotte Observer: "Most of the North Carolina graduates I know are ashamed of the program. They want to believe their school stands for something. They did believe that. They were wrong. The Tar Heels were Ohio State South, Miami North and Southern California East. Walk out of Kenan Stadium at the end of the Davis years – he was fired seven months ago – and you wanted to take a hot shower, but only after scraping the bottom of your shoes."
• Luke DeCock, Raleigh News & Observer: "The decision to play in a meaningless bowl game under a lame-duck interim coach last year, instead of self-sanctioning in anticipation of an NCAA ban, will keep the Tar Heels out of a bowl this year, when all those extra practices might have meant something to [new coach Larry] Fedora. Not to mention the Tar Heels weren’t going to play in the ACC championship game last year, and now have no chance this year."
• Caulton Tudor, Raleigh News & Observer: "But by waiting until after the Feb. 1 scholarship signing date to issue the bowl ruling, the NCAA’s bowl ban didn’t hurt Carolina’s recruiting this year. Had the ban been announced in January or earlier, it’s possible some of the signees might have gone elsewhere."

Expansion? What expansion?

• Clemson has had no contact with the SEC.
• Florida State, meanwhile, is talking about beating the SEC, not joining it.
• FSU coach Jimbo Fisher said "there's no offer on the table."
• It doesn't sound like Virginia Tech is going anywhere, either.
• Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris wasn't happy after the first scrimmage and said a few veteran guys aren't cutting it.
• Virginia Tech second-string defensive tackle Kwamaine Battle suffered a season-ending knee injury in Saturday's scrimmage.
• The Hokies' kicking competition is getting a little bit clearer.
• Former UNC defensive tackle Marvin Austin said he has no regrets about his time in Chapel Hill.
• Good news out of Coral Gables: The quarterbacks played well in their first scrimmage.
• No more Leonard Hankerson? No problem.
• Virginia Tech's defensive line is an area of concern, and assistant coach Charley Wiles gave a rundown of where it stands after the first scrimmage.
• If NC State is going to build upon last year's success, it must answer these five important questions.
• There is hope for Georgia Tech's passing game.
• Don't be surprised to see Maryland backup quarterback C.J. Brown on the field a few times this fall.
• BC's offense is showing signs of improvement.
• The Eagles' battle for strongside linebacker job might be the best competition of camp.
• Maryland's tight ends will have a different look this fall.

Let's see if I can get these links right today ...

• Virginia Tech added one of the nation's top linebackers to its 2012 class.
• Shane Beamer continues to boost his reputation as a top recruiter.
• NC State added a tight end. It was a big week for the Pack's recruiting efforts.
• FSU is next on the campus tour for the state of Georgia's top recruit.
• Marvin Austin's friend says the NCAA's allegations against him are ridiculous.
• Manny Navarro of the Miami Herald breaks down the top 40 players on Miami's roster.
• Art Kehoe cracks me up. Burger King University. Ha.

ACC Players Taken in the NFL Draft

1 12 Christian Ponder, Florida State, QB Vikings
1 14 Robert Quinn, North Carolina, DE Rams
1 22 Anthony Castonzo, Boston College, T Colts
2 33 Ras-I Dowling, Virginia, CB Patriots
2 38 Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech, RB Cardinals
2 40 Bruce Carter, North Carolina, LB Cowboys
2 41 Jarvis Jenkins, Clemson, DT Redskins
2 46 Orlando Franklin, Miami, OL Broncos
2 50 Marcus Gilchrist, Clemson, CB Chargers
2 51 Da’ Quan Bowers, Clemson, DE Buccaneers
2 52 Marvin Austin, North Carolina, DT Giants
2 55 Rodney Hudson, Florida State, C-G Chiefs
2 58 Torrey Smith, Maryland, WR Ravens
2 59 Greg Little, North Carolina, WR Browns
2 60 Brandon Harris, Miami, CB Texans
3 67 Nate Irving, NC State, LB Broncos
3 79 Leonard Hankerson, Miami, WR Redskins
3 81 DeMarcus Van Dyke, Miami, CB Raiders
3 86 Allen Bailey, Miami, DE Chiefs
4 100 Da’Norris Searcy, North Carolina, S Bills
4 109 Colin McCarthy, Miami, ILB Titans
4 122 Chris Hairston, Clemson, T Bills
4 127 Rashad Carmichael, Virginia Tech, CB Texans
4 130 Jamie Harper, Clemson, RB Titans
5 133 Johnny White, North Carolina, RB Bills
5 152 T.J. Yates, North Carolina, QB Texans
6 171 Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina, LB Cardinals
6 173 Byron Maxwell, Clemson, DB Seahawks
6 180 Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech, QB Ravens
6 181 Richard Gordon, Miami, TE Raiders
6 192 Matt Bosher, Miami, P-PK Falcons
7 218 Ryan Taylor, North Carolina, TE Cowboys
7 221 Da’Rel Scott, Maryland, RB Giants
7 224 Markus White, Florida State, DE Redskins
7 225 Anthony Allen, Georgia Tech, RB Ravens

ACC Selections by Rounds

First 3
Second 12
Third 4
Fourth 5
Fifth 2
Sixth 5
Seventh 4

ACC Selections by Teams

North Carolina 9
Miami 8
Clemson 6
Florida State 3
Virginia Tech 3
Maryland 2
Boston College 1
Georgia Tech 1
NC State 1
Virginia 1

It what might have been the biggest surprise of the entire first round of Thursday night's NFL draft, former Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder was the first player drafted from the ACC when he was chosen 12th by the Minnesota Vikings.

Ponder, whose durability has been a question but his talent hasn't, was picked ahead of former ACC defensive ends Da'Quan Bowers and Robert Quinn, and Boston College offensive lineman Anthony Castonzo -- all of whom were projected by many to be the ACC's top draft picks this year. Instead, the ACC's string of five straight seasons with a top-10 pick was broken, and a quarterback who wasn't even a second-team all-conference selection was the first of three ACC players chosen in the first round.

That's not a knock on Ponder -- when healthy, he is undoubtedly one of the best quarterbacks in the ACC, if not the best. He was my 2009 first-team all-conference quarterback. It's puzzling why Bowers' previous injury is more of a concern. In spite of it, he was still one of the best players in the country last year. Ponder would have been had he stayed healthy.

Ponder became the highest quarterback in FSU history taken in the NFL draft as well as the first FSU player taken in the first 12 picks since linebacker Ernie Sims in 2006 by the Detroit Lions. Ponder also became the highest offensive Florida State player drafted since offensive lineman Alex Barron in 2005. Before Ponder, Gary Huff was the highest drafted FSU quarterback as the 33rd overall pick in the second round of the 1973 draft.

Mel Kiper's take on this surprise pick:

First of all, this is no shot at Ponder, who some personnel folks believe might be the most ready-to-play quarterback in this draft. But the Vikings looked like a team that panicked with this pick, given the context. They had no shot to trade down? Andy Dalton is still available going into the second day, and in taking Ponder, you also passed on Fairley and Quinn, a couple of guys who can help this team. Again, it's not called "Pick your favorite player." It's a draft. Order and the value of each pick are components that factor in. Should note: This doesn't mean the Vikings are done looking for solutions at quarterback. They could target one in a trade or via free agency.

Much of the pre-draft attention went to Bowers and Quinn. Bowers, whose previous knee injury has obviously scared away some teams, is still available.

Quinn was selected with the No. 14 overall pick by the St. Louis Rams. Quinn becomes Carolina's 19th overall first-round selection and the highest pick since defensive tackle Ryan Sims (No. 6) in 2002. He became the first UNC defensive end taken in the first round since Julius Peppers was chosen No. 2 by the Carolina Panthers in 2002.

Castonzo was the No. 22 pick, taken by the Colts.

Round 2 could be a big day for the ACC. Along with Bowers, former players in the latest mock draft include:

• Virginia Tech's Ryan Williams
• North Carolina's Marvin Austin, Greg Little and Bruce Carter
• Miami's Brandon Harris and Orlando Franklin
• Maryland's Torrey Smith
• Florida State's Rodney Hudson
• Virginia's Ras-I Dowling

A few ACC-related notes for you on the NFL combine from ESPN reports:

• Former Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers will only participate in the bench press, and FSU quarterback Christian Ponder is expected to forgo running and throwing, according to ESPN's Todd McShay.
• McShay writes that Bowers will be under the "medical microscope" at the combine, and will undergo one of the three most scrutinized medical exams: "Bowers missed two games in 2009 due to an MCL/PCL strain, and after recent surgery to repair a torn meniscus he will participate only in the bench-press test at the combine. Other players are dealing with more significant injuries, but Bowers is atop my most recent mock draft and the stakes are high for him. After two knee injuries in two years, teams want to know if there is a degenerative problem or if the injuries are minor, unrelated occurrences."
• The medical histories of Virginia's Ras-I Dowling and Ryan Williams will also be considered.
• Former UNC defensive end Robert Quinn is considered an "X factor," and with a good combine could wind up in Denver.
• Quinn, along with Marvin Austin, Greg Little and DeAndre McDaniel will be on the interview hot seat at the combine.
• Quinn is one of several players Mel Kiper says has the most to gain from the combine. Torrey Smith is also on the list, and Greg Little cracked the "make the leap" category.
• McShay names former Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor, former Miami cornerback Brandon Harris and former Maryland receiver Torrey Smith as players to watch.
• The ACC has had the fastest players at the combine in each of the past two years -- Jacoby Ford in 2009, and Darrius Heyward-Bey in 2008. Can it do it again? McShay says Torrey Smith and Rashad Carmichael are among the top five with the best chance to be the top burner.

The official list for the NFL combine has been released. A total of 48 players from the ACC have been invited to audition for the NFL from February 23 – March 1. When categorized by school, it's somewhat of a reality check to see how many of the best players in the conference are moving on, and which programs will take the biggest hit. It's impossible not to wonder how good North Carolina could have been had all of the following players remained eligible. The Tar Heels will send the most players to the combine with 11.

Here are the players who will represent the ACC:

BOSTON COLLEGE (3)

• Anthony Castonzo
• Rich Lapham
• Mark Herzlich

CLEMSON (7)

• Da'Quan Bowers
• Marcus Gilchrist
• Chris Hairston
• Jamie Harper
• Jarvis Jenkins
• Byron Maxwell
• DeAndre McDaniel

FLORIDA STATE (3)

• Rodney Hudson
• Christian Ponder
• Markus White

GEORGIA TECH (3)

• Anthony Allen
• Mario Butler
• Jerrard Tarrant

MARYLAND (3)

• Torrey Smith
• Adrian Moten
• Da'Rel Scott

MIAMI (9)

• Allen Bailey
• Damien Berry
• Matt Bosher
• Orlando Franklin
• Graig Cooper
• Leonard Hankerson
• Brandon Harris
• Colin McCarthy
• DeMarcus Van Dyke

NORTH CAROLINA (11)

• Marvin Austin
• Kendric Burney
• Bruce Carter
• Greg Little
• Shaun Draughn
• Robert Quinn
• Da'Norris Searcy
• Quan Sturdivant
• Johnny White
• Deunta Williams
• T.J. Yates

NC STATE (2)

• Nate Irving
• Owen Spencer

VIRGINIA (2)

• Danny Aiken
• Ras-I Dowling

VIRGINIA TECH (5)

• Rashad Carmichael
• Darren Evans
• John Graves
• Tyrod Taylor
• Ryan Williams

Never a dull moment ...

• Randy Shannon could be the next defensive coordinator at UCLA.
• Gloria Friedgen has an opinion and she's never been afraid to share it.
• Robbie Caldwell, Vanderbilt's former coach could be a candidate to coach Clemson's offensive line.
• It was a busy recruiting weekend for Georgia Tech, which won more than it lost.
• Maryland's APR is dropping like it's attendance.
• UNC cornerback Kendric Burney is ready to tell his side of the story to the NFL.
• Former Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor fared well in the East-West Shrine Game.
• The verdict is still out on Taylor and former UNC defensive tackle Marvin Austin.
• DE Anthony Chickillo reaffirmed his commitment to the Hurricanes.
• The Canes lost one, though, to Georgia Tech.
• Virginia picked up another commitment from a defensive back.
• NC State got a commitment from a wide receiver who was thought to be favoring Michigan.

Former Clemson offensive lineman Chris Hairston, and former Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor were among the top performers Thursday according to Scouts Inc.'s East-West Shrine Game report. Todd McShay says Taylor isn't helping himself by limiting his audition to the quarterback position, and that Marvin Austin can be a disruptive player, but it's taking some time to get back into shape. He's got a lot of competition from other interior defensive linemen to get back into the first-round range. Austin was the only lineman who wore down some, according to the Scouts Inc. group covering the event.

Is it signing day yet?

• You win some, you lose some in recruiting.
• NC State's student newspaper has a message for Russell Wilson: Get off the bench and make a decision.
• On signing day, Georgia Tech could ink the highest-touted recruit the program has seen -- and the staff lured him from Notre Dame's class.
• Maryland has hired Southern Mississippi's defensive coordinator to coach its linebackers.
• Two members of BC's 2011 recruiting class have already begun their classes.
• Marvin Austin has already met with all 32 NFL teams.
• Hires are just like commitments from recruits -- wait until the paper is signed.
• Miami's recruiting is heating up in the final days.
• Billy Cosh and Mike Paulus should be quarterback names a few ACC fans are familiar with, but would Virginia Tech or Virginia be willing to swap with the leaders of FCS offenses?
• UNC lured in a top tight end.
• Congrats to Virginia Tech fans for packing the house.

North Carolina defensive tackle Marvin Austin was dismissed from the team last year and didn't play a snap because he was a central figure in the NCAA's investigation into improper contact between athletes and agents, but he's expected to wear No. 99 -- and a North Carolina helmet -- in the East-West Shrine game this weekend.

Austin told the Raleigh News & Observer that he's "not ready to talk about the past" yet, but he's happy to be on the field hitting again. He can take a shot under his facemask, but apparently can't handle a question about why he missed an entire season.

No, I don't think Austin should be rewarded with a spot in this game when there are other deserving players out there who followed the rules. (Watch the video). Yes, he paid his dues by sitting out a season, and he deserves his shot at the NFL and will get it, but these games are supposed to also be a reward for the players who just went through the grind of an entire season and have earned their spot in a showcase game.

A player like Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor.

Taylor is working out with the quarterbacks and you can catch up on what he did in Todd McShay's blog. Todd McShay, Steve Muench and Kevin Weidl of Scouts Inc. are tracking all of the action leading up to the Shrine Game and Insiders can follow it here.

There are several ACC players to follow, but Austin will be one of the most-watched players at these practices and with good reason. Despite his past transgressions, it's impossible not to follow along to see how he fares after sitting out the year. To get into these practices and win one-on-one battles against guys who have been training with their teammates all season is impressive. He's a bit rusty, but there's no question he's a phenomenal player.

Some might even call him an all-star.

Lotta action ...

• There's a bit of confusion surrounding Clemson's open offensive coordinator position.
• Boston College offensive coordinator Gary Tranquill has decided to retire, and coach Frank Spaziani is expected to promote from within.
• "Holy mackerel," this future Maryland offensive lineman is big.
• Virginia coach Mike London added a strength coach to his staff.
• Doug Roberson takes a look back and a look ahead at Georgia Tech's defense.
• NC State kicker Chris Hawthorne is transferring to Minnesota.
• Miami hired a wide receivers coach, but the offensive coordinator position remains on hold -- and a big secret.
• Odds are he's coming to Miami from the NFL.
• Is Miami's former interim head coach leaving for Alabama?
• Will Miami's former offensive coordinator, Mark Whipple, be the next head coach at Connecticut?
• UNC defensive lineman Marvin Austin didn't play a snap this season and yet he's an all-star? Puh-lease.
• FSU finished with its highest national ranking since 2004.

Many thought the season was over before it even began, but the Tar Heels proved otherwise, becoming bowl eligible despite a roster decimated by injuries and suspensions from a two-pronged NCAA investigation. North Carolina was ranked No. 18 in the preseason Associated Press bowl, but fell out of contention for the Coastal Division after a total of 14 players were lost for at least one game and seven were out for the entire season. Standout defensive tackle Marvin Austin, a projected first-round draft pick at the time, was dismissed from the team, and an 0-2 start had the situation looking bleak. UNC responded with a four-game winning streak that put it in contention to win the division. The obstacles kept coming, though, as tight end Zack Pianalto, the team’s leading receiver, suffered a season-ending broken fibula, and Johnny White, the team’s leading rusher, was lost with a broken clavicle. The season was highlighted by performances from players who might not otherwise have had the chance, like White, and his backup, Anthony Elzy. One thing UNC could not overcome, though, was NC State, as the Tar Heels lost for the fourth straight time to coach Tom O’Brien.

Offensive MVP: Quarterback T.J. Yates. He was one of the most improved players in the conference this year, and his leadership and poise were major reasons the program didn’t suffer on the field as much as it did off of it. Yates ranks second in the league in passing yards, pass efficiency and total offense. He also led the league with a 67.6 percent completion rate. Yates finished the regular season completing 259 of 383 attempts for 3,184 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Defensive MVP: Defensive tackle Quinton Coples. He is the only defensive tackle in the league in the top 10 in both sacks (8.5) and tackles for losses (14.0). He also ranks fourth on the team with 53 tackles and has 10 quarterback pressures.

Turning point: The 17-13 win at Rutgers on Sept. 25 gave the Tar Heels the confidence they needed to know they could win, and it started a four-game winning streak that essentially ensured the program of its third straight bowl appearance. Heading into the game, UNC was ravaged by suspensions and unsure of itself after an 0-2 start.

What’s next: The Tar Heels will face Tennessee in the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl. It’s the third straight bowl appearance under coach Butch Davis, but his future remains uncertain as the NCAA has yet to impose any sanctions for the university’s academic violations and improper dealings with agents and athletes receiving impermissible benefits. UNC officials so far have voiced their support for Davis.

There are two ACC assistant coaches this year who immediately come to mind as possible candidates for this year's Frank Broyles Award, which is given to the top assistant coach in the country: Florida State defensive coordinator Mark Stoops and North Carolina defensive coordinator Everett Withers.

Stoops was hired to turn around one of the country's worst defenses, which he has done with remarkable speed, and Withers has managed to hold opponents to just under 20 points per game despite missing seven starters heading into the season and losing two of the country's best defensive linemen to NCAA investigations.

NORTH CAROLINA

• UNC is still without the following defensive starters: defensive tackle Marvin Austin (dismissed), defensive end Robert Quinn (permanently ineligible), cornerback Kendric Burney (case still pending) and cornerback Charles Brown (case still pending). The following backups are also still missing: strong safety Jonathan Smith (one year of eligibility remaining), free safety Brian Gupton (one year of eligibility remaining), defensive end Michael McAdoo (case still pending). And yet ...
• UNC is fourth in the country in red zone defense.
• UNC is third in the ACC in pass efficiency defense and No. 22 in the country in pass defense.
• UNC ranks seventh in the country in turnover margin thanks in part to 11 interceptions and five recovered fumbles.

FLORIDA STATE

• FSU was No. 108 in rushing defense last year (204.62 yards per game) and is No. 18 now (104.86).
• No. 94 in scoring defense a year ago (30 points per game) and No. 15 now (16.14)
• No. 108 in total defense (434.62) to No. 22 now (308.14).
• No. 58 in sacks in 2009, No. 1 now.
• The list goes on.

Both are deserving of consideration, but my vote would go to Stoops. The program hasn't been tainted by an NCAA investigation (this year), and the defensive improvement is a major reason why Florida State is still undefeated in league play.

About 10 days before North Carolina kicked off its season opener against LSU in the Georgia Dome, UNC coach Butch Davis told his players that the team they had on Sept. 4 could be the one they finished the season with, so get used to it.

That team was without 13 players, including seven starters on defense.

This team -- the one that is riding a three-game winning streak into Virginia, where it hasn’t won since 1981 -- is missing a total of seven players to the ongoing NCAA investigation.

The Tar Heels have since welcomed back two starters in the secondary in Deunta Williams and Da’Norris Searcy, and have learned that defensive tackle Marvin Austin, defensive end Robert Quinn, and receiver Greg Little are no longer with the team. While the two-pronged NCAA investigation into possible academic misconduct and improper contact with agents continues, there does seem to be a sense of closure now that the Tar Heels are sure they won’t have three of their best players from 2009.

“I think that (athletic director Dick) Baddour on Monday alluded to the fact that as painful as this was, as disappointing as this was, it does move us closer to closure,” Davis said. “A lot of the speculation on a lot of the kids who have been involved in some of this review, a lot of it has already been resolved. Certainly a lot of kids are already back playing, and some, the outcome of whether or not they’re going to play or not play has already been resolved. With these three kids, it does move us considerably closer. I don’t know a particular time frame, but I know Mr. Baddour is optimistic we are getting close to final decisions on all the players who have been affected by this. Hopefully that will happen pretty soon.”

At this point, though, the Tar Heels have managed to live -- and win -- with the players they have. In fact, some of UNC’s backups who have been elevated to starting roles -- like tailback Johnny White -- have proven to be as good if not better than some other starters throughout the rest of the conference. UNC has used 14 first-time starters this year, but at the midpoint of the season, they’re rookies no more.

The loss of Little has been compensate for with the help of tight end Zack Pianalto, White’s ability to catch out of the backfield, and Erik Highsmith and Jheranie Boyd. White has also carried the offense in the absence of running back Ryan Houston. Defensively, the Tar Heels have filled the gaps Austin and Quinn left behind with help from Quinton Coples and Tydreke Powell. Matt Merletti became an impact player at free safety, which featured four new starters against LSU.

“I am very proud the way our coaches and players have fought through the adversity, the way that they’re playing,” Davis said.

He should be. While the investigation isn’t over, either is the season, and North Carolina still has something to play for with the team it has.