ESPN College Football

2009 overall record: 3-9

2009 conference record: 2-6

Returning starters

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

Top returners

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

Key losses

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

2009 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Jackson (461 yards)

Passing: Sewell (1,848 yds)

Receiving: Burd* (413 yds)

Tackles: Greer* (92)

Sacks: Collins (6)

Interceptions: Cook (4)

Spring answers

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

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

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

Fall questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

According to the Daily Progress:

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

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

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

We continue our strong and weak series today with Virginia:

Strongest position: Defensive backs

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

Key departures: CB Chris Cook, S Brandon Woods

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

Weakest position: Running back

Key returnees: Torrey Mack, Dominique Wallace

Key departures: Mikell Simpson, Rashawn Jackson

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

Here's a breakdown of three issues facing each program heading into the spring:

BOSTON COLLEGE

Spring practice starts: March 18

Spring game: April 24

What to watch:

• How linebacker Mark Herzlich progresses. Herzlich, who was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma cancer last May, has been going through winter conditioning with his teammates, and he plans on participating in spring drills. How quickly he regains his form will be worth watching, as he and sophomore Luke Kuechly could give the Eagles one of the most formidable linebacking corps.

• The quarterback battle. After one season, Dave Shinskie has the most experience on the roster, but he’ll get some competition from Josh Bordner and Chase Rettig, two early enrollees. There were times last season when Shinskie looked like the future of the position and there were others when he looked like any other freshman.

• Defensive linemen. For the second straight year, BC is looking for some stability up front. The Eagles have to replace left tackle Austin Giles and defensive end Jim Ramella. They return Kaleb Ramsey, Giles’ backup, and Brad Newman, Ramella’s reserve, but some young faces are likely to be seen in the rotation.

CLEMSON

Spring practice starts: March 7

Spring game: April 10

What to watch:

• Life without C.J. Spiller officially begins. The backs behind him had a pretty good year, so there’s no need for full panic mode. Jamie Harper and Andre Ellington actually combined for a higher yards per carry average (6.1 to 5.6 yards). Clemson will also be looking to replace Spiller’s lost kickoff return yardage. The Tigers had a 13-yard advantage in average starting field position, as their start was their own 37-yard line compared to opponents’ 24-yard line. Ellington is a candidate in the return game.

• Kyle Parker’s batting average. No, really. How well Parker does this spring with the baseball team will help determine whether he remains Clemson’s quarterback or turns to the MLB draft. He didn’t have a great 2009 season, but he was still the fastest player to 25 home runs in school history. It remains to be seen this spring if he’ll become a high enough draft choice to give up college football.

• Secondary shuffling. It seems like eons ago since Crezdon Butler and Chris Chancellor weren’t the Tigers’ starting corners, as Butler started 40 straight games and Chancellor started 42. Butler finished his career second in school history in interception return yards. Now it’s time for a new duo. Will Marcus Gilchrist move to corner, which he’s capable of doing? Might Rashard Hall move to safety with DeAndre McDaniel?

DUKE

Spring practice starts: Feb. 14

Spring game: March 27

What to watch:

• Quarterback competition. Somebody has to take over for the graduated Thaddeus Lewis, but his backup – Sean Renfree – will miss the spring with a torn ACL. Redshirt freshman Sean Schroeder should be heavily in the mix to be the starter, pending Renfree’s recovery.

• Defensive line makeover. It’s wide open. Charlie Hatcher is entrenched at nose guard, but it’s really anyone’s game. The staff might move redshirt senior Wesley Oglesby, who played the majority of his career at defensive end, inside. Other options are defensive tackle Sydney Sarmiento, a redshirt freshman, and Curtis Hazelton, who played sparingly last season.

• Johnny Williams’ move from wide receiver to cornerback. He had 31 catches in 2009 – the fourth-best on the team. Now they need his help in the defensive backfield. Duke will lose starter Leon Wright and his 10 career interceptions, and the pass defense, which allowed 215.75 yards per game, could use a boost.

FLORIDA STATE

Spring practice starts: March 16

Spring game: April 10

What to watch:

• Christian Ponder’s return from shoulder surgery. Ponder is expected to practice this spring, though it could be on a limited basis, at least early. He’s ahead of schedule, but the coaches won’t subject him to any risks now. Yes, E.J. Manuel is talented and played well at the end of the season, but make no mistake – Ponder is FSU’s starter and a potential Heisman Trophy candidate.

• The defense under first-year coordinator Mark Stoops. His secondary, in particular, will be interesting to watch, as will how quickly he can help the front seven generate a pass rush and plug the middle. Stoops has been a secondary coach, and the Noles lost three starters there. The fourth, Ochuko Jenije, could be pushed to retain his job.

• New faces, new opportunities. In addition to the fab freshmen who are coming in, FSU has a handful of unfamiliar players already on the roster who played sparingly or not at all. We'll see how they fit in this spring. RS-So DT Anthony McCloud and RS-So RB Debrale Smiley are both junior college transfers and former teammates. Physically, freshman linebacker Jeff Luc is already a man, but how quickly can he mature on the field? Two young wide receivers worth watching are Rodney Smith and Willie Haulstead.

GEORGIA TECH

Spring practice starts: March 29

Spring game: April 24

What to watch:

• The defensive transformation. The Jackets will switch from the 4-3 to the 3-4 under first-year coordinator Al Groh. In addition to learning the new scheme, the staff has to figure out who goes where. Linebackers might play defensive end and vice versa, safeties might play outside linebacker. It’s anyone’s guess as to how this team lines up in the spring.

• The replacements. From Georgia Tech’s coaching staff to the new faces who will be tasked with filling in for the Fab Four -- Jonathan Dwyer, Derrick Morgan, Morgan Burnett and Demaryius Thomas -- the Jackets will need some “Hello My Name Is” tags this spring.

• The offensive line. Three offensive linemen redshirted who could start, and Georgia Tech might need them to, especially if guard Joseph Gilbert decides to transfer to pursue his MBA. The Jackets lose two starters on the offensive line, and Gilbert, who graduates this spring, would be a third if he leaves. Center Sean Bedford and tackle Austin Barrick return as seniors.

MARYLAND

Spring practice starts: March 23

Spring game: April 24

What to watch:

• The quarterback competition. Chris Turner has graduated, leaving Jamarr Robinson the top option going into the spring, but he has limited experience. The staff liked what he did when Turner was injured, but Danny O’Brien, Miami (Ohio) transfer Clay Belton and C.J. Brown will all be given an opportunity. Look for O’Brien to start the spring at No. 2 on the depth chart.

• Cornerback: Cameron Chism is the only returning starter in the secondary, but right now the staff has fewer concerns about the safeties. Maryland will have to find some bodies at corner, and Dexter McDougle, who redshirted as a true freshman last year, is one option. Michael Carter and Trenton Hughes, who was the third corner last year, are also among a handful of candidates.

• The offensive line. Losing Bruce Campbell to the NFL hurt, but the Terps also lost starter Phil Costa. Justin Gilbert, a redshirt sophomore, could inherit Campbell’s job. And there’s always Mr. Versatility -- Paul Pinegar. He has helped the Terps at both tackle spots and left guard, and this spring he’ll likely be given a shot at center.

MIAMI

Spring practice starts: Feb. 23

Spring game: March 27 (tentative)

What to watch:

• Tight end/offensive line: Jimmy Graham is gone, and the Canes don’t return any tight ends with any experience other than Richard Gordon, who was injured the majority of last season. Miami signed four tight ends in this recruiting class, but none of them were early enrollees. Miami has to replace three starters up front, including both tackles and the center.

• How the two young quarterbacks perform: The health of Jacory Harris was precious last year, as he had nobody behind him with any experience after the transfers of Taylor Cook and Cannon Smith. The depth has improved a bit with A.J. Highsmith, who played sparingly last year, and Stephen Morris, one of the early enrollees.

• Upgrade on the d-line? Progress up front began with the hire of Rick Petri as defensive line coach, and it’s up to Petri to help the Canes become better pass rushers. Miami will depend upon its two mainstays -- Allen Bailey and Josh Holmes. The right end position was a group effort last year, and Miami has to replace Joe Joseph and Eric Moncur.

NORTH CAROLINA

Spring practice starts: March 15

Spring game: April 10

What to watch:

• Quarterback T.J. Yates. It’s his job to lose, and the coaching staff still has confidence in him, but Bryn Renner is waiting in the wings, and Braden Hanson will also be given an opportunity. The staff is looking for the offense to improve its passing efficiency and cut down on turnovers.

• The offensive line. It was a patchwork effort in 2009, thanks to injuries and inexperience, and will be a major key in how much UNC improves offensively this year. The Heels have to replace two starters, and Jonathan Cooper is likely to move from guard to center, and right guard Alan Pelc will miss spring drills while recovering from shoulder surgery.

• Defensive line tweaks. There aren’t many questions on a defense that should be one of the best in the country, but somebody has to replace Cam Thomas and defensive end E.J. Wilson. Tydreke Powell is the frontrunner to take over at defensive tackle and Quinton Coples at defensive end. Both were backups last year at their respective positions.

NC STATE

Spring practice starts: March 9

Spring game: April 17

What to watch:

• Backup quarterback Mike Glennon. Russell Wilson is the starter, but he’s going to be playing baseball all spring. Keep an eye on his backup to see if Glennon can make it any more of a competition in Wilson’s absence.

• Chris Ward at punter. No, it’s not usually, the highlight of the spring, but in this case, it’s necessary. Ward is it -- he’s their only option right now, and it’s a position the Pack struggled with last year. Ward was expected to be the starter last season, but he was inconsistent. He’s definitely got the talent to be the guy.

• The recovery of linebacker Nate Irving. After being severely injured in a one-car crash last summer, Irving is hopeful he can go through spring drills. He has been lifting with the team and running with the sports medicine staff, but it’s still uncertain how limited his contact will be.

VIRGINIA

Spring practice starts: March 15

Spring game: April 10

What to watch:

• Quarterback competition. Marc Verica is the only one with any experience, and first-year offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Bill Lazor hasn’t been in Charlottesville long enough to evaluate any of the candidates. That’s what the spring is for, and true freshman Michael Strauss is the lone incoming quarterback on campus, so he’ll have a head start on the playbook. Of the four quarterbacks Virginia signed in this year’s class, Strauss is the only one listed as a true quarterback. The Cavs also have Ross Metheny, who redshirted last year, and Riko Smalls, who redshirted in ‘08 and was No. 2 on the depth chart when Verica was out with a concussion.

• Coaching transition. First-year coach Mike London has hired almost an entirely new staff, and they’ll bring changes in philosophy and scheme. London has said he wants to get the defense back to the traditional 4-3, and revert to the tradition of featuring the tight ends, offensive linemen and running backs.

• Running back. The Cavs will have the help up front, but they need to replace their four leading rushers in Mikell Simpson, Rashawn Jackson, Vic Hall and Jameel Sewell. The staff will look at true freshman Kevin Parks, but also have Torrey Mack and Dominique Wallace, who had just seemed to be coming on at Southern Miss when he was injured and missed the rest of the season.

VIRGINIA TECH

Spring practice starts: March 31

Spring game: April 24

What to watch:

• Revamped defensive line. The Hokies have to replace three of four starters up front. The only defensive ends with significant playing time are Chris Drager, who the staff wanted to move back to tight end, and Steven Friday. Redshirt freshmen will be given a chance – Duan Perez-Means, Tyrel Wilson, James Gayle and J.R. Collins – but they’ve never played. Isaiah Hamlette is the only other end who’s played and that was a skinny minute. At defensive tackle, Antoine Hopkins will be the frontrunner to replace Cordarrow Thompson.

• Darren Evans’ comeback. Evans, the team’s leading rusher in 2008, is working his way back from a season-ending ACL injury, and one of the biggest questions in Blacksburg is how the staff will divide the carries in such a talented backfield that includes Ryan Williams. With two returning 1,000-yard rushers, will David Wilson decide to redshirt? The spring will help him in that decision.

• The evolution of Tyrod Taylor. He’s going to be a senior, and with so many questions on defense heading into the season, the offense will be leading the way. This should be a breakout year for Taylor, who by now should have mastered the offense and should consistently be a passing threat to compliment his running abilities.

WAKE FOREST

Spring practice starts: March 16

Spring game: April 17

What to watch:

• The quarterback competition. It’s the most glaring hole the Deacs have to fill this spring, as they’re tasked with replacing the winningest quarterback in school history, Riley Skinner, and his backup, Ryan McManus. Redshirt sophomores Ted Stachitas and Skylar Jones, and sophomore Brendan Cross, will compete with rookie Tanner Price for the top spot.

• Offensive line. The Deacs will take a huge hit here, as seven players in the two-deep depth chart were redshirt seniors, including all four tackles. Three starters have to be replaced.

• The interior defensive line. Nose guard Boo Robinson and John Russell have graduated, and Russell’s backup, Michael Lockett, was also a redshirt senior. The Deacs are in good shape at the ends, but will need some help inside.

Here's a look at what the Coastal Division coaches need to address in this year's signing class:

DUKE

Defensive linemen: Redshirt juniors and seniors comprised the bulk of the two-deep depth chart in 2009, and the recent dismissal of backup John Drew plus the graduation of Vince Oghobaase makes it a position of concern. The interior line needs the most help.

Running back: The Blue Devils never quite got their running game going in 2009 and will have to start to make a push at this position to help break in new starting quarterback Sean Renfree. Re’quan Boyette will have to be replaced.

Offensive line: In looking ahead, the Blue Devils will have six redshirt juniors or seniors up front in 2010. While that’s good news for the immediate future, Duke needs to work ahead for what it will lose in 2011.

GEORGIA TECH

Defensive backs: The biggest loss is obviously safety Morgan Burnett to the NFL draft, but the Jackets need to look ahead. Safeties Mario Edwards and Dominique Reese will be redshirt seniors this year, and cornerback Mario Butler will be a senior.

Defensive linemen: For the second year in a row it’s a concern, and thanks in large part to the NFL draft. Derrick Morgan will be missed, but overall this group needs an upgrade.

MIAMI

Offensive line: Three starters will have to be replaced, including the Canes’ top veteran, Jason Fox. Both guard positions are also short-timers, as Orlando Franklin and Joel Figueroa will both be seniors this fall.

Linebacker: Darryl Sharpton is the lone senior departing, but this unit could use more depth. It’s been a problem since Randy Shannon took over. And while the staff has made progress, injuries have continuously depleted the group.

Secondary: The Canes will have to replace Chavez Grant and Randy Phillips, and DeMarcus VanDyke will be a senior. Miami improved its interceptions in 2009, but not by much, ranking No. 87 in the country with nine. Of course, it helps to get pressure up front to force quarterbacks into those mistakes.

NORTH CAROLINA

Offensive line: This is where the Tar Heels’ offensive improvement needs to start, and it didn’t help that this year’s unit was battered and bruised most of the season. Two starters will have to be replaced this year and five more of the top players in the rotation will be seniors in 2010.

Linebacker: UNC needs to reload at this position, and it's taking the right steps in that direction with this class. Although Quan Sturdivant and Bruce Carter elected to return, it’s only a matter of time before the talented seniors have to be replaced.

VIRGINIA

Quarterback: The Cavs have a lot of questions about this position heading into 2010 and beyond. The good news is that Michael Strauss has already enrolled this semester, so he’ll get an early start with spring ball.

Playmakers: Vague, yes, but it’s exactly what this program needs. Part of the reason Gregg Brandon’s spread offense didn’t work was because he didn’t have the personnel to execute it. Virginia will lose its most versatile player in Vic Hall, will have to replace fullback Rashawn Jackson, and needs more than just Mikell Simpson.

VIRGINIA TECH

Linemen: The Hokies will need help on both sides of the ball, particularly interior defensive linemen. Six of the eight players on the 2009 two-deep defensive line were either juniors or seniors. Starters Ed Wang and Sergio Render will have to be replaced on the offensive line this year.

Defensive backs: This unit will be hit hard with departures in the next two seasons, as starters Kam Chancellor and Stephan Virgil have to be replaced in 2010, and Rashad Carmichael and Davon Morgan will be seniors.

Quarterback. With Tyrod Taylor being a senior next year, the staff will have to look ahead. There’s a lot of inexperience and question marks behind him. The one thing they don’t need in Blacksburg? Running backs.

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

BOSTON COLLEGE

OUT FOR SEASON

LB Mark Herzlich (illness)

FOR MARYLAND GAME

RB Rolandan Finch (illness) – DOUBTFUL

LS Jack Geiser (foot) – DOUBTFUL

OG Thomas Claiborne (leg) – QUESTIONABLE

DE Alex Albright (ankle) – QUESTIONABLE

DT Kaleb Ramsey (ankle) – QUESTIONABLE

CLEMSON

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

DUKE

QB Thaddeus Lewis (leg) -- Probable

RB Re'quan Boyette (leg) -- Questionable

DT Vince Oghobaase (leg) -- Questionable

WR Johnny Williams (knee) -- Questionable

RB Kyle Griswould (leg) -- OUT FOR SEASON

OG Mitchell Lederman (foot) -- OUT FOR SEASON

QB Sean Renfree (knee) -- OUT FOR SEASON

WR Tyree Watkins (leg) -- OUT FOR SEASON

S Anthony Young-Wiseman (knee) -- OUT FOR SEASON

FLORIDA STATE

Out

76 OT Garrett Faircloth (hip)

70 OT Antwane Greenlee (knee)

51 LB Aaron Gresham (knee)

44 LB Maurice Harris (neck)*

62 OG Rodney Hudson (knee)

97 DT Demonte McAllister (knee)

81 TE Caz Piurowski (knee)*

7 QB Christian Ponder (shoulder)*

74 OT John Prior (knee)

27 CB Xavier Rhodes (thumb)

11 LB Vince Williams (back)

Questionable

9 WR Richard Goodman (groin)

30 ROV Jajuan Harley (hamstring)

Probable

94 DT Justin Mincey (knee)

* - out for the season

GEORGIA TECH

Out

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

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

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

Probable

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

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

Anthony Barnes, r-Jr., LB

Out For Season

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

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

Cooper Taylor, So., S (undisclosed)

MIAMI

Probable

RB Lee Chambers – Lower Extremity

WR Thearon Collier – Lower Extremity

DB Sam Shields – Lower Extremity

Doubtful

OL Jason Fox – Illness

Out

FB Patrick Hill – Lower Extremity

Surgery and Out for the Season

DL Dyron Dye – Lower Extremity

DL Marcus Forston – Lower Extremity

LB Jordan Futch – Lower Extremity

TE Richard Gordon – Upper Extremity

LB Shayon Green – Lower Extremity

DE Gavin Hardin – Upper Extremity

DB Ryan Hill – Upper Extremity

DB JoJo Nicolas – Upper Extremity

DE Adewale Ojomo – Jaw

NC STATE

OUT

Audi Augustin, DE - elbow

Mike Glennon, QB - clavicle

DeAndre Morgan, CB - concussion

OUT FOR SEASON

Mario Carter, TE - knee

Ryan Cheek, LB - hip

Denzelle Good, OL – shoulder

T.J. Graham, WR – stress fracture/leg

Steven Howard, WR - knee

Nate Irving, LB - leg

Colby Jackson, FB – knee

R.J. Mattes, OG - knee

Everett Proctor, QB – shoulder

Jeff Rieskamp, DE – sports hernia

Rashard Smith, CB - knee

Javon Walker, S – knee

James Washington, HB - knee

NORTH CAROLINA

Out

Joshua Adams WR Shoulder

AJ Blue RB/QB Knee

Curtis Campbell DB Wrist

David Collins OL Foot

Shaun Draughn TB Shoulder

Carl Gaskins OT Knee

Matt Merletti S Knee

Trevor Stuart DS Knee

Ryan Taylor TE Knee

Jamal Womble RB Wrist

Questionable

Anthony Elzy RB Ankle

Devon Ramsay FB Ankle

Gene Robinson CB Back

VIRGINIA

Out

Isaac Cain (foot)

Raynard Horne (back)

Torrey Mack (ankle)

Doubtful

Darren Childs (ankle)

Questionable

Jared Green (shoulder)

Mikell Simpson (leg)

Probable

Daniel Childress (ankle)

Matt Conrath (ankle)

Connor McCartin (shoulder)

Jameel Sewell (shoulder)

Patrick Slebonick (leg)

VIRGINIA TECH

Probable:

Beau Warren (knee)

Ed Wang (knee)

CLEMSON, S.C. -- I'm looking at Virginia tailback Mikell Simpson on the sideline and he's got some sort of orange protective wrap around his shin and ankle and an ice bag wrapped around his leg. My apologies to Al Groh for the previous post. Looks like Simpson's absence isn't by choice. No word up here in the press box as to what the injury is or how severe it might be.

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

CLEMSON, S.C. -- A few quick hits from halftime here in Death Valley.

Turning point: When Boston College lost to North Carolina. It anointed Clemson the Atlantic Division champs without the Tigers having to even set foot on the field. No? Ok, ok. How about when Virginia tailback Mikell Simpson fumbled at his own 24-yard line on a first down. It was the second lost fumble of the game, but this time, Clemson was able to do something with it. Three plays later, quarterback Kyle Parker found Jacoby Ford in the end zone for a 24-yard touchdown and a 24-14 lead heading into halftime.

Stat of the half: 14 carries for 84 yards. That’s what Virginia tailback Mikell Simpson has done so far. Why is that impressive? Because he didn’t even play last week against Boston College, a “coach’s decision.” Simpson also has two catches for 43 yards, including a touchdown as the clock expired. Not a bad day for a guy who didn’t even play last week.

Best player in the half: Clemson quarterback Kyle Parker. He started the game a perfect 10-for-10 for over 100 yards, and he’s kept his poise and the offense moving. He has completed 11 of 15 passes for 152 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He has had great patience and vision to match his arm strength.

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

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

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- A quick look at the first half:

Stat of the half: 35. That's how many rushing yards the Cavaliers have so far in this game. Mikell Simpson entered the game averaging 49.4. He's got 4 so far.

What Virginia needs to do: Run the ball. Simpson is back. Use him. The passing game has been struggling, in part because quarterback Jameel Sewell is off, in part because there have been some drops, and also because Georgia Tech's defense is playing well. If they can get their offense going and continue to limit the big plays, the Cavaliers could pull this off.

What Georgia Tech needs to do: Continue to control the clock and stop the run, and eliminate turnovers. The Yellow Jackets have played well enough to win in the first half, despite the respectable defense Virginia has played, but they need to get better on third downs as they've only converted 2 of 8 so far. They're wearing out Virginia's defense by keeping them on the field.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- Maybe it's a sign of change, but former Georgia Tech coach Bobby Ross is in attendance today. Yes, the same Bobby Ross who won the national title in 1990, which also happens to be the last time Georgia Tech won here in Scott Stadium.

Will the streak stop today?

If Georgia Tech wins, they take the lead in the Coastal Division, and that's what's on the line here. Here's a scenario for you, though: If Virginia, Clemson and Duke win today, and Virginia Tech would somehow lose on Thursday night, Virginia and Duke would be playing for the Coastal lead next weekend. Unlikely, but possible.

Georgia Tech defensive end Anthony Egbuniwe is back in the lineup for the first time in two weeks after an undisclosed illness, and it's possible Rashaad Reid might start over Dominique Reese. There's no question Virginia quarterback Jameel Sewell will be starting as will Mikell Simpson. The only question in their lineup is how the defensive end position shakes out without Matt Conrath.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- Hello from Scott Stadium, where it's a dreary, humid day and the rain just started to come down steadily. Maybe it's the weather that's keeping folks away, but there was a bigger line at Bodo's Bagel Bakery this morning than there was to get parking. If it continues to rain during the game, it would be the first time it's rained during a game in Scott Stadium since the 2002 game against NC State. The forecast is calling for a tenth to a quarter of an inch of rain during the game.

Here's what really matters on the field, though: Virginia will be missing defensive end Matt Conrath, arguably the top defender, against one of the most difficult offenses to defend. Conrath is out with an ankle injury. Filling in for him will be Zane Parr, who has been used mostly in dime and pass-rush situations this year, and Will Hill, a true freshman who enrolled in January.

The good news for the Cavs is that standout running back Mikell Simpson will be back in the lineup after sustaining a neck injury two weeks ago. He was held out of the Maryland game last week for precautionary reasons, but practiced all week. Because of the weather, turnovers and running the ball will be key. Having Simpson back will help even the ground game out, but the defense will have to be disciplined and play harder without Conrath if an upset is to occur today.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

The critics have gotten a little quieter in Tally, if only for a week.

• What should have been a celebration for the Tar Heels ended in a cloud of disappointment, and UNC's hopes for the season might already be lost.
• Here's the good and the bad from the FSU sideline.
• The number of Florida recruits flowing into the ACC has dropped 30 percent over the past decade, according to a report by Travis Sawchik.
• Tony Barnhart says that if Georgia Tech quarterback Josh Nesbitt continues to play like he has, the Jackets can't lose this weekend. He also has a few other picks for you. According to Barnhart, the ACC is the third best conference in all the land.
• There will be an awe factor that has to be tackled on Saturday when BC quarterback Dave Shinskie visits Notre Dame.
• The bad news for Virginia? Defensive end Matt Conrath is out with an ankle sprain. The good news? The Cavs should have 'Juice' back against the Jackets.
• It will be an emotional game for Clemson cornerback Chris Chancellor, who will bury and honor one of his closest friends this weekend in addition to facing Miami.
• Maryland hasn't played Duke since 2004. It seems like eons ago -- long enough for Duke to get good enough to beat the Terps.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Even without injured running back Mikell Simpson, Virginia was able to scrape up more offense than the Terps and left College Park with a 20-9 win Saturday.

The difference?

Virginia was able to score touchdowns and the Terps were giving the ball away again like Halloween candy.

Maryland quarterback Chris Turner threw two interceptions, and the turnover-prone Terps hurt themselves again with four turnovers. They don't even give themselves a chance to win when they do that, and it's been their story all season.

Meanwhile, Virginia Tech is keeping things interesting for the Coastal Division, especially considering Georgia Tech is leading the Hokies 7-3 at the half right now.