ESPN College Football

There were some amazing highlights from ACC players in 2011, but I've got 10 for you to rank as the most memorable:

1. Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas vs. Miami: Thomas ran 19 yards for a touchdown on fourth-and-1 with 56 seconds to play, leading the Hokies to a thrilling 38-35 win against Miami. Thomas completed 23-of-25 passes for 310 yards with three touchdown passes and ran for two scores. His only two incompletions were a short pass that David Wilson dropped, and a ball that he threw away after picking up a bungled snap.

2. Georgia Tech running back Orwin Smith vs. Kansas: The first time Smith touched the ball -- on Tech’s first offensive play of the game -- he sprinted 95 yards for a touchdown, the longest rushing attempt in Georgia Tech history. Smith finished the game with 157 yards rushing and 108 yards receiving -- the first player in Yellow Jackets history to rush and receive for at least 100 yards in the same game. He was the first ACC player to accomplish that feat since Thomas Jones of Virginia in 1999.

3. Maryland defensive tackle Joe Vellano vs. Georgia Tech: He had 20 tackles against the Jackets, the most in a game by a defensive lineman in the FBS last season. “I told him after the game that was as good as anybody has played against one of my teams,” Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson said after the Oct. 8 game, according to the Washington Post. “Vellano may be the best [defensive] player we have faced in my four years at Georgia Tech.”

4. BC linebacker Luke Kuechly vs. NC State. Kuechly recorded a game-high 18 tackles, including nine during a 13-minute stretch of the fourth quarter of a 14-10 win against NC State. He missed a few plays after suffering a bruised right elbow early in the third quarter. Kuechly extended his nation-best streak to 32 games with double-digit tackles, and in the third quarter became the fifth player in ACC history to reach 500 tackles in his career.

5. Clemson defensive end Andre Branch vs. Virginia Tech: He finished with four sacks and six total tackles for loss in the 23-3 win against a top-10 Virginia Tech team. Branch tied the school record for both sacks and tackles for loss in a game.

6. Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd vs. Auburn: He completed 30-of-42 passes for 386 yards and four touchdowns in a win that ended Auburn’s winning streak at 17 games and was Clemson's first win against Auburn in 60 years.

7. Miami running back Lamar Miller vs. Ohio State. He rushed for 184 yards on 26 carries in the Hurricanes’ 24-7 win against the Buckeyes.

8. Georgia Tech defensive back Jemea Thomas vs. Clemson: Making his first career start, Thomas made the first two interceptions of his career, both coming in the fourth quarter, to preserve a key Yellow Jackets victory against the eventual ACC champion. Thomas also forced a fumble, had a tackle for loss and recorded five tackles.

9. NC State cornerback David Amerson vs. Louisville in the Belk Bowl: He finished with two interceptions, including one he returned 65 yards for a touchdown in a 31-24 win against Louisville in the Belk Bowl. His first pick set the ACC record for interceptions in a season, and he finished the season with 13. It was the second-most interceptions in a single season in FBS history.

10 (three-way tie). There were three players who had a field day against a banged up, rookie-laden Maryland defense:

• Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins vs. Maryland: He accounted for 345 total yards and three touchdowns, helping Clemson climb out of an 18-point hole and beat the Terps 56-45.
• Boston College running back Rolandan Finch vs. Maryland: He had 243 yards rushing on 39 carries and two touchdowns in leading BC to a 28-17 win in the snow at Maryland. He was the Eagles' offense in their first ACC win of the season.
• Wake Forest receiver Chris Givens vs. Maryland: He had eight catches for 191 yards and a touchdown in a 31-10 win against Maryland.

Your turn.

What am I missing? Feel free to drop me a note in the mailbag with your nominations and votes for the top individual performances of 2011. If five plays get enough support, I'll do a separate post and we can vote on the No. 1 overall individual performance of 2011. Feel free to weigh in and I'll get back to it on Monday. What was the best play of the season?

GEORGIA TECH YELLOW JACKETS

Record: 8-4, 5-3 ACC

Overview: Georgia Tech was one of the ACC’s biggest surprises in the first half of the season, as the Jackets zipped off to a 6-0 start for the first time since 1966 and looked like one of the top teams in the country. It was a quick, impressive turnaround after a 6-7 finish in 2010, as Georgia Tech was ranked No. 13 in the country and bowl eligible by Oct. 8. The Yellow Jackets averaged almost 52 points in their first five wins and Paul Johnson’s offense seemed unstoppable under quarterback Tevin Washington, who had an inconsistent offseason. It looked like Georgia Tech and Clemson were headed for a battle of unbeatens, but the Yellow Jackets were tripped up in back-to-back road losses to Virginia and Miami. Georgia Tech couldn’t put back-to-back wins together again, and lost four of its last six games, including to rival Georgia.

Georgia Tech had the No. 3 rushing offense in the country, but it wasn’t enough to get back into the ACC race. Despite Washington’s success in the passing game early, the Yellow Jackets weren’t as productive as they needed to be down the stretch, and the triple option stuttered against Virginia and Miami. The defense was also average in the second season under coordinator Al Groh, and it allowed at least 30 points in each of its last two losses. Statistically, though, the defense improved its national ranking in every category.

The Yellow Jackets were able to derail Clemson’s perfect season, though, with a 31-17 upset of the then-ranked No. 5 Tigers. With only 10 scholarship seniors on the roster, it was a young team and that showed at times. Georgia Tech had 18 turnovers that resulted in 52 points for opponents, but the Jackets actually scored more (56 points) off their opponents’ mistakes. Georgia Tech was picked by the media to finish fourth in the Coastal Division this year, but the Jackets tied Virginia for a second-place finish.

Offensive MVP: RB Orwin Smith. He averages 10.3 yards per carry and 23.5 yards per reception. Smith has 11 rushing touchdowns on just 60 carries. He has more than 1,200 all-purpose yards. Against Kansas, he broke a school-record with the longest rush from scrimmage (95 yards) and he rushed and received for more than 100 yards.

Defensive MVP: LB Julian Burnett. His 113 tackles this season rank fifth in the ACC, 32nd nationally and he has 44 more tackles than any of his teammates. Burnett has produced five double-digit tackle games, he leads the team in tackles for loss (9.5) and he has forced and recovered fumbles.

Turning point: The road losses to Virginia and Miami. Georgia Tech wasn’t out of the Coastal Division race until it lost to Virginia Tech, but these back-to-back losses brought Georgia Tech’s momentum to a screeching halt. Georgia Tech combined for six turnovers in those two games, and the offense was stifled.

What’s next: Georgia Tech will face Utah in the Hyundai Sun Bowl and will try to snap a six-game losing streak in bowl games. The Jackets will face the No. 7 rushing defense in the country, and once again, arguments will surface about whether Johnson’s offense is less effective when opponents have more than a week to prepare for it.

It's not much of a surprise that Georgia Tech got off to a slow start at Wallace Wade, as it's a tough place for teams to get excited to play in because of the lack of a crowd. Georgia Tech has also been eliminated from the Coastal Division race already, and they played like it early on.

The Yellow Jackets and had a few three and outs, but they have since gotten into a bit of a rhythm and have taken advantage of some mismatches with their receivers. Duke's defense has allowed two too many big plays, particularly in the passing game, but Georgia Tech's offense has been a group effort. Receiver Stephen Hill had one catch for 56 yards, and Embry Peeples had one catch for 46 yards.

Even with Orwin Smith sidelined with an injury for this game, the Yellow Jackets have found plenty of other options. Both teams have struggled on third downs, and Duke could do a better job protecting quarterback Sean Renfree. Georgia Tech's defense, though, could also use some adjustments in the second half. Duke's running game has improved recently, and they're gaining about six yards per carry on Georgia Tech. There's no reason for Georgia Tech to squander this lead, but there's also no sign of Duke letting up in the second half.

Here are this week's injury reports from the schools that released them:

CLEMSON

Out


DE Joe Gore (knee)
LB Tony Steward (knee)
OT Philip Price (knee)

Questionable


WR Sammy Watkins (shoulder)

Probable


CB Darius Robinson (hamstring)

DUKE

Probable

WR Brandon Braxton (upper body)
OT Takoby Cofield (upper body)
CB Zach Greene (leg)
WR Conner Vernon (leg)

Questionable

LB Kelby Brown (leg)
WR Jamison Crowder (leg)
WR Tyree Watkins (leg)

Doubtful

DE Justin Foxx (leg)
LB C.J. France (upper body)
LB Kevin Rojas (lower body)
CB Johnny Williams (upper body)

Out

S Lee Butler (leg)
QB Brandon Connette (upper body)
DE Jordan DeWalt-Ondijo (leg)
C Brian Moore (upper body)

Out for season

DE Kenny Anunike (leg)
TE Jack Farrell (leg)
OT Kyle Hill (shoulder)

FLORIDA STATE

Out

Willie Haulstead (head)
Henry Orelus (head)
Darious Cummings (hand)
Andrew Datko (shoulder)
Moses McCray (knee)

Out for season

Jacobbi McDaniel (ankle)
Chris Thompson (back)

GEORGIA TECH

Out

LB Morgan Carter
AB Orwin Smith

Out for season

S Fred Holton
DL Jimmie Kitchen
S Lance Richardson

MARYLAND

Out for season

WR Tyrek Cheeseboro
DB Makinton Dorleant
OL Andrew Gonnella
DB Avery Graham
LB Garrett Lederman
QB Danny O'Brien
DB Matt Robinson
DL Isaiah Ross
TE Dave Stinebaugh
LB Kenny Tate

Out

LB Alex Twine

Doubtful

OL Bennett Fulper

Probable

OL Max Garcia
RB Justus Pickett
RB Jeremiah Wilson

MIAMI

Probable

Marcus Robinson (upper extremity)

Out

Luther Robinson (lower extremity)
Rashawn Scott (upper extremity)
Jordan Futch (upper extremity)
Lee Chambers (upper extremity)
Davon Johnson (lower extremity)

Surgery/Out for season

Blake Ayles (upper extremity)
Ramon Buchanan (lower extremity)
Marcus Forston (lower extremity)
Erik Lichter (upper extremity)
Corey White (lower extremity)

NC STATE

Out for season

CB Jarvis Byrd, (knee)
FB Taylor Gentry (foot)
LB D.J. Green (foot)
HB Mustafa Greene (foot)
LB Sterling Lucas (knee)
DE Jeff Rieskamp (shoulder)

Questionable


DT Markus Kuhn (abdomen)

VIRGINIA

Out

Pablo Alvarez (upper extremity)
David Marrs (lower extremity)
Charlie Richards (upper extremity)
E.J. Scott (medical)
Bobby Smith (lower extremity)
Tyler Smith (lower extremity)
Matt Snyder (lower extremity)
Michael Terrell (lower extremity)
Joseph Williams (lower extremity)

Questionable


Kyle McCartin (upper extremity)

Probable


Rodney McLeod (lower extremity)
Kevin Parks (lower extremity)
Colter Phillips (lower extremity)

WAKE FOREST

QUESTIONABLE

RB Josh Harris (hamstring)

OUT

DT John Gallagher (back)

OUT FOR THE YEAR

OT Dylan Heartsil (back)
CB Dominique Tate (knee)
LB Kyle Jarrett (hip)
WR Airyn Willis (shoulder)

You'll notice a trend here. These performances all came against ACC opponents or on the road against tough competition. Or in Clemson's case, both. Here are your top performers for Week 5:

Clemson defensive end Andre Branch: The native of Richmond, Va., tied his career-high with 11 tackles, had a career-high three sacks and a career-high five tackles for loss in the Tigers’ 23-3 upset win of the Hokies. His tackle for loss total is tied for the second-best in Clemson history for a single game, and his five tackles for loss were the most ever by a Clemson player in a road game.

Georgia Tech A-back Orwin Smith: He ran for three touchdowns in the Jackets’ 45-35 win over NC State and got 74 yards out of nine carries. He has now passed 900 career rushing yards, and became the first Georgia Tech player to rush for three touchdowns in a game since Anthony Allen on Oct. 9, 2010 against Virginia.

UNC quarterback Bryn Renner: He threw four touchdown passes and no interceptions on the road in the Tar Heels’ 35-20 win at East Carolina. He completed 13 of 20 passes for 230 yards. He also had a 75-yard touchdown pass to receive Erik Highsmith.

Duke running back Juwan Thompson: The Blue Devils’ passing game gets all of the credit and deservedly so -- they had two 100-yard receivers in the 31-27 win over FIU, but it was Thompson’s two fourth-quarter touchdowns that helped Duke to a come-from-behind win. Duke’s running game continues to struggle, but the Blue Devils got what they needed on the ground when they needed it most against FIU.

Wake Forest quarterback Tanner Price: His arm was the difference in the Deacs’ 27-19 road win against Boston College on Saturday. He threw a 47-yard touchdown pass to Chris Givens on the first possession of the second half and finished with 252 yards, one touchdown and one interception on 19 of 29 completions.

Georgia Tech A-back Orwin Smith insists that he does not look at the statistics.

“Right now I couldn’t tell you how many yards, how many carries, how many touchdowns I have,” he said. “I just play hard and try not to look at those things.”

Just for the record, Smith is averaging an unfathomable 22.5 yards per carry. He has scored touchdowns on four of his 12 carries.

Smith might not be keeping track, but North Carolina certainly is.

The Tar Heels’ defense will have to play smart and disciplined in order to even have a chance at slowing Smith and the Yellow Jackets on Saturday when the two teams meet in Atlanta for a critical Coastal Division game. Georgia Tech is off to a 3-0 start for the first time since 2005, and the unstoppable offense is a major reason why. The Jackets’ offensive numbers have been impossible to ignore:

• Georgia Tech broke an NCAA record for rushing yards per attempt (12.1), broke an ACC record for net rushing yards (604) and broke a school record for total offense (768) in Saturday’s 66-24 win over visiting Kansas.
• Georgia Tech leads the nation in scoring offense (59.3), total offense (675.3) and rushing offense (427.7).
• The Jackets have scored at least five rushing touchdowns in every game.
• Tech has had a 100-yard receiver in every game.
• Quarterback Tevin Washington leads the ACC in passing efficiency (334.3). He would lead the nation in that category, but does not have enough attempts to qualify.

And that's just a sampling.

North Carolina interim coach Everett Withers knows Georgia Tech will get its yards. He said he is not shocked by the fact the Jackets are averaging almost 700 yards per game.

“I get shocked at the five passes over 50 yards,” Withers said. “The run game doesn't shock me. I look at what they're doing. ... They have three guys that have 200 yards-plus rushing, averaging 12.1 a carry, which is an NCAA record. You look at what they're doing on offense. I don't worry so much about the yards when you play Georgia Tech. You worry about how they're scoring, are they scoring touchdowns or kicking field goals. I really throw out the yards because they're going to get their yards.”

The most important task for UNC’s defense, Withers said, will be to limit the big plays. There is a myth surrounding Georgia Tech’s offense, that it is a grind-it-out, eat-up-the-clock system. The Jackets can and will do that, but they’re also capable of being explosive. So far this season, Georgia Tech has had six one-play touchdown drives. They’ve scored on their first offensive play in all three games.

“We have to make them go the long way,” Withers said. “If we can make them take bits and pieces, not give up chunks ... They throw the ball better than they've thrown it since I've been here. You can't give up big plays in the passing game, big chunks in the run game. If you can make them go the long, hard way. At the end of drives if they're kicking field goals instead of kicking extra points, you probably had a successful day.”

Georgia Tech has four pass plays of 70-plus yards this season -- that’s more than any other conference has produced. The Yellow Jackets have produced 27 plays of at least 20 yards this season and have allowed opponents just seven plays of 20-plus yards.

Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson said it shouldn’t come as a huge surprise.

“I don't think that it should be that much of an eye-opener,” Johnson said. “We had a bad year a year ago, but historically we have been in the top 10 or top 15 in passing efficiency every, either at Navy or here at Tech. Last year we struggled and was way down. I think the kids have done a great job being committed to working on it in the offseason. And to this point, we have hit a lot of big plays, which when you hit a lot of big plays for touchdowns and you don't throw it very much, your efficiency rating is going to go off the chart.

“We have completed a higher percentage, and for the most part this year when we have had guys open deep, we have been able to hit them; where last year either we get sacked or throw it over their head or drop it or whatever. So that part of it, the execution part has been a little better.”

The biggest question is whether Georgia Tech can keep it up in conference play. For all of the awe surrounding Georgia Tech’s offense this season, North Carolina’s rushing defense is No. 16 in the nation, allowing fewer than 77 yards rushing per contest.

This past summer, North Carolina spent about five minutes of each practice preparing for the spread-option offense. Linebacker Kevin Reddick said it helped, and UNC is ready for it.

“I feel like this is one of the harder offenses we’ll face this year,” he said. “I feel like we’re ready. The intensity in practice is way up. Just knowing what we have ahead of us, the guys already know what type of game it’s going to be, so we’re up for the challenge and ready to roll.”

According to the poll, you guys want to see Notre Dame and Penn State join the ACC next.

• NC State linebacker Terrell Manning will miss three weeks with a knee injury.
• North Carolina released more documents pertaining to the NCAA investigation.
• Despite UNC's self-imposed sanctions, the Tar Heels have kept their focus on the field.
• FSU quarterback EJ Manuel might return to practice today.
• Miami safety JoJo Nicolas has emerged as a team leader despite overwhelming personal pain.
• Get to know Georgia Tech A-back Orwin Smith.
• Maryland coach Randy Edsall has a plan for his suspended receivers, but he's not revealing it.
• Former tight end Kenny Anunike has grown comfortable and effective as Duke's defensive end.
• His four sacks in three games has made headlines.
• The recruiting trends of FSU and Clemson indicate they could become familiar front-runners for the Atlantic Division.
• Virginia Tech running back David Wilson has become more well-rounded since the last time he ran all over Marshall.
• Virginia Tech AD Jim Weaver has a plan for new divisions and would like to see 10 conference games.
• There's lots to consider regarding realignment if the ACC goes to 16 teams.
• Virginia's true freshmen are settling in and learning how to win and lose.
• For what it's worth, Joe Paterno likes ACC expansion.

Let's try this again, shall we?

• Hmm, on second thought, that Virginia Tech-Alabama matchup in 2013 might not be such a great idea for the Hokies.
• Duke, yes Duke, has recruited the best tight end in the state.
• There are no NCAA issues for UNC's Quinton Coples. That's very, very good news for the Tar Heels.
• Georgia Tech's Orwin Smith says the attitude really is better this year.
• The chance to play football at Maryland was a dream come true for recruit Joe Riddle.
• Don't blame former NC State quarterback Russell Wilson for wanting to continue his collegiate football career.
• Sean Spence got some love and Miami got two more recruits.
• FSU coach Jimbo Fisher will be grand marshal of the Coke Zero 400.

In case you missed these yesterday due to our technical difficulties ...

Sad news for the ACC.

• The writers at ACC Sports Journal wonder how UNC coach Butch Davis has survived the NCAA investigation.
• There is a new voice of North Carolina football (on the radio, anyway).
• So long, Russell Wilson, and good luck.
• Move over, ECU, Bama's comin' through.
• Make no mistake. Virginia Tech starting receiver Danny Coale is serious about punting.
• Maryland coach Randy Edsall wants to line up Penn State? Really?

The ACC position rankings continue today with the running backs.

1. Montel Harris, Boston College: Until proven otherwise, this record-setter is tops in the ACC. He’s currently the league’s most accomplished back, and has topped the 100-yard mark 21 times.

2. David Wilson, Virginia Tech: He was the team’s third-leading rusher a year ago with 619 yards and 5.5 yards per carry. Now he’s got the spotlight to himself, and has a chance to become an All-American in both track and football.

3. Lamar Miller, Miami: He had one of the best spring games in the conference, and averaged six yards per carry last year with only 108 carries for 646 yards and six touchdowns. He also had 11 catches for 96 yards.

4. Chris Thompson, Florida State: He led FSU with 845 yards and 6.3 yards per carry last year. He also had 19 catches for 155 yards.

5. Andre Ellington, Clemson: He could break 1,000 yards if he stays healthy, but a nagging toe injury has kept him from reaching his potential. He ran for 686 yards, (5.8 ypc), and 10 touchdowns in less than nine full games.

6. Josh Harris, Wake Forest: He ranked fifth in the ACC last year with 65.5 yard per game and finished with 720 yards on 126 carries and seven touchdowns. He made a name for himself with 241 rushing yards against ACC champ Virginia Tech.

7. Davin Meggett, Maryland: He was the Terps’ leading rusher with 720 yards, 5.7 yards per carry, and four touchdowns. He also has 29 career pass receptions for 313 yards and a touchdown.

8. Mustafa Greene, NC State: He led the team in rushing as a freshman with 597 yards and four touchdowns. He also had 30 catches for 272 yards.

9. Ryan Houston, North Carolina: He has broken out of the mold of the Tar Heels’ short-yardage back and is ready to be the every-down guy. Houston sat out last year because of a suspension, but he led UNC in rushing in 2009 with 713 yards and nine touchdowns.

10. Orwin Smith, Georgia Tech: He's an A-back, which is more of a slot back, but he was Tech's third-leading rusher last year with 516 yards and 9.7 yards per carry with four touchdowns. He was also the second-leading receiver on the team with 12 catches for 195 yards and a 16.2 yards-per-play average.

Is Montel Harris underrated? Yes, but at least you know who he is. How about Josh Harris?

This morning we looked at the ACC’s underrated defensive players. You know what’s next. These offensive players have already proven capable of game-changing plays, but they have yet to earn first-team all-conference honors. That could change this fall if they continue to build upon their success. Here’s a look at the ACC’s top five underrated offensive players:

Kris Burd, WR, Virginia: He finished fifth in the ACC in pass receptions (58) and seventh in reception yardage (815). Burd also led UVA in 2009 with 31 catches for 413 yards (13.3) and one touchdown. He has 96 career receptions for 1,277 yards and a 13.3 average.

Danny Coale, WR, Virginia Tech: It’s hard to believe this guy is underrated, considering he had six catches for 143 yards in the 2010 ACC title game, but Coale wasn’t even an honorable mention last season. Coale is clutch, having averaged 18.8 yards per catch last season with 39 catches for 732 yards and three touchdowns. He enters his senior year with 105 career receptions for 1,754 yards and five touchdowns. His career per-catch average of 16.7 ranks fifth among all ACC returning receivers with 30 or more catches.

Mustafa Greene, RB, NC State: He led the team in rushing as a freshman with 597 yards, a 4.5 avg. and four touchdowns. He also had 30 catches for 272 yards, and 9.1 avg., and two more touchdowns. He totaled 869 yards in rushing and receiving.

Josh Harris, RB, Wake Forest: He ranked fifth in the ACC in rushing in 2010, averaging 65.5 yards per game. He totaled 720 yards on 126 carries, a 5.7 per-carry average, and seven touchdowns. He ran for 241 yards against Virginia Tech -- the fifth-highest rushing total by an ACC freshman -- on just 20 carries, including an 87-yard touchdown run.

Orwin Smith, A-back, Georgia Tech: In his first season as a starter at A-back, Smith was Tech’s third-leading rusher with 516 yards and an impressive average of 9.7 yards per play with four touchdowns. He had a 73-yard scoring run against North Carolina, and was also the second-leading receiver on the team with 12 catches for 195 yards and a 16.2 per-play average.

GEORGIA TECH

2010 overall record: 6-7

2010 conference record: 4-4

Returning starters

Offense: 6, defense 5

Top returners

WR Stephen Hill, AB Roddy Jones, AB Orwin Smith, G Omoregie Uzzi, DE Jason Peters, DT Logan Walls, OLB Steven Sylvester, ILB Julian Burnett, OG Will Jackson, DE Izaan Cross

Key losses

QB Joshua Nesbitt, RB Anthony Allen, C Sean Bedford, CB Dominique Reese, CB Mario Butler, ILB Brad Jefferson, S Jerrard Tarrant, PK Scott Blair

2011 Schedule

Sept. 1 Western Carolina

Sept. 10 at Middle Tennessee

Sept. 17 Kansas

Sept. 24 North Carolina

Oct. 1 at NC State

Oct. 8 Maryland

Oct. 15 at Virginia

Oct. 22 at Miami

Oct. 29 Clemson

Nov. 5 Open

Nov. 10 Virginia Tech

Nov. 19 at Duke

Nov. 26 Georgia

2010 statistical leaders (* returners)

Rushing: Allen (1,316 yards)

Passing:Nesbitt (674 yds)

Receiving: Hill* (291 yds)

Tackles: Burnett (89)

Sacks: Jefferson (4)

Interceptions:Tarrant (3)

Spring answers

1. A new attitude. There were some disgruntled players on the roster last year, but that disenchantment has been replaced by charismatic leaders like Jason Peters and Roddy Jones. The sense of complacency has been replaced by a stronger work ethic, as the players now realize that ACC championships don’t come without offseason dedication.

2. An improved defense. The Jackets aren’t exactly going to pitch shutouts, but despite losing six starters, the defense had a good spring. The entire front seven had the advantage for most of the spring, all three starters return on the defensive line, and the linebackers showed progress. It was obvious the players are more comfortable in the second season of Al Groh’s 3-4 scheme.

3. A-back is a strength.Georgia Tech has at least six players who can play the position, including Jones, a senior leader, Orwin Smith, a big-play candidate, and Embry Peeples, who may be one of the best receivers on the team. The Jackets are also confident in B.J. Bostic, who impressed Johnson as a true freshman. Those four players combined to run for 1,283 yards last year, and Georgia Tech could get additional yardage from redshirt freshman Tony Zenon, who also had a good spring.

Fall questions

1. Will Tevin Washington keep his job?Washington still has the edge and is the starter heading into summer camp, but there are some lingering questions after his performance in the spring game. He threw three interceptions, lost two fumbles, was sacked three times and completed 10 of 26 passes. Backup Synjyn Days ran for 112 yards and led his team to a 21-7 win. Add to the mix a pair of true freshmen, including highly-touted Vad Lee, and it could make for an interesting August.

2. Will the offensive line be better?It’s not for a lack of experience -- Omoregie Uzzi was a second-team all-conference lineman last year, Phil Smith is a returning starting tackle and sophomore guard Will Jackson has nine career starts. It’s simply that the group didn’t play very well this spring and depth is a question. Jay Finch is expected to take over for Bedford at center, but Uzzi will be the leader of the line.

3. Special teams concerns. It was an area of emphasis for coach Paul Johnson this spring, as it should have been. The Jackets need to solidify their starting kicker and punter, and all three field goal attempts were missed in the spring game, though two were distances of 47 and 49 yards. Kicker Justin Moore, the lone scholarship kicker competing this spring, hasn’t distanced himself from the four walk-ons who played in the spring game. Punter isn’t as much of a concern, where Sean Poole had nine starts last year, but the return games also need improvement.

Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson said on Thursday's ACC teleconference that quarterback Tevin Washington has a good grasp on the starting job heading into Saturday’s spring game in large part because of the experience he got at the expense of injured starter Joshua Nesbitt last season.

“At this point in time he probably has a significant edge,” Johnson said. “I think that certainly there have been days this spring that Synjyn Days has looked really good. I think he’s a really good athlete, and there’s no question that physically he can do what we need him to do. But Tevin has a pretty good jump on him. … The experience factor is definitely in his advantage.”

Washington started the final four games of 2010 and rushed for 514 yards. He is Tech’s second-leading returning rusher behind Orwin Smith.

“He’s done a much better job this spring of ball security, valuing the ball and making better decisions," Johnson said of Washington. "We’ve got to continue to grow in that area, but the more he plays, the more comfortable he gets, the more he understands how the offense works and what he’s trying to accomplish, like with anything the more reps the better you get.”

Georgia Tech fans are also excited about the addition of true freshman Vad Lee to the roster this August, but he'll have to make up some considerable ground quickly to win the job from Washington.

“He’s been the best player on the field for a long time when he’s playing," Johnson said of Lee. "How quickly can he adjust to how much faster the game is going to be? There are going to be a lot of guys who are good players on the field. I think that will be the key in how quickly he can play, how quickly he picks it up, but we’re definitely excited about him and thinks he has a bright future.”

Wake Forest went to the half with a 10-6 lead over Georgia Tech thanks in large part to Brandon Pendergrass' run up the middle on fourth down. The Yellow Jackets are again struggling on defense and Wake Forest has once again tried all of its healthy options at quarterback, relying the most on the mobility of Skylar Jones.

On Georgia Tech's final possession of the first half, the Jackets weren't able to convert on third down because receiver Stephen Hill couldn't make the play. At some point, Joshua Nesbitt's receivers have to help him out. Orwin Smith did that in the third quarter, catching a 14-yard pass on third-and-15. The Jackets were able to sustain the drive on fourth-and-one.

Would you believe Wake Forest has more rushing yards and Georgia Tech has more passing yards?

The difference so far has been turnovers, with Georgia Tech continuing to have trouble holding onto the ball for the second straight week.

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

Georgia Tech B-back Preston Lyons grew up in Atlanta just three or four exits up the highway from Georgia Tech. In fact, he was closer to the Jackets' campus than he was his own high school, the Marist School. Lyons, a redshirt sophomore who had been going to Tech games his whole life, was offered a spot on the roster as a preferred walk-on, but he chose to try something new and went to Colgate for a year, where he was a walk-on in 2007.

Now he's back, and he's one of about a dozen running backs competing for playing time this summer.

Georgia Tech fans know who Jonathan Dwyer is, but not even the coaching staff knows right now who his backup will be, or how the depth chart will shake out at A-back. Two of the players who are in the mix for playing time -- Lyons and Anthony Allen -- are transfers who sat out last season and are eager to get back on the field.

"I've got some good guys in this group with me," said Allen, who transferred from Louisville. "There's 12 of us, and we go balls to the wall every play, we try to be the 12 toughest guys on the field, so the competition is real intense, but I hope I come out on top."

When asked how bad he wanted to get back on the field after sitting out 2008 because of NCAA transfer rules, Allen said: "It's like they're holding a piece of meat over my head. They've got me chained to the ground, and I'm trying to get it."

The good problem for the Jackets is he's not the only one.

"It's real exciting," said Lyons, who is competing with Richard Watson to backup Dwyer. "We've got a bunch of good guys in our backfield, and I haven't played in a while, so I'm definitely hungry and excited to get back out there and start playing again."

Lyons was on the scout team last year, so this was his first spring going through the offense while competing for a spot on the two-deep. Considering Dwyer has so much talent around him, it's possible he actually gets more time to rest and less carries this year, which leads Lyons to believe Dwyer's backup would have a "pretty realistic" shot at seeing some playing time.

There's no better player to learn from than the ACC's reigning player of the year.

"He's really helpful to me," Lyons said of Dwyer. "He's been helping me with different schemes and techniques. It's really nice being able to watch such a good player like him."

At the A-back position, there are about five or six players competing for two spots. Roddy Jones, who made a name for himself last season with 311 rushing yards over the last two regular-season games, will probably be listed as questionable for the season opener after dislocating his wrist lifting weights in June. He's been limited to non-contact this whole month, but it's possible he might finally get his cast off this week.

In addition to Jones and Allen, Lucas Cox, Embry Peeples, Marcus Wright and Orwin Smith are all still competing for starting jobs.

"I'm a lot more comfortable," said Allen. "I'm light years ahead of where I was at the beginning of spring. I'm feeling pretty confident right now in my reads, my counts and my ability on the field right now. Hopefully it carries over to game time."

Regardless of how much he plays, Lyons wants to win, and he said he's in the right offense to do that.

"I think this is home for me," Lyons said. "I think I found a spot and I'm definitely satisfied with where I am. I'm happy."