TWTW: The Upsets- Notre Dame, Duke, Oregon State (With Bonus Virginia and VaTech Coverage)

((HT: WSBT-TV/WRALSportsfan.com))

And, yes, the HQ knows that this is kind of a stretch...

A lot of people had South Florida taking out the fighting Irish... it took almost six hours through two weather delays, but it finally happened. And it took USF about six hours to print the t-shirt...
 

And the HQ also knows that Richmond is a class-A I-AA outfit while Dook is a perpetual struggler in the Aay-Cee-Cee...
Sean Robertson has the details with bonus coverage of VaTech-App State and UVa-William and Mary...
((HT: WTVR-TV Richmond))
 

But the funkiest game of the day, when it comes to upsets, was with Sacramento State and Oregon State... and the Beavers were not nice...
Nick Krupke stands behind a desk...
((HT: KVAL-TV Eugene))

Hokies Roll Over Appy State

There would be no repeat of the James Madison loss for Virginia Tech. The Hokies rolled over Appalachian State 66-13 Saturday.

Here are the highlights from Blacksburg, VA (Thanks WDBJ-TV Roanoke, VA)

 

Virginia Tech running back David Wilson might be a star in the making and Wilson began 2011 in spectacular fashion rushing for 162 yards and three touchdowns.

Hokie quarterback Logan Thomas played well in his first start. From the air Thomas was 9-19 for 149 yards, two touchdown passes and no interceptions.

“I think Logan is going to get better each and every quarter." Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer said after the game. "That’s the only thing Logan needs right now. He just needs some experience. He’ll handle it better and better every time he’s out there."

By the way, Frank Beamer signed a contract extension that goes to 2016.

Not a bad day for the Hokies or coach Beamer.

No Depth Chart From Miami, Golden May Suspend At Least 12 Players

[HT; CBS Sports.com]

Miami head coach Al Golden has not released the Hurricanes depth chart for the season opener against Maryland Labor Day night.

According to CBS Sports.com Golden confirmed that at least 12 players will most likely be ruled ineligible by the university in hopes they will be cleared by the NCAA before the season opener.

Al Golden addressed the media Thursday morning before practice.

Opinion: Will Miami survive the hoopla?

The "U"

Yes. By now, most of you are familiar with the current craziness going on at the University of Miami. You know about Nevin Shapiro. You know about the allegations he has made. And you also know about the lengthy report on the whole thing delivered by Yahoo sports.

But the questions are beginning to surface. If this is all true, what does the NCAA do? The list of high profile schools in trouble seems to grow every couple of months. Yes, the NCAA threw a pretty big penalty on USC, and they should have. They are still contemplating what to do with Ohio State and depending on who you listen to, it may or may not be serious.

This case....could be different. Miami is not without a past. They've skirted and in some cases crossed the line in the past. But it has never been this serious.

In that vein, many columnists and so-called-"In the know" sportswriters are saying they should get "The Death Penalty". You know, shutting down the program.

That ain't gonna happen.

Yes, they will be penalized. And a lot of people have already convicted the school. And convicted them on the word of a guy about to spend a long time in prison after stealing hundreds of millions from people. There is no guarantee everything he said was true.

There's talk that if Miami gets a version of the "Death Penalty", they'll be shunned by everybody. Really. Would the ACC say bye-bye to a football program that couldn't compete? Could they? Where would they go? And actually, a weakened Miami, wouldn't be much worse than any other of the mediocre teams in that conference.

No, we don't think that will happen. Why? Because the program isn't going to say "bye-bye". And the ACC would be crazy to get rid of them. The conference is already a prime candidate to be raided, they are in danger of not surviving the "Mega-Conference" scenario even if they do nothing.

Yes, this story deserves to be played out and we really think this may be the case that forces the NCAA to change the way things are done. It should.

In the meantime, though it is early, here is what we think will happen. Miami will be put on "Double Secret Probation for a long time--say 10 years. There will be a bowl ban. They won't be on TV for a long, long time. There will be scholarship reductions. There will be a revamped compliance department. Some people, administrators will lose their jobs. And the once vaunted program will not be what it was for at least a generation.

This is only fitting:

Could FSU be joining Texas A&M in the SEC?

FSU Mascot Chief Osceola

((ht: OrlandoSentinel))

Well, this is one scenario we hadn't really thought much about, though Brother Jon did bring it up in a discussion when the A&M story started leaking out.

Could Florida State bolt the ACC and head to the SEC?

It seems to be a topic more popular on the Internets than we thought. Oddly, we are rather well versed in most topics Sports related here on the Internets, but we had not heard this discussion, yet according to the Orlando Sentinel, it exists.

Read the Sentinel story by clicking RIGHT HERE

**UPDATE**12:09 pm.--The Palm Beach Post quotes a source as saying about the move "This is real". Interesting.

Read the entire story RIGHT HERE

In some ways this does make some sense. FSU has been a bit of an odd fit in the ACC, a conference known very well for its basketball heritage, but somewhat of a punchline in football.

For their part, FSU dominated the ACC in football when they 1st arrived in 1991. They haven't dominated it much in the past few years. Though we will say, they'll be awfully good this coming season.

Basketball wise, they are good, not great like most SEC schools.

If you think about it, logistically, it makes perfect sense. With A&M, the SEC needs a school to keep the number of teams even. It also would balance the whole east/west thing.

Do we think it will happen? No. But we (actually me), have been wrong about such things before.

The Sentinel makes a somewhat convincing argument, but we think it is just throwing stuff against the wall and seeing what sticks. The site "Noles247" says "No way", they are a subscription site, so we can't read why they say it...and we've never heard of them either.

So, while the SEC has a ton of money to throw around and attract teams, ultimately, FSU will stay loyal to the ACC. Commissioner John Swofford will help find another revenue source to keep them around. As intriguing as the thought is, the ACC will find a way to keep them happy...and we aren't so sure they aren't happy now.

**UPDATE**12:09 pm.-- But then again, if enough people are saying FSU is intrigued by the money, the shoe definitely fits. We've got no problem going out on the limb in the previous paragraph, but in the interest of covering our proverbial rears, we'll add that we did say it makes a lot of sense.

Either way, we guess only time will tell.

Seminoles.com gives us a Fall Practice Report from Thursday:

Butch Davis Had To Go

On Monday at the ACC Football Kickoff in Pinehurst, N.C. Butch Davis was answering questions about the past year and a half and accepting the responsibility. It all happened under his watch.

I had a chance to discuss this with Davis Monday and while the 2010 season was the most brutal in his coaching career he admitted that season turned into his most gratifying.

All that is water under the bridge. UNC Chancellor Holden Thorp and the UNC Board of Trustees decided it was time to cut bait and fired Davis Wednesday.

What the powers that be at UNC-Chapel Hill came to the conclusion that the Universities reputation was at stake after taking a major hit during the John Blake affair and tutor-gate and that bad smell would linger if Butch Davis were to remain in charge, so now he's gone.

The general consensus is that Davis may have coached this season but may not have survived following the conclusion of the NCAA investigation.

Keep in mind Butch Davis has never been directly linked to any of the inpropriorties listed in the NCAA report.

All a major university with a high academic standing has to sell to potential students and would be donors is it's reputation and UNC had to rebuild that.

And that meant firing Butch Davis.

North Carolina wanted to get serious about football. For the foreseeable future the Tar Heel football program will face series challenges.

Here's reaction from UNC and Butch Davis. (Thanks WRAL-TV)



Here's team coverage of Butch Davis' firing from WRAL-TV.

DEVELOPING: Ga Tech Fined $100k, Lose ACC Title

The NCAA has put Georgia Tech on four years of probation and fined the school $100,000 for violations in the football and men's basketball programs.

Tech did not lose scholarships and was not ruled ineligible for postseason games in either sport. But the NCAA vacated the football team's final three games in 2009, including the ACC title game win over Clemson. The basketball team had its recruiting days and official visits reduced over the next two seasons.

The football team was cited for lack of cooperation with the NCAA investigation. The NCAA said Tech also should have declared WR Demaryius Thomas ineligible after he allegedly accepted $312 worth of clothing from a friend of a sports agency employee.

From Doug Roberson's piece in the AJC:

(it) grew to Morgan Burnett allegedly taking gifts and misleading NCAA investigators. Both have denied taking improper benefits.

In addition, more penalties were self-imposed and accepted by the NCAA:

Public reprimand and censure.

Four years of probation from July 14, 2011 through July 13, 2015. The public report further details the conditions of this probation.

A reduction of two men’s basketball recruiting days during the 2011 summer evaluation period (self-imposed by the university).

A limit of 10 official visits for men’s basketball for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 academic years.

Here's the highlights of that title game... which isn't a title game anymore...
((HT: ESPN on ABC/ACC/youtube))


More when we know more...

1930 UPDATE: We know more...
Here's the 5:00 live shot from out friends at MyFoxAtlanta
FOSG Ken Rodriguez is outside in the heat...

Ga. Tech Loses '09 ACC Title, Fined $100K for NCAA Violations: MyFoxATLANTA.com

North Carolina Receives Formal "Notice Of Inquiry" From NCAA

Do you ever wonder how a "Notice of Inquiry" is delivered to a University. Is it in a plain manilla envolope or Fed Ex.

UNC Chancellor Holden Throp received such notice on his desk Tuesday.

Click on the link to read the "Notice of Inquiry":
http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/unc/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/NoticeofInquiry0607.pdf

The letter is a formal declaration of an investigation into the program, which originally began in June, 2010.

"The notice of inquiry is a formal notification from the NCAA that they have been reviewing our football program," said North Carolina Athletic Director Dick Baddour in a statement released by the University. "We have been working with the NCAA and cooperating with them on this investigation. We are committed to the process and will continue to cooperate."

For almost an entire year the NCAA has been investigating North Carolina's athletic program for impermissible benefits and academic misconduct.

You recall 14 football players missed games last season during the investigations, seven were permanently ineligible including Marvin Austin, Robert Quinn and Greg Little for receiving money and other benefits from agents.

This won't get as juicy as Ohio State is currently but don't ignore.

Did ACC Schools Screw Up Leaving For Big East...?

((HT: Canespundit))

The question was posed considering that when the new Pac-10/11/12 deal was put on the table... with their $21-million to go with the Big 10/11/12's $18-million plus and the Ess-E-Cee's $17-million plus...

Currently, the ACC's deal is in the neighborhood of $13-million and the Big East's will be up for renewal in 2013.

So, then what...???

Remember, Miami, Boston College, and Virginia Tech all left the Big Least for the Atlantic shores and, allegedly, richer times and pastures.

Who's kicking who's own ass and asking if they could have had a V8, now...???


UConn head men's basketball coach Jim Calhoun has even hinted to an idea that was a long time in coming- splitting the 37-member conference into football-playing and non-football-playing members. And there was also the talk of those two groups being so split up that the non's would have their own conference and the footballers would splinter off on their own and create another one ((just to create another Bee-Cee-Ess headache down the line when it comes to AQ's and non-AQ's in other sports))...

2010 Football ((without the soon-to-be added TCU))

West Virginia 5 - 2 .714 9 - 4 .692
Connecticut 5 - 2 .714 8 - 5 .615
Pittsburgh 5 - 2 .714 8 - 5 .615
Syracuse 4 - 3 .571 8 - 5 .615
USF 3 - 4 .429 8 - 5 .615
Louisville 3 - 4 .429 7 - 6 .538
Cincinnati 2 - 5 .286 4 - 8 .333
Rutgers 1 - 6 .143 4 - 8 .333

The addition of TCU makes this group slightly more attractive to suitors with the addition of the Dallas DMA...

2010 Men's Hoops Final Standings

Pittsburgh 15 - 3 .833 28 - 6 .824
Notre Dame 14 - 4 .778 27 - 7 .794
Syracuse 12 - 6 .667 27 - 8 .788
Louisville 12 - 6 .667 25 - 10 .714
St. John's 12 - 6 .667 21 - 12 .636
Cincinnati 11 - 7 .611 26 - 9 .743
West Virginia 11 - 7 .611 21 - 12 .636
Georgetown 10 - 8 .556 21 - 11 .656
Connecticut 9 - 9 .500 32 - 9 .780
Villanova 9 - 9 .500 21 - 12 .636
Marquette 9 - 9 .500 22 - 14 .611
Seton Hall 7 - 11 .389 13 - 18 .420
Rutgers 5 - 13 .278 15 - 17 .468
Providence 4 - 14 .222 15 - 17 .468
USF 3 - 15 .167 10 - 23 .303
DePaul 1 - 17 .056 7 - 24 .225

And the 16-team conference here...??? St. John's, Georgetown, Villanova, Marquette, Seton Hall, Providence, and DePaul won't get football money...

How do you think they like that notion already...???
Food for thought around your lunchtime...

Stage Show Profiles A First For Maryland FB

((HT: MyFoxDC))

This, the HQ filed under something cool...

The Lincoln Theatre in Washington, DC is starting a show involving the recruitment and subsequent story involving the first black athlete that ever played for the University of Maryland football team in the 1960's...

The show's focus, Darryl Hill, talked to MyFoxDC about what we all missed
Until now...

Show Looks At First African-American to Play Football at University of Maryland: MyFoxDC.com

Maryland Wants To Break Into Oregon's Market Of Bad Fashion Taste

Since the Sultan of all things Sports Phil Knight took his Nike money and poured it into his alma mater's athletic department the University of Oregon, the football fashion world has never been the same.

Oregon has cornered the market in really bad football uniforms. (see picture)

Maryland is finding out its good to have alums in high places, especially when the founded athletic apparel companies.

Under Armour, who was founded by Kevin Plank a Maryland alum, is designing a new look for the Terrapins. Below is a sneak peek of what the University is considering.

The script "Terps" will be replaced on the helmet with "MARYLAND". The university believes the updated uniforms will help recruiting and a more clear identifiable brand.

"We want to make sure people understand we're the University of Maryland," athletic director Kevin Anderson told Jeff Barker of the Baltimore Sun

"Under Armour has helped us come up with new images to highlight the State of Maryland and the university," athletic director Kevin Anderson was quoted in the Baltimore Sun. "I truly believe that when we come out with a Maryland brand, it will be second to none. It will directly compete with Nike and what Nike does for Oregon."

When did really bad taste in football uniforms help recruiting? Penn State hasn't lost recruits with their plain uniforms in fact, it's their brand.

Virginia To Miami: Yes We Have A Football Team

There are those who thought and I among those who thought the Virginia Cavaliers would defeat someone they were not suppose to in the first year of the Mike London era. That happened Saturday in Charlottesville.

Virginia jumped on the Hurricanes and knocked Miami quarterback Jacory Harris out of the game. At the half the Wahoos lead 17-0 before the Hurricanes made their usual comeback however, it fell short. Virginia gets their first conference win defeating 22nd ranked Miami 24-19.

Here are the highlights and post game sound from the Newsplex. (Thanks WCAV-TV Charlottesville, VA)



It's the first ACC win for Mike London as UVa head coach who feels this win sends a message.

"When you have a team that has taken its lumps, the only way to bring them out of that mindset is to say ‘I have enough faith in you that we are going to go for it and we are going to get it.'" London said. "That's the only way you create the mindset that you want to be physical and you want to compete. Why not?"

London added, "When you have a group of young men who hear ‘you guys are only going to win three games' and ‘you're no good,' those that are in the room keep hearing the message ‘you're not fast enough, you're not good enough.' They refuse to listen to those things. We are what we are and we play a style that's conducive to who we are. Today we played a style that was good enough to hold on and beat a very good team, a fast team, an athletic team regardless of who is in the game."

Here's post game sound from Miami head coach Randy Shannon. (Thanks Canes All Access)



The University of Miami has not released the condition of Jacory Harris. It is now known if Harris suffered a concussion.

Photo Courtesy: Steve Helber, Associated Press

Are The Hokies Back? Virginia Tech Takes Care Of NC State

Timning is everything right. Before the NC State/Virginia Tech game Saturday NC State launched a website for quarterback Russell Wilson called russellwilson16.com. It wasn't a bad day for Wilson, 21-49 passing for 362 yards, 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Unfortunuately for Wilson and the NC State Wolfpack ran into a suddenly hot team.

Virginia Tech has been left for dead since an unexplainable loss at home to James Madison the second week of the season. Well the paddles were applied to the chest of the Hokies, my guess that happened at halftime of the East Carolina game, and suddenly Virginia Tech has mended.

After spotting NC State 17 points the Hokies come back strong, espically in the second half as Virginia Tech put up 34 points to prevail over the Wolfpack 41-30.

"We made too many mistakes to give ourselves ultimately a chance to win the football game," N.C. State coach Tom O'Brien said.

"I have been proud of this program a lot of times, but I don't know if I been ever more proud than of what we got accomplished here tonight,'' Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer said. "I think we needed this one badly.

"We just hung in there and kept believing. And things didn't look great -- it looked kinda bad matter of fact -- but we kept battling and got it cranked up in the second half, and we pulled it out.''

WRAL-TV's Jeff Gravley has the story from Carter-Finley Stadium.

NC State head coach Tom O'Brien's post game comments. (Thanks WRAL-TV)



NC State quarterback Russell Wilson says Virginia Tech just made more plays. (Thanks WRAL-TV)



More from the Virginia Tech angle from Grant Kittelson from WDBJ-TV in Roanoke, VA.

 

An OSG College Football Status Report After 1/3 Of The Season

Time flies when you are having fun and can you believe we are one-third of the way through what has been one hell of a college football season. Boise State and TCU are up their with the big boys. The ACC and Big East conferences have not helped their underachieving reputation. The Mountain West once again has proved it deserves BCS status and the SEC and Big 10 are flexing their muscles while the Pac 10 is on the rise.

That leads us to the OSG college football status report.

The Final Four – The Best Teams In College Football So Far

Alabama – The reigning national champions are still playing like the best team in the country. The Crimson Tide dominates both sides of the line, have two of the best running backs in the country in Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson and a quarterback who rarely makes mistakes (although Greg McIlroy had a couple against Arkansas last Saturday.) ‘Bama has a few more tests to pass and with Jolly Ole St. Nick running the show you tend to think the Tide will.

Oregon – Duck fans including their very deep pocketed one Phil Knight should be ecstatic about Oregon’s season. In each of Oregon’s four games the Quack Attack offense has put over 40 points on the board and leads the Pac – 10 in virtually every offensive category. Oregon heads into teeth of their Pac-10 schedule facing Stanford Saturday. That game will tell us where the Ducks are in the Pac-10.

Boise State – Lay off the Broncos. Boise State has proven they can play with the big boys with wins over Virginia Tech and Oregon State. There talent is far above the run of the mill WAC schools so don’t knock them for that. Boise State may not be an automatic BCS qualifier but the Broncos are doing what they have to do to compete for the crystal ball. Unless Boise State loses a game they shouldn’t deal with it, the Broncos are for real.

TCU – The Horned Frogs are probably the best team in the state of Texas. If TCU were in a BCS conference they might be just as good. Those of us at the OSG HQ think TCU is better than Boise State. TCU has one big test to pass at Utah, win that and TCU is in business.

TCU and Boise State have one BCS common opponent, Oregon State. The Horned Frogs beat the Beavers 30 – 21. Boise State defeated Oregon State 37-24. Judge for yourselves but that appears to be a pick’em.

Those of us at the OSG HQ think right now no matter what Boise State and TCU do they have almost no shot of playing for the BCS Championship Game and that’s a shame. If college football had a final four they would be there.

Teams To Watch Out For:

Stanford – We knew the Cardinal would be good but they are scary good. If Stanford gets by Oregon you might be able to bet the farm that the tree will be shaking in Pasadena.

Nebraska – The Cornhusker team you knew and loved growing up is back. Quarterback Taylor Martinez has been fantastic. Any question the Huskers are going to win the Big 12 North.

NC State – Before you say “huh” hear us out. The Wolfpack are rolling and have two of their toughest games, Virginia Tech and Florida State, at home. If the Wolfpack keep this up and “Don’t drink the Kool-Aid” as offensive coordinator Dana Bible said then NC State fans might head down to Miami and the Orange Bowl in January.

Heisman Stock: On The Rise

Mark Ingram – Alabama: I know he missed two games to injury but the reigning Heisman Trophy winner ran wild at Duke and pounded Arkansas. He may not win it again but he’s got the nation's attention.

Russell Wilson – NC State: The way Wilson is playing he will get an invite to New York. Wilson is among the NCAA leaders in total offense, moving up the ACC passing charts and leading his team to big wins.

Denard Robinson – Michigan: Robinson is the leader in the clubhouse. He’s been electrifying and has woken up the Wolverine fan base. Those of us at the OSG HQ wonder if Robinson can continue to take the pounding.

Heisman Stock: Dropping

Ryan Mallett – Arkansas: A fourth quarter offensive meltdown with two “WTF” interceptions against Alabama at home really hurts.

Christian Ponder – Florida State: Sticking up the stadium on national TV against Oklahoma will be tough to overcome.

Coaches Who’s Backsides Are Feeling Quite Warm

Houston Nutt – Ole Miss: Losses to Jacksonville State and Vanderbilt already. Call it the curse of Jeremiah Masoli.

Dan Hawkins – Colorado: When will the University begin a collection fund to pay for Hawkins’ buyout?

Mike Locksley – New Mexico: His ass is practically on fire. We expect something to go down soon to stop the madness in Albuquerque.

Tim Brewster - Minnesota: Let's see new stadium, alumni and boosters ready to win, a 1-3 start including a loss to South Dakota. How much is Brewster's buyout?

Coaches Who Have Cooled Off The Hot Seat

Rich Rodriquez – Michigan: That seat still has some warmth to it but after Michigan’s start and the emergence of Denard Robinson Rich Rod new fangled ways in Michigan are beginning to win over the hardcore Wolverine fans.

Ralph Friedgen – Maryland: The Terps have already topped their win total of last year. The Navy win to begin the season was a huge confidence boost for Maryland and despite one setback at West Virginia the Terps have ridden that wave and saving Fridges job.

Damage Control At North Carolina, Assistant Coach John Blake Resigns

[HT: Raleigh News Observer]

North Carolina associate head coach John Blake resigned Sunday from his position. Blake has been under investigation from the NCAA for improper contact with sports agents.

"While I have enjoyed my tenure at the University of North Carolina, it has become apparent to me over the course of the past few weeks that my presence has become a distraction to my family and to this great University, too." Blake said in a statement released by the University of North Carolina athletic communications office. "Consequently, I have determined that it is in the best interests of my family, the University community at large, and the Football Program for me to step down from my position as associate head football coach effective today, September 5, 2010."

"I know how much John loves the players, coaching and the game of football." North Carolina head coach Butch Davis said through a statement released by the University. "I am grateful for all of his hard work and effort in helping build this program. As difficult as this situation is, I have accepted his resignation."

Those of us at the OSG HQ feel that John Blake had to go but we get the feeling he is falling on the sword to save Butch Davis' job. Blake is a heck of a recruiter and that will be missed. Lets see if any other heads will roll in Chapel Hill.

Photo Courtesy: Robert Willett/Raleigh News Observer

OSG College Football - Week #1

It's time for toe to meet leather. The college football season kicks off tonight. There are some great match-ups to start the season and theirs a few that you already know the outcome. Here's OSG's take for this week.

Game of the Week - Virginia Tech vs Boise State

Both teams have had nine months to prepare for this outstanding match-up. Boise State will play anybody anywhere including traveling cross country for a date with the Hokies. Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer knows Boise State will answer the bell.

Boise State returns 20 of 22 starters from last season so make no mistake the Broncos are legit.

Here’s what we think is the key, the Virginia Tech secondary. Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore will sling it around but I don’t think Moore has ever faced a group of defensive backs as opportunistic as the Hokies. That group can lock it down and if there is separation has the closing speed of a state trooper.

This game has the makings of a “game of the century”. We expect a very close game.

OSG's Take

Wilkie: I love the quarterback match up in this one. Tyrod Taylor is poised for an outstanding senior season. Kellen Moore is in the Heisman conversation. Each should have a great game. My opinion Ryan Williams and Darren Evans will make a big difference and the Hokies prevail.

Nelson: Boise State wins this one big. I still think they'll stumble somewhere down the line in a game they're not supposed to stumble in. This week, they're safe...

37-13...

Phil: This is the best of the early season games. If it were played further west, Boise would be a lock. They escape however...31-28

Other Games On OSG's Radar Screen:

SMU at Texas Tech

Wilkie: This game could end with a basketball score. Why do I like SMU in this one, it's the first game of the Tommy Tuberville era at Texas Tech and SMU finally feels good about themselves in football. June Jones' team will be ready for this one. SMU wins in a shootout.

Nelson: Can I just vote for someone other than Coach Tub...? He's trying to import his Auburn pre-game rituals into Lubbock. What is he going to call it...? "Raider Walk?" 117-113 SMU... just because...

Phil: SMU is better, but I'm not sure they are quite on Tech's level. Nobody will play defense and Jon's score won't be far off. 41-27 Tech Wins

Illinois vs Missouri

Wilkie: I see Blaine Gabbert throwing for a bunch of yards in this one. Mizzou wins in the final "Arch Rivalry" game in St. Louis.

Nelson: Illinois only because Mizzou got a case of the galloping stupids at tailback this past week. 27-16

Phil: Mizzou because of Gabbert and despite the moronic running backs. Fire Ron Zook. 24-10

LSU vs North Carolina

Wilkie: I honestly have no clue how I feel about this game. If I'm going to pick though for some reason I think I like LSU. The Tar Heels are saying all the right things heading into the game but I just wonder what a month of uncertainty will do. LSU wins by the very tight margin.

Nelson: I've heard as many as 16 will be out for UNC this weekend. They might score that many points. 24-13 LSU...

Phil: Too much behind the scene trouble for UNC. Their heads won't be on straight. LSU 24, UNC 16

Maryland vs Navy

Wilkie: I think Maryland is better than what’s being predicted. I love their skill players and that group of linebackers. With that said the Navy game is a huge on for the Terps. Maryland needs a win over a pretty good Navy team for an emotional lift. I expect Maryland to come out inspired and ready to fight for their head coach Ralph Friedgen whose backside is on the coaching hot seat.

Nelson:

Navy, Navy, Navy... I just like saying Niumatololo... 31-21...

Phil: The Fridge's time is running short. Navy wins 34-14

Connecticut at Michigan

Wilkie: UConn prevails and Rich Rodriquez is putting the finishing touches to his resume.

Nelson:

UConn sends RichRod to an early grave 27-23

Phil: Flat out, UConn is better. Bye,bye Rich....31-21

Oregon State vs TCU

Wilkie: The Frogs leap over Oregon State in Jerry World.

Nelson:

The name's Dalton... 35-24 TCU

Phil: Hehehehe....in the name of the Swayze's. TCU 37-31

Washington at BYU

Wilkie: BYU has a 2 game win streak on the Huskies. I like the Cougars in this one too.

Nelson:

BYU, at home celebrating their newly-found independence, 27-17

Phil: Disagree. BYU has some rebuilding to do. The fighting Sarks win 31-17

William & Mary at Massachusetts

Wilkie: I'll take the Tribe in this one.

Nelson

Who chose this game...??? William and Mary...

Phil: Huh? Bill and Mary?

California (PA) at Saginaw Valley

Wilkie: It's a top 10 battle in Divsion II. I'll take the Cardinals of Saginaw Valley in this one.

Nelson:

Saginaw Valley... Wilkie, have you lost your mind...???

Phil: Dude???? Home team wins

North Carolina Football Going Through Tar Hell

This was suppose to be the season where the North Carolina Tar Heels broke onto the national scene in football. Instead its the beginnings of the season from hell for the Tar Heels.

The whole agent thing involving Marvin Austin, Greg Little and associate head coach John Blake has been ongoing. Now with the NCAA investigating an alleged academic mis-conduct with a tutor that was once employed by head coach Butch Davis the program is teetering on lack of institutional control. That's not a good thing with the NCAA.

Who is going to suit up in the baby blues Saturday at the Georgia Dome against LSU is anyone's guess. We do know T.J. Yates is going to start at quarterback and that's about it.

It would appear with all the disarray in the North Carolina football program that this would bode well for LSU however, Les Miles is the head coach. Need I say more.

"It would be nice to know whose exactly going to play so we can kind of get past it and move on." Tar Heel quarterback T.J. Yates said during UNC's weekly media availability. "I know this team is ready whoever is going out on that field is going to go play."

Make so mistake the University of North Carolina is embarrassed by the who investigation. It's one thing for a player to have improper contact with a sports agent, that's out of control of the university unless their is a connection with a member of the coaching staff. The NCAA seems to be on that.

It's another to mess with a universities academic reputation which UNC cherishes.

Does this make Butch Davis' job status shaky? I don't know, Davis got a vote of confidence from his athletic director Dick Baddour and let's see if that has any value or not.

Here's a feature from our friends at WRAL-TV from Monday's pre-game press conference in Chapel Hill. (Thanks WRAL-TV)

Aay-Cee-Cee Media Daze Day Two: Swofford, Coaches, And Agents, Oh, My!

((HT: WRALSportsfan.com))

Here's the Commissioner, John Swofford, discussing everything under the ACC sun...


And WRAL's Jeff Gravely caught up with as many coaches as he could in a 1:30 package
Turns out, the number is five...


Odds and ends until Brother Wilkie writes his post-mortems...

Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson suspended DE Robert Hall for one game as a result of the battery charge against his girlfriend in June.

The pre-season poll came out...

Virginia Tech earned 50 of a possible 98 votes from media members attending the league's two-day preseason media event to win it all this year. Florida State was the choice in the league's Atlantic Division and was second to the Hokies with 26.

Seminoles quarterback Christian Ponder was picked preseason player of the year- as long as he doesn't lead with his throwing shoulder to make a tackle.

The Hokies were chosen to win the Coastal Division, followed by Miami, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Duke and Virginia.

Following the Seminoles in the Atlantic were Clemson, Boston College, North Carolina State, Wake Forest and Maryland.

The championship game is December 4th in Charlotte.

Over at NC State, Russell Wilson had season-ending knee surgery and head coach Tom O'Brien doesn't expect the QB to return after this year.

FSU has another problem child....

Well, that didn't take long. New Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher already has a player in legal trouble to deal with. Unfortunately, that has been a pretty regular occurrence in Tallahassee over the past several years.

Nigel Carr, supposed starting linebacker for the 'Noles, is now facing mulitple felony charges. The list of charges he's facing include: two counts of auto burglary, criminal mischief, credit card theft and fraud. Nice!

More from CBS4 in Miami RIGHT HERE

((Nigel Carr in Garnet and gold//Courtesy: reidcompton.com))

Oh...he was arrested 4 days ago for possession of marijuana too.

Needless to say, we are guessing that Carr isn't currently in Greensboro, North Carolina at ACC Media Days with Coach Fisher. This is a bit more serious than a misdemeanor. The charges could easily involve some jail time. We'll see if it involves losing time on the field now...won't we?