"Today Show" Story A Little Loose With The MVP's...

((HT: NBC/"Today Show"))

First and foremost, if there is anything that went down that was intimidatory, morally or criminally wrong, bullish, boorish, or felonious, the HQ would be the first group to say that the book needs to be thrown at any and all parties that screwed up. And that includes universities, bureaucracies, and individuals.

The "Today Show" aired a report this morning alleging that, in two cases of reported sexual abuse on the campuses of Indiana University and Wake Forest University, that both schools did everything possible to discredit the accusors in the case...

The Wake Forest accusor, Margaret Hurt, said that in her incident two basketball players forced her to have oral sex in a Miami hotel room after an NCAA regional game in Miami. The two players were identified as Jeff Teague and Gary Clark.

Here's the report...

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

So, here's where they went wrong in their research...

Gary Clark was nowhere near being one of the team's "most valuable players." He averaged two-and-a-half points per game in 29 games played...

Wake President Nathan Hatch responded to the report this way...

"I am troubled by the prevalence of sexual misconduct in our society today," Hatch said. "Regarding the described incident, however, I feel strongly that the University’s response, as well as our character, has been misrepresented."

Hatch wouldn't go into any further detail because of pending litigation...

More when we know more...
Makes you wonder...

Previewing "The 5th Quarter"

((HT: Yahoo!Movies))

The HQ remembers covering Jon Abbate during his time at Harrison High School, just north of Atlanta. He wasn't the biggest kid, by any means, but he sure as hell could knock you into next week at linebacker- given the opportunity.

The HQ was also pleasantly surprised when Jon went to Wake Forest to play football- smart kid, smart football player. It was a good fit...

But the HQ was equally stunned when Jon lost his younger brother Luke to a car accident a little over five years ago. Luke was a passenger in a car coming home from lacrosse practice when the driver thought going 77-miles per hour down a back road was a good idea.

Luke was less than a week short of turning 16...

The Abbate family created the 5th Quarter Foundation to raise and continue to raise awareness about teen dirving and being smart behind the wheel and the benefits of organ donation.

The foundation and its info can be found hyah...

Here's the backgrounder...
((HT: ESPN/youtube))


It was one of the unifying points of the 2006 Wake season as they made it to the ACC title game and beat Georgia Tech 9-6....

Here's the trailer of the movie coming out later this month...


The HQ hopes it does the story, the family, and the foundation justice...
We really hope so...

Broseph's Bits And The Thursday Gospel

Wake Forest/Boston College Over 143.5 -- These two teams take the court against each other just four days after closing out the regular season against each other. Boston College won in Chestnut Hill 84-68 in a game that really wasn't even this close. The Demon Deacons will need a lot of work on defense in the offseason considering they allow 77 points per contest. Wake Forest has given up at least 70 points in 15 of their last 16 games which all occurred in conference. The team has struggled to score at times, but as long as they are allowing this many points, the over is always in play. The Demon Deacons have four players who average at least 10 points per game led by Travis McKie (12.9 ppg). Boston College also has multiple offensive weapons in Reggie Jackson (18.3 ppg), Joe Trapani (14.4 ppg) and Corey Raji (12.7 ppg). The Eagles are averaging 72.1 points per game while giving up 69. They have scored at least 70 points in two straight games against Wake Forest and Virginia Tech. This one has shootout written all over it.

Southern California -3 -- USC and California meet in the PAC-10 conference tournament on Thursday afternoon. The Trojans have won five of their last six games including a 78-75 triumph at California. USC also knocked off Arizona and Washington during that stretch and has the size and speed to compete in this conference. They are the 29th ranked defense in the country giving up only 62.9 points per contest. They are led by Nikola Vucevic (17.7 ppg) and Jio Fontan (10.5 ppg) with three others averaging exactly 9.9 points per game. California's defense is on the other end of the spectrum allowing over 71 points per game. Sure, they score a lot (72.9 ppg), but they can't afford to get into a shoot out. The Golden Bears are a jekyll and hyde squad winning four straight after losing four straight during the season. Their win streak wasn't as impressive as USC's. We'll take the Trojans who will be fresh for this game.

Broseph's Bits And The Tuesday Gospel

I'll admit it...I spoke to the sports gods last night. I begged for a victory for my alma mater over the hated Villanova Wildcats. The prayer was short and heartfelt. Rarely do I resort to this and rarely before did it ever work. Multiple times I've prayed for the Eagles to not roll over like dogs in the NFC title game and that has never helped.

This raises many questions about the sports gods. Is there one for every sport or one in general? Does he/she/it have some sort of system as to whom they take care of? It's pretty funny how many of us have called out and made requests of the sports god. The way this NCAA Tournament bubble is right now, there will be a lot of fanbases resorting to prayer to get their team in. Heck, the state of Virginia is almost bubble central with Richmond, VCU and Virginia Tech among the many schools that will be resorting to a lot hoping their teams get in.

It's years like this that make me happy we didn't go to a 96 team tournament. There are barely enough for 68 and people wanted to add another 28 as well?! No freakin way. Don't ruin a good thing. Selection Sunday would no longer be suspenseful. There would be no need for bracketology because it's not as hard to guess which 96 teams would make it in. I think parity is a good thing. I want fresh blood in sports. I don't like the dynasties and would rather see fresh champions and new names. Butler winning it all last year would have been sublime. Then again, Duke losing to anyone in the title game would have been pretty awesome.

We used the few days off to hone our skills and come up with this winner for Tuesday.

Virginia Tech/Wake Forest Over 144.5 -- The Demon Deacons have shown that defense is important in order to win. They haven't played a lot of it and haven't won much in the process. In all 12 of their ACC conference games, Wake Forest has given up at least 70 points. In their first meeting with Virginia Tech, Wake gave up 94 points and lost 94-65. Wake has gone over 10 of their 14 games in this total point range this season. Wake Forest can score as well. They've put up 73 on Miami and 70 on Maryland along with a 76 point effort at home against Virginia. Travis McKie (12.6 ppg) leads a group of four guys who put up at least 10 points per game with Ari Stewart (9.8 ppg) on the outside looking in. The Hokies meanwhile are scoring 72 points per game. They aren't deep and rely on Malcolm Delaney (19.2 ppg), Jeff Allen (13.7 ppg) and Erick Green (11.1 ppg) to do most of their scoring. Before their 54 point effort against Virginia, VT put up 102 and 91 in their last two games. They've shown that they can score with the best of them if need be. Six of the last nine games between these two teams have gone over the total.

Wake Forest Coach donates kidney to player

Kevin Jordan/Courtesy: wakeforestsports.cstv.com

This, is what it is all about. Wake Forest baseball coach Tom Walter did something that it is safe to say not many coaches would do for one of their players, he donated a kidney.

Incoming freshman outfielder Kevin Jordan had been diagnosed in April with a form of Kidney disease called ANCA vacsculitis. It got bad enough that it needed to be removed. When Jordan's family and their hospital had trouble finding a donor that matched, in stepped Walter.

They got word 10 days ago...Walter was a match. Yesterday, February 7th, the surgery took place in Atlanta, Georgia at the Emory University Hospital.

Read more on this incredible story from the Winston-Salem Journal RIGHT HERE

Tom Walter/Courtesy: wake forest athletics

This is the type of story that would make a lot of people well up with tears. Us included. There are few words that can speak to the kindness and generosity of Tom Walter. There are not many more that can describe the courage and fearlessness exhibited by Kevin Jordan.

We wish both men nothing but the best. The two families will forever be bonded through this experience. No, this is not something every coach could do for one of their players. But the fact that this worked out is both moving and gives you hope. Hope that there are good people out there. People that want to do the right thing and people that truly care about one another.

We would wish both men and families luck, but they've already been blessed more than any words we could say.

Presbyterian Runs Rooskie, Still Loses To Wake

This is what happens when you know you treading uphill the entire night...

Sometimes you just gotta say, "What the F***!"

Presbyterian did this last night against Wake Forest- engaging the old "spot pass" from the back of the playbook...

((HT: ESPN/Deadspin))


Well sold, Blue Hose...
The HQ likes...

It's Official, Jeff Bzdelik Is The New Head Coach At Wake Forest

Jeff Bzdelik was introduced Wednesday morning as the new head coach at Wake Forest.

Here's a report from WGHP-TV Fox 8 Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, NC



Judging from the sparse attendance at Wednesday mornings' press conference Wake Forest didn't win the presser.

OSG has documented the last few days this controversial hire by Wake Forest. Bzdelik was having a hell of a time getting Colorado back on it's footing in the Big 12 Conference. He could hide in Boulder where Buff basketball got very little attention, especially in the closest big media market Denver. Bzdelik doesn't have the luxury in the ACC where Wake Forest has a winning tradition.

He will also go up against 3 coaches with national championships: Roy Williams, Mike Kryzyewski and Gary Williams.

Bzdelik Appears Headed To Wake Forest

Barring something apocalyptic it appears that Jeff Bzdelik will be the new head basketball coach at Wake Forest. In fact OSG is ready to project that Bzdelik will get the job.

Those who condemn the move will tell you that Bzdelik doesn't fit the criteria of post season success that got Dino Gaudio fired and it does hurt Wake Forest athletic director Ron Wellman's credibility for the move.

Gaudio post season record in 3 years at Wake 1-5. Bzdelik's at Air Force & Colorado 0-5 in conference tournaments and 0-1 in the NCAA's. Ok, Bzdelik gets a break with a 3-1 NIT record.

Deacon fans are barbecuing Wellman in the Wake Forest message boards on the potential move. Its falling on deaf ears.

Jeff Bzdelik is Ron Wellman's man and he doesn't care what you think of the hire, that includes the media. If Wellman wants to hire a coach with 3 straight losing seasons to replace one that had 3 straight winning seasons that's his choice. Talk about losing the press conference that will be a laugher.

Bzdelik does have NBA credentials, won at a school that has no basketball tradition when head coach at Air Force and was just beginning the breathe some life into a flat-lined Colorado program that was among the worst of the worst. Bzdelik can coach but his post season numbers contradict what Ron Wellman publicly stated as to why he canned Dino Gaudio.

Then again, Ron Wellman is the A.D. that gave Jim Grobe a shot of taking over perhaps the worst Division 1-A football program in the country and look what Grobe has done since.

I believe Ron Wellman can spot great coaching talent but hiring Jeff Bzdelik is as tough a sell as their can be. One that Deac fans are very reluctant to buy.

Photo Courtesy: University of Colorado Athletics

Post Season Woes Get Dino Gaudio Fired At Wake Forest

Dino Gaudio was fired by Wake Forest because his teams couldn't get it done in the post season. The Deamon Deacons were terrific in January, awful in March. The last 3 years the Deacs are 1-5 in the post season.

"That's a 3-year pattern that needed to be addressed." Wake Forest athletic director Ron Wellman said in announcing the coaching change at Wake.

So now the Wake Forest has joined the coaching carousel. The same cast of characters that Clemson is pursuing will be mentioned I'm sure. Wellman has a list but wouldn't reveal whose on it.

My guess is that Wake Forest will hire from within again. There are some influential people at Wake that like current assistant coach Rusty LaRue. Its not known if LaRue is on that list Wellman has or if the lack of head coaching experience will hurt him in the process.

LaRue was a outstanding quarterback for the Deacs and a 3-point bomber for Wake's back to back ACC Championship teams in 1995 and 1996. His only head coaching experience was on the high school level before joining the Wake Forest staff before the 2009-10 season.

The ACC coaching carousel keeps on spinning.

Dino Gaudio photo courtesy: Raleigh News Observer

Rusty LaRue photo courtesy: wakeforestsports.com

Gaudio is a Goner...

**BREAKING NEWS***

Sometimes things happen in the coaching world and you just shake your head. Today is one of those days. Wake Forest has parted ways with its head coach, Dino Gaudio, for undetermined reasons. The announcement, set to come at 4:30pm in the afternoon.

More from the Winston-Salem Journal RIGHT HERE

Gaudio, who took over after the unfortunate passing of Skip Prosser was 61-31 in 3 years with Wake. The Demon Deacons have been in the NCAA Tournament the past 2 of those seasons.

((What happened to Dino?//Courtesy: Chuck Burton/AP))

While they didn't finish strong this past season, the timing of this announcement is to say the least; odd. The AD apparently wasn't happy with the way that the team finished, losing early in the NCAA's each of the past 2 seasons.

Granted Wake is one of the better ACC teams, but somebody may be looking at all of this in the wrong light. Yeah, they are good...but at this point, most of the "Hot" coaches have already made their move. Making things worse, they'll be now competing with Clemson, who is now also in the market for a new coach.

We'll have more on this as we go, in the meantime, here is a story from WXII-TV, when Gaudio got the job: Thanks WXII/You Tube:

So much for doing a flyover....

Apparently, the US Navy has some pretty strict rules about their flyovers at Football games. Two fighter pilots were grounded recently for flying too low over Bobby Dodd stadium in Atlanta before a Georgia Tech Football game this past November.

More from PilotOnline.com RIGHT HERE

AJC.com adds that the pilots had a Tech connection. The story RIGHT HERE

Apparently, the pilots are supposed to adhere to a 1,000 foot ceiling during their flyovers and the pilots, Lt. Commanders Christopher Condon and Marc Fryman were considerably lower than that. They apparently reported themselves.

A Navy board determined that they didn't do it deliberately or maliciously, but made some errors in judgement. However, the commander of the Naval Air Force Atlantic didn't agree. He basically said the pilots knew better and there was no excuse.

Take a look at the video of the flyover. This one shot from the upper deck, which they barely cleared. Courtesy: aparker1981 and You Tube:

Here is another angle. Wow! Gotta say that I've covered hundreds of games that included flyovers and I don't think I've ever seen any that were as low as this.

Angle 2 from JGammie3 and You Tube:

Whose ACC IS This...???

It was a bad night in the Research Triangle as both North Carolina and Duke lost to Wake and NC State, respectively. It marks the first time that the Tarheels have lost three in a row under Roy Williams' tutelage...

82-69 we get... that happens in the ACC. But in Chapel Hill...? Losing by 13...?
What is your major malfunction...???

The Tarheels were without Ed Davis and Tyler Zeller due to injuries and it showed. Wake shot fifty percent form the floor while UNC shot just under 37-percent. Carolina was only 6-for-26 from three point. Ish Smith had 20 points and Al-Farouq Aminu had 13 for the winners.

Carolina is now 12-7. What's up with that...???

Williams was asked about his "confidence level":
“My confidence level is 'I want to go to work,'” Williams said. “I’m going to coach my rear end off tomorrow. And it’s up to them to come along with me.”

Here's Roy Williams who was still, understandably not-pleased...
((HT: WRALSportsfan.com))


The Wolfpack's Tracy Smith celebrated his 22nd birthday by scoring 23 points- going 10 of 12 from the field as State won 88-74 over the 7th-ranked Blue Devils. This was the same NC State team that couldn't hold leads against Florida and Virginia, but kept Duke to 39-percent from the floor.

Here's Coach K talking about how well his team didn't play, either...
((HT: WRALSportsfan.com))

So Much For That Idea: Wake Knocks Off Duke

((HT: WRAL-TV))

Here's your wrap on Wake Forest's last-second win over Duke...
Jason Jennings and Jeff Gravely share the details on James Johnson's lay-up that salvages the night for the Demon Deacons...

No More Unbeatens...Wake Loses To Va Tech

You know you're in trouble when...
Here's the highlights from last night's game as given to us by our friends at WVIR-TV...
((HT: nbc29.com))


Oh, and J-Dub, you didn't really want to go undefeated for the whole season...
It would be a lot more painful later on in the season than getting it out of the way before tournament time...

Deacs Are Dominant

Somewhere up in the heavens, Skip Prosser is holding court with his friends bragging about this season's Wake Forest men's basketball team he assembled. Skip elbows Pete Newell and says "How about that big fella Chas McFarland." Glances over to Hank Iba and say, "Have you seen a better pair of forwards than James Johnson and Al-Farouq Aminu." Al McGuire speaks up and says to Skip "If Jeff Teague keeps this up Skip, it will be seashells and balloons for the dynamite Deacs."

Yes Skip Prosser should be coaching this team however, we lost Skip to a heart attack back in July 2007. If ever a man's spirit lives on then watch the 2008-09 Demon Deacons. There you will find the spirit of Skip Prosser. Every one of those players were recruited and in some way, influenced by Prosser

Prosser's friend and loyal assistant, Dino Gaudio, now leads the Deacs and hasn't altered course. The one chartered for 08-09 was for a special year and that has occurred and then some.

The win over North Carolina was no fluke. Wake Forest backed that up with a pair of road wins in the ACC. First blowing out Boston College in Boston, then heading to one of the toughest buildings in the ACC, Clemson's Littlejohn Coliseum and downs the previously unbeaten Clemson Tigers 78-68.

Jeff Teague is making a case not only to be ACC Player of the Year, but National honors too. Since ACC play began Teague has been in a Teague of his own scoring a career high 34 points against North Carolina, 29 against Boston College and 24 against Clemson.

Wake Forest is now 3-0 in the ACC and 16-0 overall, it's best start in 82 years. The Deacs are the only undefeated team in the nation and will be number one when the polls come out.

Along with Duke and North Carolina, Wake Forest is another legitimate Final Four team from the ACC. I wouldn't be surprised if not only the Deacs cut the nets at the ACC Tournament in Atlanta, but do it again in Detroit at the Final Four.

Skip Prosser may never stop bragging about this team.

Photos Courtesy: AP/Mary Ann Chastain

Bowl Season Is Here

OK college football fans, get on your comfy clothes, park yourself in your easy chair and make sure you have the basics close by, chips, dip and your favorite beverage (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). For the next 2 weeks you will be in heaven. It's time to go bowling.

Brother Phil has already covered the games, the match-ups and who he thinks will win and I'm taking his picks to Vegas, (just kidding, bad economy). Let me go a little more in depth if I may with the 1st batch of bowl games.

EagleBank Bowl - December 20th - RFK Stadium, Washington, DC
Wake Forest vs Navy (I like the Deacons in this one)

What Do They Get Don Pardo: Well the players from both schools will receive a Sony 8" portable DVD player with a carry case, a custom woven afghan with logo, an autographed football and a wool hat with logo.

The DVD player is cool and a wool hat is OK. Who has autographed the football? And a afghan for football players? A free Christmas gift for your girlfriend, mom, grandma, etc.

SWAG Meter: 3 (on a scale of 10)

Payout: $1 Million

Bowl Events: An evening at the ESPN Zone. (Guess who is televising this game?)

Final Analysis: Good match-up to start this bowl off. Wake Forest lost to Navy earlier this year so there is a revenge factor. Navy will bring the pomp and circumstance, Wake Forest will bring a few invited guests so there might be just a few empty seats at RFK Stadium but that's OK with the 4-letter word, it's just a TV show.

New Mexico Bowl - December 20 - University Stadium, Albuquerque, NM
Colorado State vs Fresno State (A Fresno State blowout)

What's Behind Door Number 1?: It's a backpack, an Oakley backpack for the players. Inside is an Oakley watch and an Oakley beanie. There's more, a RCA video recorder/camera, a New Mexico Bowl pen by Quill, a New Era cap and a year subscription to ESPN The Magazine.

Guess whose televising this bowl game too. The Oakley freebies sound good and who wouldn't want a camera. The rest re-gift.

SWAG Meter: 6

Payout: It's a secret

Bowl Events: Chili Cook-off at El Pinto. 6 players from each team are given 45 minutes to turn raw ingredients in chili. A panel of judges decided the winner. In the previous 2 chili cook-offs, the winner lost the bowl game. Now that's in depth information.

Final Analysis: Nobody east of the Rockies cares about this game. It's a reward in a way for the Rams and extra practices for the Bulldogs. It's a big event in Albuquerque so a big crowd will attend.

magicJack St. Petersburg Bowl - December 20- Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, FL
Memphis vs South Florida (Go with the Bulls)

What's In The Prize Box: Players from each team will get a Flip (digital video device), a Ogio bag, Sony headphones, a commemorative football, a beach towel and a bucket hat.

The Flip and Ogio bag sound cool, the rest is weak.

SWAG Meter: 3

Payout: No Comment

Bowl Events: A dinner cruise and a beach bash on St. Pete Beach.

Final Analysis: It's a home game for South Florida only in a different venue no doubt to inflate the gate. Memphis is just happy to be there and won't bring anyone. This isn't the Final Four. By the way, magicJack is a device you plug in to improve you cordless or cell phone reception. Operators are standing by.

Las Vegas Bowl - December 20 - Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
BYU vs Arizona (This is a great match up and should be a great game. I like BYU by a field goal)

Show Them What They Have Won: Players from both teams receive a Wii System, an Oakley Holeshot 3hd watch and a Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl hat.

Give away the hat, the rest sounds sweet.

SWAG Meter: 8

Payout: $1 million (to be picked up at the cash window)

Bowl Events: Planet Hollywood Resort to watch Stomp Out Loud. Hard to top Las Vegas for entertainment

Final Analysis: 2 west coast teams that people east of the big rocks will watch. The Mountain West Conference has owned the Pac-10 this year so their is plenty of intrigue.

College Basketball: ACC Predictions

North Carolina is above and beyond anyone else in the ACC. Duke is a solid #2. After that well you have a very talented but young Wake Forest team that will challenge or even break the Carolina - Duke strangle hold on the ACC. Miami is an up and coming program and rest will be battling for position.

Best Team In The ACC: North Carolina Tar Heels

Carolina is the best team in the nation. I will be very surprised if the Tar Heels don't make it to the Final Four. All the ingredients are in place for Carolina to cut down the nets in Detroit this year. Yes, Tyler Hansbrough is nursing a stress reaction but once his 100%, it's all good. Hansbrough, Wayne Ellington, Ty Lawson and Danny Green all flirted with the NBA but decided to stay in Chapel Hill. They want to hang a 5th championship banner at the Dean Dome.

Best Player In The ACC: Tyler Hansbrough - North Carolina

Hansbrough has became the face of college basketball. Look at every pre season magazine cover and you will see #50 in his baby blue uni. Hansbrough's engine never stops running and his opponents wonder when will he run out of gas. Averaging 22 points per game and 10 rebounds per game usually means no pits stops for #50.

Team That Could Surprise: Miami Hurricanes

Miami has perhaps the best pure shooter in the ACC in Jack McClinton. He shot 43% from the 3-point line last year and was over 90% from the free throw line. McClinton is money when the game is on the line. In 12 games McClinton's 2nd half on target shooting won many games for the Hurricanes. With Lance Hurdle running the point and powerful Jimmy Graham taking care of the details inside, the Canes could elbow Duke out of the way and, dare I say this, challenge North Carolina for the top spot. I think I did say it.

Who Will Go Dancing: North Carolina, Duke, Miami, Wake Forest, Clemson, Virginia TE

Who Plays For #66: Georgia Tech, Maryland, NC State, Florida State

ACC Notes: If you get a chance, watch Gervis Vasquez at Maryland. Vasquez should be free to play the 2 where he will be impressive shooting from he outside, penetrating and creating his shots. Vasquez is the biggest weapon in the Terrapins arsenal. Leonard Hamilton loves his FSU team this year. He says its the best chemistry he's had in all his years in Tallahassee. Seminole fans hope that translates into a post season tournament run.

ACC Predictions

1. North Carolina

2. Duke

3. Miami

4. Wake Forest

5. Clemson

6. Virginia Tech

7. Georgia Tech

8. Maryland

9. Florida State

10. NC State

11. Boston College

12. Virginia

Photo Courtesy: Getty Images

What Has Happened To Clemson

The Clemson Tigers were suppose to carry ACC banner to a BCS bowl this season. Right now the Congressional Bowl is looking good for the Tigers.

Clemson's 12-7 loss to Wake Forest may have finished off the Tigers. The loss puts Clemson at 3-3 overall but most importantly 1-2 in the ACC Atlantic Division. Here it is October 10th and the Tigers have all but exited the road to Tampa Bay, site of the ACC Championship Game.

The Tiger offense couldn't claw their way through the Wake Forest defense only gaining 198 of total offense. The running back duo of James Davis and C.J. Spiller combined for 35 yards. Nothing worked for Clemson's offense against a dominant Demon Deacon defense.

"We tried everything, if you watch. We tried going deep to Aaron [Kelly] and throwing deep over the middle to the tight end." Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden said. "We tried reverses, we tried fake punts, we tried C.J. [Spiller] on the outside and James [Davis] in the middle. They were playing really well defensively. We just couldn't develop any kind of continuity and we sure tried everything we had."

So where does Clemson go from here? Hard to say. I said before the season kicked off that the Alabama game was the kind that would make or break a team and that's proving to be true. The Tigers lost to the Crimson Tide 34-10 and it seems Clemson has yet to recover. The loss to Maryland at Death Valley was bad. Wake Forest is really good but the Deacs struggled too. Clemson had plenty of chances to win, just couldn't get it done offensively.

Clemson's schedule coming up: a much better Georgia Tech team at Death Valley followed by a pair of really difficult games on the road. First a trip Boston College and the Eagles are pretty good this year, then down to Tallahassee where Papa Bobby won't have much sympathy for his son because Florida State needs to keep winning, and the Seminoles are getting better. Running that table will be a tall order for Clemson.

There will be talk about Tommy Bowden's future at Clemson. I'm hearing the natives are very restless. None the less, Clemson is in a difficult position to make a change at the end of the year because of the extension and raise Bowden received in the off-season to prevent him from bolting to Arkansas. How Clemson finishes 2008 will be telling.

Photos Courtesy: Jeff Blake/The Columbia State

College Football: My ACC Atlantic Division Preview

ACC Atlantic Division As I See It

Clemson Tigers

2007 Record 9-4 (Lost to Auburn in Chick-Fil-A Bowl 23-20 OT)

With the exception of beating Florida State, Clemson again couldn’t win games against the top teams in the ACC. Losses to Virginia Tech, Boston College and Georgia Tech kept the Tigers out of the ACC Championship Game.

3 Things To Like About Clemson

Best quarterback in the ACC: Cullen Harper

Best running backs in the ACC: James Davis & C.J. Spiller

Best receiver in the ACC: Aaron Kelly

Clemson has all the weapons and then some offensively

3 Things Not To Like About Clemson

Inexperienced offensive line to open the season

Finding a group of linebackers after losing their top 4 at that position

Opening the season against Alabama

Tommy Bowden told me his biggest concern is losing 4 of 5 offensive line starters and 2 were All-Americans. Not good heading into a big game against Alabama to open the season.

Tiger Tales: Hard to believe it’s been 17 years since the Clemson Tigers won the ACC Championship. This appears to be the year Clemson breaks that title drought barring the usual head scratching loss that has plagued the Tommy Bowden era. The Alabama game though might make or break Clemson. Cullen Harper told me that they will find out real quick who they are against the Crimson Tide. I’m willing to bet Clemson takes the ACC Championship.

Predicted Finish: 1st In Atlantic Division & ACC Champion

Wake Forest Demon Deacons

2007 Record 9-4 (Defeated Connecticut in Maineke Car Care Bowl 24-10)

Wake Forest backed up their ACC Championship season of 2006 by losing their 1st 2 games and never really recovered. The Demon Deacons did finish strong with 3 straight wins including a bowl win.

3 Things To Like About Wake Forest

Attitude: This is a program that expects to win ACC Championships now.

Riley Skinner: Junior quarterback rarely makes mistakes and is steady.

Playmakers on defense

You wouldn’t know it but Riley Skinner has had a nice career at Wake Forest.

3 Things Not To Like About Wake Forest

Lack of a big play threat on offense

Only 2 returning starters on the offensive line

Brutal schedule

It will only be 1,000 degrees in Waco, Texas when the Deacons play at Baylor in August to open the 2008 season. Then Wake Forest hosts a better than advertised Ole Miss team before going to Tallahassee to play at Florida State. That’s just the first 3 games on the docket.

The Dish On The Deacs: If it wasn’t for the schedule Wake Forest would be my favorite to win the ACC this year. The Demon Deacons don’t get a breather until a week 8 match up with Duke. Wake Forest is a team that rarely makes mental mistakes and won’t beat themselves so should Clemson stumble and the Demon Deacons gets past that brutal start to the season, they could be headed to Tampa.

Projected Finish: 2nd In Atlantic Division

Florida State Seminoles

2007 Record 7-6 (Lost to Kentucky 35-28 in Music City Bowl)

Once again Florida State struggled last season on offense and ended up playing musical quarterbacks. Potential is there but the results have been lacking.

3 Things To Like About Florida State

Secondary: Myron Rolle is one of the best safeties in the country. He’s fast and can bring the wood on a ball carrier

Linebackers: One of the best groups in the ACC

Receivers: Greg Carr can go get it. He leads a group of talent pass catchers

3 Things Not To Like About Florida State

Suspensions: 10 players will miss the first 3 games

No proven running back

Run blocking by offensive line

‘Nole Nuggets: I would like to think that Drew Weatherford didn’t blow his wad his freshman year after leading the Seminoles to the ACC Championship. He’s been very inconsistent since. Weatherford told me that he thinks he’s already won the starting job and that the quarterback controversy is made more by the media. Bobby Bowden told me that competition at quarterback is very healthy. Not sure how to read that all I know is that Christian Ponder and DeVontrey Richardson got a lot of snaps this spring. Ponder had a great spring game. We shall see what happens.
FSU will improve on 7-6 but not much more.

Predicted Finish: 3rd in Atlantic Division

NC State Wolfpack

2007 Record 5-7

Last year NC State got off to a horrible 1-5 start but then something clicked and the Wolfpack ran off 4 impressive wins in a row defeating East Carolina, Virginia, Miami and arch rival North Carolina before ending 2007 with a pair of L’s.

3 Things To Like About NC State

Good skill players on offense: Jamelle Eugene is a heck of a running back and the return of Tight End Anthony Hill is huge for the passing game.

Solid Secondary: DeAndre Morgan and Jeremy Gray are a good pair of cornerbacks

Defensive Line could produce a strong pass rush

3 Things Not To Like About NC State

Who’s going to play quarterback: Senior Daniel Evans, red shirts freshman Russell Wilson or true freshman Mike Glennon

Soft offensive line

Inexperience at linebacker

Wolf Howls: For some reason and I can’t pinpoint it but I really like this NC State team. The key will be finding a starting quarterback. Russell Wilson looked very impressive in NC State’s spring game but I really think head coach Tom O’Brien is sold on Mike Glennon taking the reigns of the Wolfpack offense when the time is right. I think NC State has above average athletes in the skill positions on offense to make plays. Again, the key is finding a starting quarterback who can make the right decisions. If NC State gets past South Carolina in week 1, the Wolfpack might contend in the ACC Atlantic this year.

Projected Finish: 4th in Atlantic Division

Maryland Terrapins

2007 Record 6-7 (Lost to Oregon State in the Emerald Bowl)

Last Year Maryland had more ups and downs than the Dow Jones. The Terps would look great for 2 games than look horrible the next 2. The offense was definitely in a bear market finishing near the bottom of the ACC. But hey they went to a bowl game.

3 Things To Like About Maryland

A trio of experienced quarterbacks: Jordan Steffy, Chris Turner and Florida transfer Josh Portis.

Excellent receiving corps: Darrius Heyward-Bey, Isaiah Williams & Danny Oquendo

Best offensive line in the ACC

3 Things Not To Like About Maryland

Inexperience at running back

3 new starters in the secondary

Gaping hole in the defensive line: Dre Moore is gone to the NFL and being replaced by a former walk-on

Terp Talk: Maryland has got some play makers on offense and should be solid at quarterback but will a running back emerge and can the Terps stop anyone on defense. Dave Philistin is a monster at linebacker but he can’t do it all and I don’t see much help for him. I’m just not sold on Maryland being above .500 this season.

Projected Finish: Tied for 5th in the Atlantic Division

Boston College Eagles

2007 Record 11-3 (Defeated Michigan State 24-21 in the Champs Sports Bowl)

A year ago the Boston College Eagles soared at Matt Ryan parlayed a great senior season at quarterback into a multi-million dollar contract with the Atlanta Falcons. It was a great year

3 Things To Like About Boston College

Great front 7 on defense: With B.J. Raji and Brian Toal back in the mix, B-C will be tough to run on.

Nice group of receivers: Brandon Robinson & Rich Gunnell

Though the right side of the offensive line is short on experience, they did jell in the spring.

3 Things Not To Like About Boston College

Inexperience at quarterback: Chris Crane won’t replace Matt Ryan but he must emerge as the leader of the offense.

Who’s going to run the ball: Head coach Jeff Jagodzinski told me Josh Hayden is the only running back he has and Jeff Smith will get some carries.

Big losses in the secondary where Paul Anderson is the only returning starter

Bird Bits: Boston College has a easy schedule the 1st 4 weeks which will be key with a team with many question marks. Then there is no let up with home games against Virginia Tech, Clemson, Notre Dame and Maryland and road trips to NC State, North Carolina, Florida State and Wake Forest. November is going to be hell for the Eagles. It will be a great accomplishment if B.C. can go bowling this year.

Projected Finish: Tied for 5th in the Atlantic Division

Owning the Diamond

When the Atlantic Coast Conference expanded to 12 schools a few years ago it was done so to upgrade football in the league. The first year of expansion everything worked out great but the last few years, the ACC has been at the bottom of the BCS leagues. The jury is still out for Men’s Basketball judging that only 4 ACC teams got in the NCAA Tournament last spring. One sport that has truly benefitted with the league expansion has been baseball.

This year, the ACC has the top conference in college baseball with Miami, North Carolina and Florida State consistently ranked in the Top 5 in the various national polls. Not surprisingly it’s that ACC trio that has made the trip to Omaha, Nebraska to play in the College World Series.

UnACCeptable Results

While Omaha is a nice, friendly Mid-American city but it’s not been a pleasant destination for ACC teams over the years. North Carolina advanced to the Championship Series the last 2 years only to lose to Oregon State each year. Miami does have 4 College World Series championships, one as recently as 2001 however, that was before the Hurricanes stormed into the Atlantic Coast Conference.

It’s been 53 years since an ACC team won the College World Series and that was Wake Forest back in 1955. That year the Omaha World Herald referred to the Demon Deacons as “the small Baptist school in North Carolina.” Lefty Davis was the Deacs ace on the mound but he didn’t make the trip so Head Coach Taylor Sanford used 3 pitchers in the Championship Game, not common practice back then. It took an RBI single in the 8th by Linwood Holt to put Deacs over the top. Wake Forest defeated Western Michigan 7-6 to claim the ACC’s first and to this point, only College World Series title.

You have to think the odds are in the ACC’s favor to break that streak.

3 Of A Kind

Florida State, North Carolina & Miami give the ACC a great shot to win the league’s 1st national championship in 53 years. Florida State has Collegiate Baseball’s National Player of the Year Buster Posey, who played all 9 positions in a 7 inning game a month ago. Posey is the real deal leading the nation in batting and slugging percentage. North Carolina has the best pitching staff in college baseball leading the nation in Strikeouts per 9 innings and Earned Run Average. It was pitching that carried the Tar Heels to the championship series the last 2 years. Miami appears to be the strongest. There are no easy outs in the Hurricanes line up 1 through 9. Junior 1st Baseman Yonder Alonso has been swinging some heavy metal during the post season. Alonso launched bombs out of Mark Light Field last weekend to power the ‘Canes past Arizona in the Super Regionals. Miami’s pitching has been fantastic as well. Freshman left hander Chris Hernandez has yet to lose a game in college, 11-0 and earned National Freshman of the Year honors. The ‘Canes could do it but it’s time for the ACC to end 53 years of frustration in Omaha and bring home a College World Series title.

--John Wilkerson