NFTM Turkey Leftover Edition: ACC, Big 12 and Big East
November 27th, 2008 by Jason Roberts
It’s the second-half of Rivalry Week here at Fantasy College Blitz, and as we share (surprisingly) good times with family and friends over Thanksgiving, we also find ourselves lovingly laying out our school regalia in honor of some major matchups between hated opponents such as Florida-Florida State (shameless plug, be damned – Go Noles!!!), Oklahoma-Oklahoma State, Texas-Texas A&M, Pittsburgh-West Virginia, and, of course, one of our favorites out on the West Coast, the Civil War between two ranked teams in Oregon and Oregon State.
The Longhorns and Aggies go at it this Thursday evening, kicking off what should be a wild and entertaining weekend of collegiate football; a shame it should have to be an 8pm kickoff, however, as we’re sure the tryptophan will get us long before than – especially after watching a pathetic matchup between the NFL’s Tennessee Titans and the Detroit Lions.
In hopes that we can remain coherent enough to see whether Mike Sherman can get his first major win of his tenure at College Station, we peruse the nation’s papers (those leftover after our having to wrap the sad-looking remnants of a bird whose life was summed up by 20 minutes of gorging ourselves) and discover the following wonderful giblets (gravy, anyone?) from the ACC, Big XII, and Big East conferences:
ACC
Boston College Eagles
The Boston Globe this week discusses preparations being made by backup quarterback for the Boston College Eagles, Dominique DavisΒΈ this as the redshirt freshman is forced into the role of starter this upcoming weekend against the University of Maryland due to a fractured collarbone suffered by Chris Crane this past Saturday versus Wake Forest. Davis, notes the Globe, showed both “inexperience and potential” playing in the contest versus the Demon Deacons, fumbling the ball twice – both of which were returned for touchdowns – yet also leading Boston College on a 70-yard game-winning touchdown drive late in the game. Both Davis and head coach Jeff Jagodzinski suggest that the young man from Lakeland, Florida will be “ready to go,” but recognize that offensive coordinator Steve Logan will need to work to identify a gameplan which recognizes what Davis “can do and what his strengths are.” The pressure to perform will be awfully high, as a win over the Terrapins sends the Eagles to the ACC Championship in Tampa, Florida the following week; depth may also be a concern given that wide receiver Billy Flutie and fullback Codi Boek, are now listed as Davis’ backups. Still, Jagodzinski comments that he feels Boston College is in a “good position” and should be more than ready to give Maryland everything it can handle come Saturday afternoon’s contest.
Clemson Tigers
The Greenville News reveals this week that backup quarterback for the Clemson Tigers, Willy Korn, will undergo surgery on his shoulder in the off-season in order to repair a frayed labrum. Korn was scheduled to play this past weekend as the Tigers went on the road to take on Virginia, but was pulled from pre-game drills after his throws became “labored” in the midst of warming up. An MRI completed Sunday, writes the News, will further clarify the particulars of the injury and corresponding surgical procedure. Korn could still possibly see playing time Saturday versus South Carolina, but as a precaution, head coach Dabo Swinney has sophomore Michael Wade practicing with the second-team offense this week just in case the need arises to call upon Wade him rather than Korn to take the field in relief of scheduled starter under center for Clemson, Cullen Harper.
In other news out of Clemson: The Independent Mail writes Monday that when senior wide receiver for the Clemson Tigers, Aaron Kelly, hits the field this coming Saturday against in-state rival South Carolina, he’ll do so as the ACC receptions leader and the Tigers’ career receiving touchdown leader with 222 catches and 19 scores. Still, there is another record well within Kelly’s grasp; with 99 more yards, he can pass Terry Smith as the school’s all-time receptions yardage leader as well.
Duke Blue Devils
The News & Observer for Tuesday comments that incumbent quarterback for the Duke Blue Devils, Thaddeus Lewis, will start once more Saturday against North Carolina, this though the junior has been nursing a sprained foot since injuring it versus the Clemson Tigers two weeks ago. Important to note, however, is the assertion of head coach for the Blue Devils, David Cutcliffe, that he would be unable to determine just how much Lewis would play until the youngster took the field versus the Tar Heels, especially considering that Lewis had returned to practice this week but had yet to take full reps with the rest of the team.
Florida State Seminoles
With a tradition of placekickers best described by the words “wide left” or “wide right,” Florida State was this week identified as the surprising host university to a Lou Groza award finalist, with senior Graham Gano now clearly in the running to be named the nation’s best kicker for the 2008 season. A do-it-all player that last weekend against Maryland showed off his versatility by handling placekicking, punting, and kickoff duties, Gano has so far accumulated a record of 21-of-23 field goals converted and has yet to miss a single extra-point attempt. Such statistics become even more impressive when one realizes, as this week’s Florida Today notes, the senior has yet to miss a field goal from inside 50 yards (18-of-18) and is currently carrying an average of 41.4 yards per punt. Little wonder then that Gano currently is the ACC’s leading scorer even though he missed the first two games of the year with an injured knee and holds the best field-goal percentage (91.3 percent) in the entire country. He joins Josh Arauco of Arkansas State and Louie Sakoda of Utah as those named finalists for the Groza award, scheduled to be awarded December 11th during the Home Depot College Football Awards Show.
North Carolina Tarheels
The Star News attempts to wade through the murky waters of an apparent quarterback controversy which has developed at the University of North Carolina, a debate which, the paper writes, only head coach Butch Davis can take blame for manufacturing. The News comments that Davis likely made the right move in starting incumbent quarterback T.J. Yates this past Saturday against N.C. State, particularly given that Cam Sexton, who has been the Tarheels man under center since Yates broke a bone in his ankle back in September versus Virginia Tech, was so shaky a week prior in a loss to the Maryland Terrapins. Yet, it’s the manner in which Davis handled the transition of Yates back into the starting lineup during this past weekend’s matchup with the Wolfpack which causes rise for concern for the News. Would it not have been wiser to let Sexton start with the understanding that Yates would come in for a series or two early in the first quarter in order to see if he was ready to come back in full service as the Tarheels’ offensive leader? The sophomore, after all, looked “rusty” after being away from the game so long and appeared frustrated by the time the first half came to an end. Still, Davis refused to “cut his losses” and left Yates in rather than allowing Sexton to try and rally the troops in a game that would have kept North Carolina in the race for the ACC Coastal title with a win. Before long, the article notes, defensive back DeAndre Morgan heard the Tarheels players bickering amongst themselves, left demoralized until with just 8:39 left in the fourth quarter, Sexton was brought into the game. By that time, the score was 34-10, the game was far out of reach, and Sexton left the contest with his confidence shattered. Davis now is left to pick up the pieces from a devastating loss to an in-state rival and with no clear answers from which to choose heading into the final game of the season for UNC against the Duke Blue Devils.
Virginia Cavaliers
The website HamptonRoads.com discusses the interesting development in Charlottesville this week that currently suspended quarterback Jameel Sewell will be rejoining the Virginia Cavaliers this upcoming semester, negating the challenges in experience that UVA has struggled with under center throughout the 2008 season. “Jameel and I have stayed in touch over the course of the gall, as he has with any of the coaches and his teammates,” head coach Al Groh told reporters. “We had a conversation just here recently and . . . he affirmed his desire to be back with us, and we affirmed our desire to have him.” Sewell has been serving a one year academic probation following poor performance in the first semester of 2007; prior to his being forced from the team, Sewell, who will be a fifth year senior in 2009, had started 23 times consecutively, whereas current starter, Marc Verica will have accumulated only 10 by the time he faces off against Virginia Tech this coming Saturday.
Virginia Tech Hokies
Out of The Washington Post this week comes the surprising news that head coach of the Virginia Tech Hokies, Frank Beamer, has elected to start sophomore quarterback Tyrod Taylor against in-state rivals, the Virginia Cavaliers, come this Saturday. Beamer’s move, notes the Post, was unusual, given that Beamer mentioned Monday morning that “both quarterbacks were healthy,” and that he would not comment further on “what factors would determine the starter” heading into this weekend; yet Taylor was pulled during VT’s game over Duke in the second quarter after throwing two interceptions and fumbling twice. Senior Sean Glennon came in in relief of Taylor versus the Blue Devils and completed 12-of-20 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown in the win, following up on starts against Maryland and Miami while Taylor was sidelined with injury. Considered much more productive than Taylor in the time since both went down against Florida State, Glennon will now no longer start in his final home game with the Hokies, a circumstance which seems more of a slight, write the Post, than anything.
Big XII
Colorado Buffaloes
With 1,742 all-purpose yards to his name heading into the final regular-season game of his sophomore career against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, wide receiver / kick returner / sometimes tailback Josh Smith remains just 228 yards from second-place in terms of career all-purpose yardage, a mark currently held by former Buffaloes’ alumni Byron “Whizzer” White, and as set during White’s 1937 season. (Source: Rocky Mountain News)
In other CU newsworthy material of note: A separate edition of the Rocky Mountain News informs readers that sophomore Brian Lockridge has now fully recovered from an off-season hernia operation and is currently working with the Buffaloes scout team as a running back. In addition, Lockridge is also seeing time at slot receiver, a move which Lockridge is “going to help me be more of a well-rounded running back.” Oddly enough, the article notes that some defensive coaches have talked to the sophomore about switching sides of the ball, but according to Lockridge, “I don’t think [coach Darian] Hagan is going to let that happen. He wants to keep me over on offense.”
Iowa State Cyclones
The Des Moines Register highlights that with a 117 yard / two touchdown performance by wide receiver R.J. Sumrall this past weekend against the Kansas State Wildcats, the senior wideout ended his career with the Iowa State Cyclones with 156 receptions, third best in school history, and 1,805 receiving yards, good enough for fifth place all-time for a Cyclones pass catcher. The accomplishment seems all the more impressive when one considers that Sumrall achieved those final numbers while playing with a dislocated finger for much of the 38-30 loss to the Wildcats last Saturday evening.
Kansas Jayhawks
The Topeka Capital-Journal writes this week that junior tailback for the Kansas Jayhawks, Jake Sharp, hasn’t practiced since KU’s last game and very well could miss the regular-season finale this upcoming weekend against Missouri in Kansas City. If Sharp is indeed unable to go, look for Jocques Crawford to get the call at running back. The paper also notes that Kerry Meier, wide receiver for the Jayhawks, returned to practice this week after suffering what appears to be some sort of hamstring injury; head coach Mark Mangino remains hopeful that Meier will be able to take the field against the Tigers’ this weekend as a result.
Missouri Tigers
The Columbia Tribune informs readers this week that head coach of the Missouri Tigers, Gary Pinkel, remains hopeful that tight end Chase Coffman will be able to play Saturday against Kansas, this even though Coffman currently is battling a sprained toe. “I think he’s going to play,” Pinkel explained to reporters. “He’s practiced well, and he’s been gong through all the practices now. I would expect him to play this week. I hope I’m right.”
Oklahoma State Cowboys
The Tulsa World reports this week that sophomore tailback for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, Kendall Hunter, was seen in practice on Monday afternoon and is expected to be “100 percent” when the Cowboys take on the Oklahoma Sooners in the Bedlam Rivalry this coming Saturday night. Questions surrounding his availability arose after Cowboys’ last win against Colorado, this as Hunter sat out the last quarter of the game with the Buffaloes due to an undisclosed leg injury. Still, says Hunter, with a week off to recover given OSU’s last season bye, “I’m ready to do whatever to help my team out.”
Texas Tech Red Raiders
A couple quick record notes from the website RedRaiders.com this week: despite a disappointing performance against the Oklahoma Sooner last week, Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree was able to overtake former Red Raiders’ great at wideout, Carlos Francis, for career-yardage and is now only the fourth Texas Tech pass catcher to break 3,000 yards while playing in Lubbock. With a strong performance his week against the Baylor Bears, the sophomore can overtake both Lloyd Hill and Wes Welker for the school career yardage record (Welker currently holds it with 3069). Also setting a record-breaking pace is quarterback Graham Harrell, who with four additional touchdowns will break the NCAA college-football record for career scoring passes; Colt Brennan of Hawaii currently holds the record with 131.
Big East
Cincinnati Bearcats
As point out by the Courier Journal this week, leading rusher for the Cincinnati Bearcats, Jacob Ramsey, has fumbled the ball four times over the Bearcats last two games, but head coach Brian Kelly continues to have faith in Ramsey’s ability to lead UC’s rushing attack. Kelly stated on the subject recently, “We’re too far into it to be benching guys and teaching them a lesson. He knows how important it is to hold on to the football . . . . He’s got to get through it.”
Connecticut Huskies
The News-Times provides readers with the disturbing news Wednesday that Connecticut’s Donald Brown, the nation’s leading rusher, was for some reason left off the list of three finalists for this year’s Doak Walker Award, given annually to the nation’s best running back. Head coach for the Huskies, Randy Edsall, generally quiet on such matters, told reporters, “To me that’s a disappointment. I think he should be. You’re the leading rusher in the country. What else would you have to do?” In his place, Javon Ringer of Michigan State, Shonn Greene of Iowa, and Knowshown Moreno of Georgia will battle for the right to be named this season’s Doak Walker Award winner, even though Brown clearly leads the country with an average of 148.45 yards per game played.
Louisville Cardinals
The Courier-Journal for Thursday reports that Tim Dougherty has been moved back into the starting position as placekicker for the Louisville Cardinals, as Ryan Payne has gone just three-of-six since taking over kicking duties in the fifth game of the season. This will be Dougherty’s second such run as the Cardinals’ starter, having replaced Payne on October 10th after the freshman missed a missed a 30-yard attempt against the Memphis Tigers.
Pittsburgh Panthers
Good news released by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review this week: Sophomore tailback LeSean McCoy told reporters earlier this week that he “definitely” plans to return for his junior season to play for the Pittsburgh Panthers. Although eligible to declare for the NFL Draft next spring because he spent a year at Milford Academy in New Berlin, New York and is three years removed from high school, the outstanding ball carrier stated, “I’m not going anywhere. There’s a lot of stuff I’ve got to prove. I don’t think I did enough here at this university. There’s a lot left to achieve here.”
University of South Florida
Last Sunday’s game against the University of Connecticut was the final home game for 21 seniors on the University of South Florida Bulls’ roster; the website TBO.com asks the additional question, however, of whether it or not it will be the final contest for junior defensive end, George Selvie, as well. The outstanding lineman has vowed not to make a final decision on whether he’ll return for his senior year or move on in order to enter the NFL draft next April until the Bulls’ have completed their post-season appearance in the inaugural St. Petersburg Bowl. Still, he is projected as a first-round pick should he make the jump to the next level, giving strong concern as to whether his initial statement that he was “leaning toward staying” after Sunday nights win over UConn holds much weight. “I love being around here. I’ve been here for a lot of the firsts, so why not stay until the end?” the junior commented; however, “It’s complicated on making a decision,” Selvie adds, particularly since pass rushers currently are drawing a premium in the NFL at this point in time.
Syracuse Orangemen
A player to keep an eye on heading into the 2009 season and beyond is highlighted this week by the website Syracuse.com, this after true freshman Antwon Bailey took 16 carries for 126 yard and a touchdown last weekend in a truly impressive 24-23 upset by the Syracuse Orangemen over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on the road in South Bend, Indiana. “He’s not a surprise,” head coach Greg Robinson told reporters following Saturday night’s victory. “He’s a talented young football player, on that I think has a great career of him, on top of his 3.5 GPA and about an 1190 SAT.” Bailey, the article notes, was all the more impressive due to the fact that the bulk of his production came after the freshman replaced senior Curtis Brinkley, who was pulled to the sideline by the Syracuse coaching staff after fumbling the ball away in the third quarter on a play that set up Notre Dame for a field goal. Interestingly enough, Bailey lined up not only out of a traditional set in the Syracuse backfield, but also a designed set that placed the youngster in the “wildcat” role directly behind center Jim McKenzie; from that position, Bailey also threw a 25-yard pass to receiver Dan Sheeran that, had it been a bit more accurate, likely would have ended up in a touchdown.
West Virginia Mountaineers
The News and Sentinel points out this week that heralded quarterback for the West Virginia Mountaineers, Pat White, added a couple additional records to his NFL resume this past Saturday against the Louisville Cardinals. Finishing a 35-21 win at Papa Johns Cardinal Stadium with 200 yards rushing and three touchdowns as well as 122 yards passing and two additional scores, White eclipsed Donovan McNabb‘s mark of 96 touchdowns scored in a career during McNabb’s time at Syracuse (White now as 98), but also broke former Missouri Tigers’ quarterback Brad Smith‘s record as the NCAA’s all-time career quarterback rusher by three yards. Smith, in his time in Columia, accumulated 4289 rushing yards, while White has now reached 4292 as of last weekend’s contest against Louisville.
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