2009-11-20T13:01:15Z urn:uuid:60a76c80-d399-11d9-b93C-0003939e0af6 CoalEngine CoalSpeak urn:uuid:1225c695-cfb8-4ebb-aaaa-80da344efa6a 2009-11-20T13:01:15Z

Daily Links, Nov. 20 Version 2.0 Grant Fitzgerald November 20, 2009 Editor’s note: We’re still working out the specifics of our new system, in which we provide you with two sets of links each day. We try to get the second set to you soon after 10 a.m. but occasionally other factors make that impossible. To that end, we’re going to go with the title “Version 2.0” for the second set of links. That’s more accurate than “Midmorning Update.” Here is the second batch of links for today as I wonder why Thursday night NFL games exist. In honor of senior day at Virginia Tech, Norfolk’s Kyle Tucker has a piece on the Hokie’s oldest - and largest - prankster. Al Groh may not have won any national championships at Virginia, but he has produced a lot of NFL draft picks. Charlotte’s Ken Tysiac has a piece on N.C. state’s newest touchdown threat. Palm Beach’s Jorge Milian reports that former NFL quarterback Brian Griese has some advice for the recent struggles of Jacory Harris: just relax. Recruits have a variety of reasons why they chose their school. Here’s a look at how some players ended up at Georgia Tech. Florida State freshman quarterback E.J. Manuel will face his second test as a starter this weekend against Maryland, writes Ira Schoffel of the Miami Herald. Duke basketball recruit Josh Hairston was enjoyed his high school career but is ready to move on to the next stage. The Virginia defense held C.J. Spiller to 18 yards in their matchup last season, reports Columbia’s Paul Strelow. But this year, the Tigers believe their ground-game will do a little better. If Boston College wants to beat UNC this Saturday, writes the Boston Herald’s Steve Conroy, its offense will have to take every opportunity it is given. That’s all for today. Tune back in Monday morning for more links.

urn:uuid:1225c695-cfb8-4ebb-aaaa-80da344efa6a 2009-11-20T07:47:04Z

Daily Links, Nov. 20 Grant Fitzgerald November 20, 2009 Another set of links to post while feeling sorry for Ireland. Did the ref really not see that handball? We start today with Wake Forest and keep posting until we reach those Boston College Eagles. Without the likes of James Johnson and Jeff Teague, Al-Farouq Aminu is quietly building his own star in Winston-Salem. Virginia Tech’s Jaymes Brooks may be a serious player on the field, writes Roanoke’s Randy King, but off the field the massive lineman is a big joker. Roanoke’s Doug Doughty writes about the decline of Virginia football and what went wrong in their latest column. The often injured Wolfpack running back Toney Baker was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA, something that Tom O’Brien said might help his draft status, writes charlotte’s Ken Tysiac. It wasn’t pretty, but the UNC basketball team showed great intensity in its win against Ohio State. With Jacory Harris injured, there is a chance that freshman quarterback A.J. Highsmith may have to take some snaps against Duke, reports Manny Navarro of the Miami Herald. Good news for Maryland basketball fans. Patrick Stevens of the Washington Times reports that Gary Williams expects forward Dino Gregory to return by Dec. 12. Having already secured a spot in the ACC championship game, Georgia Tech should be hoping for a Clemson rematch. At least, that’s what AJC columnist Mark Bradley thinks. The Florida State special teams unit played one of its best games of the year against Wake Forest. Now the Seminoles are hoping to replicate that effort against Maryland on Saturday. Miami may be a long way from Duke, but as Durham’s Bryan Strickland writes, for many Blue Devil football players the trip to Florida is very close to home The Heisman talk is starting to heat up and Clemson’s C.J. Spiller is right in the mix. Boston College has been relatively thin at the running back position, but freshman Montel Harris has picked up the slack for the Eagles, writes the Boston Globe’s Steve Conroy. That’s all for now. Check back in a few hours for the next batch of links.

urn:uuid:1225c695-cfb8-4ebb-aaaa-80da344efa6a 2009-11-19T12:36:28Z

Daily Links, Nov. 19 Midmorning Update Grant Fitzgerald November 19, 2009 Here is the second batch of links as I prepare myself for another cloudy and rainy day. Boston College is No. 1! It may not be basketball or football, but the Eagles are the top school in the country when it comes to athletics and academics, according to the Boston Globe’s Mark Blaudschun. Clemson tight end Michael Palmer was the Tigers’ least-hyped recruit in his class, but, according to Columbia’s Paul Strelow, the senior is turning out to be one of the team’s most valuable players. Duke’s Thaddeus Lewis flew under the radar for three years but has been nominated as one of five finalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm award. In honor of Mickey Andrews last home game, Brian Landman of Tampa Bay has put together a list of what some former players have to say about their former defensive coordinator. Here is a good-looking list at some of Georgia Tech’s award candidates and their impressive statistics. If there is one thing that Maryland coach Gary Williams does as well or better than any other coach, it is pouring his heart into the game. More good news for Miami, reports Palm Beach’s Jorge Milian, two key defenders are expected to return for the Hurricanes against Duke on Saturday. Before coming to Chapel Hill, Dexter Strickland didn’t fully appreciate what it meant to be playing for such a historic program. But after putting on the uniform, the freshman guard began to understand. Even if N.C. State running back Toney Baker is granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA, the senior isn’t sure what he will do, writes Charlotte’s Ken Tysiac. Virginia’s loss to South Florida was a wake-up call for coach Tony Bennett, and the Cavalier’s next game isn’t any easier. Virginia Tech hasn’t had the season that it wanted, but one good development has been the maturation of quarterback Tyrod Taylor. That’s all for today. Tune back in tomorrow for more links.

urn:uuid:1225c695-cfb8-4ebb-aaaa-80da344efa6a 2009-11-19T07:42:42Z

Daily Links, Nov. 19 Grant Fitzgerald November 19, 2009 Another Thursday, another batch of links. Waiting for a new episode of the “The League” on FX tonight. Check back in a couple hours for a midmorning update. Saturday’s game against North Carolina will be special for the Boston College seniors who have gone through three coaching changes in four years, writes the Boston Herald’s Steve Conroy. In four years at Clemson, Jacoby Ford has made major strides as a receiver and will likely go out as one of the Tiger’s all-time playmakers. Former Duke player Eric Boateng didn’t make much of a name for himself in Durham, but the post player is now making a name for himself at Arizona State. Since 1984 Florida State defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews has poured his life onto the field. Saturday will mark the last time Andrews will coach at a Seminoles home game. Georgia Tech faces a very tough early test when it plays Dayton today in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Puerto Rico Tip-Off tonight. Another day, another dose of bad news for Maryland. This time Patrick Stevens of the Washington Time reports that punter Travis Baltz is out for the season after having surgery on a broken ring finger. Kind of a confusing story. Those worried about Miami quarterback Jacory Harris can breath a sigh of relief, writes Palm Beach’s Jorge Milian, the Hurricane’s starter practiced fully with the team on Wednesday. North Carolina has a lot of talent on its roster but who will emerge as the Tar Heels go-to guy?. The graduation success rates for athletics recently came out and N.C. State ended up in the bottom half. But N.C. State officials don’t believe those findings represent the current state of athletics, reports Charlotte’s Ken Tysiac. Virginia doesn’t have any postseason opportunities to play for, but the Cavaliers still have their pride on the line when they travel to Death Valley, writes Charlottesville’s Jerry Ratcliffe. Virginia Tech isn’t hurrying to get running back Darren Evans back on the field, but the sophomore running back has impressed people with his quick recovery. Wake Forest was able to outscore most opponents last season, but on Wednesday night, the Deacons won with their defense, writes Winston-Salem’s Dan Collins. That’s all for now. Check back in a few hours for the midmorning update.

urn:uuid:1225c695-cfb8-4ebb-aaaa-80da344efa6a 2009-11-18T09:51:21Z

Daily Links, Nov. 18 Midmorning update Beth Mechum November 18, 2009 As promised, here’s your second batch of Wednesday links. Virginia Tech’s schedule is a little front-loaded with not so tough opponents. That’s not exactly translating to easy wins for the Hokies. Running back Perry Jones has been paying close attention in practice, and now UVA is playing closing attention to him, writes Charlottesville’s Jay Jenkins. After closing out its home season with a resounding win against Miami, UNC hits the road for the last two games. Chavez Grants hates to disappoint coach Randy Shannon. That should work as inspiration against Duke this weekend. (Warning: this link has been finicky today) James Franklin felt disconnected from his Maryland team up in the press box, so he moved down to field level during the second half of the season. That move is just now paying dividends, writes The Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens. Florida State is having its own March Madness a little early. Tonight, the Seminoles continue their stretch of seven games in 16 days. Duke’s blank">injury list is increasing at the worst time possible, with Miami coming up this weekend. The most important injury of all could be to backup quarterback Seam Renfree, but Thad Lewis is blank">pledging to make it a non-issue,, reports Durham’s Bryan Strickland. Greenville’s Ed McGranahan writes about Thomas Austin’s evolution as blank">leader for Clemson. It’s not that common for a left tackle like Austin to be a blank">team captain.

urn:uuid:1225c695-cfb8-4ebb-aaaa-80da344efa6a 2009-11-18T09:45:44Z

Daily Links, Nov. 18 Beth Mechum November 18, 2009 Another set of links to post while marveling at just how young Memphis coach Josh Pastner is. Seriously, he looks like a fake i.d. toting college kid. We start today in Winston-Salem and hunt for links until we reach Chestnut Hill. All names in bold are those of recent ACC Sports Journal contributors. Wake Forest isn’t so good at making 3-pointers, writes Winston-Salem’s Dan Collins. Of course, he says it a lot more eloquently than that. The Deacons are working on developing their inside game as much as possible. If I had prospects of playing professional football, I’d be dreaming about the money, fame and access. Virginia Tech’s Cody Grimm? Not so much. Then again, he has to deal with agents, and that can’t be fun. Tony Bennett hasn’t named any captains for his basketball team, but if he decides to do so, Calvin Baker has a pretty good resume, writes Charlottesville’s Whitey Reid. Russell Wilson has all the reason to leave N.C. State next year to pursue a professional baseball career, but Raleigh’s Ken Tysiac reports the money reason isn’t as big as one might think. It took interception machine Kendric Burney a little while to find his place at Carolina when he couldn’t decide between baseball and football. Now, I think it’s safe to say he’s right where he needs to be. Quarterbacks often have pressure to perform for fear of a backup coming in to take their spot. Jacory Harris blank">never has such pressure, and Fort Lauderdale’s Shandel Richardson said that has hurt him. That being said, Harris is the best the ‘Canes have and Miami is thanking its lucky stars his blank">injured finger won’t stop him from playing. Maryland hasn’t won since tailback Da’Rel Scott has been out with a wrist injury in early October. I’m not saying that’s the reason the Terps lost, but it can’t hurt to have him back this weekend. It’s a good sign when your starting center is using crutches but Paul Johnson hasn’t made any decisions whether Sean Bedford will play next weekend against Georgia. In a season marred by coaching controversy and defensive struggles, FSU’s Jermaine Thomas still has a chance < to accomplish a feat few others ever have.> Nolan Smith had his season opener a couple of games after most of the Blue Devils so he had to announce his presence in spectacular fashion against Charlotte last night, writes Raleigh’s Ken Tysiac. The rest of the team wasn’t too shabby either. It looks to all outsiders that Clemson will clinch the ACC Atlantic Division with an easy win against downtrodden UVa. But those on the inside have seen breakdowns before. Columbia’s Paul Strelow writes about the blank">focus Clemson needs to have. Greenville’s Ed McGranahan has similar sentiment, and adds that the team must blank">enjoy the journey. With all that focus going around, Dabo Swinney found time to lighten the mood by joking about C.J. Spiller’s new nickname. Tyler Roche continued his torrid shooting in BC’s win over St. Francis. Roche is now 9-of-11 from 3-point range this season. Not bad. Not bad at all. That’s all for now. More to come later.

urn:uuid:1225c695-cfb8-4ebb-aaaa-80da344efa6a 2009-11-17T06:51:37Z

Daily Links, Nov. 17 Beth Mechum November 17, 2009 Another set of links to post while dancing in the streets about my fantasy football team. Who else is glad Brandon Marshall decided to stop punting footballs and terrorizing ball boys at practice? We start today with the Eagles and eventually wind our way around to the Demon Deacons. All names in bold are those of recent ACC Sports Journal contributors. Ouch. Dallas Cowboys right tackle Marc Colombo broke his left leg against Green Bay. The former BC standout is likely out for the season. If you’re trying to catch Clemson play hoops today, you’d better play hooky from work this morning. The Tigers are playing at 10 a.m. as part of ESPN’s college hoops all-day-a-thon. (That’s not the real name.) Kyle Singler is continuing to do what most thought he would do going into this season – lead the Blue Devils to wins, writes Raleigh’s Ken Tysiac. Michael Snaer didn’t start the game against Jacksonville last night, but he made sure FSU fans would remember his name by the end of it. People like Paul Johnson don’t really understand the concept of a bye week. He had a full day of handshaking yesterday, but something tells me he’d rather be tossing footballs. Gary Williams might throw out a four-guard rotation tonight against Fairfield due more to necessity than some genius strategy. Either way, he said he expects Maryland to handle a small lineup better than it did last year. Miami’s Manny Navarro and Susan Miller Degnan are reporting that Jacory Harris has a cast on his throwing hand. It’s reportedly a finger injury. Miami has no backup quarterback, making this story take on on added importance. Though the Tar Heels implosion against Florida State had most in Chapel Hill worried, Kendric Burney contends he knew the Tar Heels would be fine all along. It might not look from the outside that N.C. State has much to play for, but players and coaches say the Wolfpack still has fight in it. Mikell Simpson didn’t play a snap Saturday in Virginia’s loss to Boston College. Once the number one running back, Al Groh said Simpson is sliding dowm the depth chart. Virginia Tech will play Cincinnati at Fed ExField (home of the Redskins) in 2012, reports Roanoke’s Randy King. Frank Beamer was pleased and hopeful that this meant Hokie fans would come in droves to support the team. Don’t they always? Jeff Teague’s coach in Atlanta is encouraging the former Wake guard to stay aggressive. That’s all the links for now. Check back in a few hours for our midmorning batch of links.

urn:uuid:1225c695-cfb8-4ebb-aaaa-80da344efa6a 2009-11-16T11:23:31Z

Daily Links, Nov. 16 Midmorning Update Chris Hempson | Mailbag November 16, 2009 As promised, here’s your second batch of Monday links. Roanoke’s Randy King reports that linebacker Jake Johnson thinks he’s still got it. And why not? After two sacks I’d certainly say he does. Charlottesville’s Whitey Reid writes that Chris Cook’s blank">interception gave the team a huge emotional boost. But it was not to be for Virginia. Charlottesville’s Jay Jenkins reports that Virginia hosted representatives from the blank">Champs Sports Bowl. But now, the Cavaliers are just playing for pride. Raleigh’s Ken Tysiac writes that N.C. State doesn’t have blank">much to play for now. Well, I beg to differ. Fantasy football! Come on Russell. In some soccer news, NCSU got to the blank">finals of the ACC tournament but couldn’t pull it out against Virginia. Kendric Burney had a day filled with interceptions. And even an exciting pitch to teammate Melvin Williams. Even with several newcomers, it was a redshirt senior who led Miami basketball on Saturday. So things aren’t going well for the Terps this year. But Torrey Smith sure is having a blank">great year. The Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens writes that Ralph Friedgen doesn’t see his team as blank">very lucky. Friedgen is seeing plays he hasn’t seen in his whole career. Yikes. Georgia Tech and Paul Johnson want to make it clear: They’re blank">not satisfied yet. Macon’s Coley Harvey writes that blank">oranges were being tossed to the Georgia Tech players after the win. Hmmm. I wonder what the fans are thinking about. Greg Reid had come awfully close before. But against Wake Forest, he finally returned a punt for a blank">touchdown. Give him six. As the weeks pass, the questions never die down regarding blank">Bobby Bowden’s future. Duke faces a must-win game against Miami this weekend. If it does so and then wins the following week, well, you know what that means: bowl-eligibility! Greenville’s Bart Wright reports that the Tigers are learning blank">how to win. And it couldn’t come at a better time, I might add. Greenville’s Ed McGranahan reports that Kyle Parker had his most blank">efficient game of the season against N.C. State. The Boston Globe’s Mark Blaudschun looks at blank">BC’s bowl possibilities. Even with the win, the Boston Herald’s Steve Conroy writes that there were several blank">teachable moments for the Eagles against Virginia. That’s all for today. Monday Night Football tonight. Watch.

urn:uuid:1225c695-cfb8-4ebb-aaaa-80da344efa6a 2009-11-16T07:47:08Z

Daily Links, Nov. 16 Chris Hempson | Mailbag November 16, 2009 Another set of links to post as I giddily sit here. There was a Steve Smith sighting this weekend. Nice. We start today at Wake Forest and search for links until we reach Boston College. All names in bold are those of recent ACC Sports Journal contributors. The Demon Deacons won easily against ECU on the basketball court, and Ishmael Smith gave his best impression of Darryl Dawkins. In case you missed it, Tyrod Taylor had quite the game against Maryland. And he knew it. Roanoke’s Doug Doughty writes that Jameel Sewell was pretty emotional after not converting an important fourth-down play. Sewell apologized for his actions after the game. If N.C. State is going to right its ship, it’ll start with a huge improvement from the Wolfpack defense. That unit is struggling right now, to say the least. Roy Williams isn’t too familiar with Skype, but he was more than willing to use it Friday to get that Harrison Barnes fellow. Jacory Harris may have struggled heavily against North Carolina, but that hasn’t stopped Randy Shannon from supporting his quarterback. The Washington Times’ Patrick Stevens brings up an interesting point about Maryland perhaps cursing other teams. Check it out. After beating Duke, Georgia Tech can finally turn its attention toward Georgia. And let it be known, the Yellow Jackets have this one circled in their calenders. With Florida State’s bowl hopes likely on the line, E.J. Manuel delivered.. Just wow. What a performance. Durham’s Bryan Strickland reports that David Cutcliffe is facing an abundance of injuries. Cutcliffe thinks his current injury list is a record for one of his teams. The State’s Paul Strelow writes that Clemson control its own Atlantic Division destiny, thanks in large part to C.J. Spiller. The Boston Herald’s Steve Conroy writes that Dave Shinskie threw two interceptions, but the freshman quarterback was able to bounce back when it mattered. That’s all the links for now. Check back in a few hours for our midmorning batch of links.

urn:uuid:1225c695-cfb8-4ebb-aaaa-80da344efa6a 2009-11-13T11:00:19Z

Daily Links, Nov. 13 Midmorning Update Grant Fitzgerald November 13, 2009 As promised here is your second set of links as I wonder why Jerricho Cotchery is still on my fantasy team. I’m going to go ahead and blame Chuck Amato. The Nov. 13 Daily Links, version 2.0 is below. Boston College has been known for producing great offensive lines, and this year’s unit is starting click as well, writes Boston’s Steve Conroy. Clemson lost the ACC’s top 3-point shooting tandem to Europe, but Oliver Purnell says that his team will make up for it in other areas. Everybody knows that Duke can pass the ball, but the Blue Devils run game is still a work in progress. After being picked to finish seventh in the ACC preseason polls, Florida State and coach Leonard Hamilton have something to prove, writes Ira Schoffel of the Miami Herald. Everybody knows about Jonathan Dwyer and Josh Nesbitt, but Macon’s Coley Harvey took some time to talk to an unlikely player for the Yellow Jackets. Greivis Vasquez made an important decision last spring not to enter the NBA draft. Now the Maryland point hopes that decision will pay off, writes the Washington Time’s Patrick Stevens. The expectations for Miami basketball aren’t very high after losing Jack McClinton, Palm Beach’s Jorge Milian writes. But a few analysts believe that the Hurricanes will be better than expected. UNC may have as much talent as any team the country, but that doesn’t make them a legitimate contender. After last night’s game against Georgia State, N.C. State coach Sidney Lowe is going to have to find some outside shooters. Virginia opens its basketball season tonight against Longwood, but for new coach Tony Bennett, the season can’t come soon enough, reports Roanoke’s Doug Doughty. Virginia Tech has some star power, but in order to get back to the NCAA tournament, the Hokies need to get more out of their supporting cast. Last year Wake Forest won many games because of its explosive offense and talented playmakers. With two of their top scorers gone, coach Dino Gaudio says the Demon Deacons are going to win with defense and rebounding this season. That’s all for today. Lots of ACC hoops tonight.