AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2008 > March > 11 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWhere five ACC teams need to get better
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here are five ACC teams and the areas where they need to improve this spring:
1. Clemson: With the departure of Darren McFadden and Felix Jones at Arkansas, Clemson now has the best running back tandem in the country in James Davis and C.J. Spiller. But the Tigers also have to replace four starters on the offensive line who combined for 87 career starts. Left tackle Barry Richardson started 45 games for Clemson. The Tigers also have to find two new starting linebackers to replace Tremaine Billie (29 starts) and Nick Watkins (37 start).
2. Virginia Tech: There was not a better pair of linebackers in the country last season than Vince Hall (48 career starts) and Xavier Adibi (40 starts). They are both gone along with five other starters on a Hokie defense that ranked No. 4 in the nation (296.9 ypg) last season. We like brothers Orion (DE) and Cam (LB) Harris, but DC Bud Foster has to find some guys this spring who are ready to play.
3. N.C. State: The Wolfpack must find a quarterback who doesn’t throw it to the other guy. N.C. State was second to Boston College in passing offense (245.7 ypg) last season but the Wolfpack had only 14 touchdown passes against 23 interceptions, more than any team in the ACC. The problem is that N.C. State’s best quarterback is going to be true freshman Mike Glennon, and he won’t arrive until August. If the running game improves (ranked No. 110 nationally at 89.2 ypg) because Toney Baker and Jamelle Eugene are finally healthy again, that will take some pressure off last year’s starter, Daniel Evans (13 int, 12 TD in 2007.)
4. Florida State: While everybody is talking about the offense, DC Mickey Andrews must find a few good men to supplement his defense this spring. Losing juniors Gene Hayes (LB) and Letroy Guiton (DT) to the NFL hurts. Florida State will also be without seven players on defense for the first three games because of academic suspension. Bottom line, some guys are going to have to step up and this spring and show they are ready to play at a high level.
5. Miami: There is absolutely no reason that Miami should be 10th in the ACC in scoring defense (26.0 ppg). Six starters return on that defense but DE Calais Campbell (24 career starts) and safety Kenny Phillips (32 career starts) are not among them. In fact, three of the defensive front four are gone. Head coach Randy Shannon brought in Bill Young from Kansas as the new defensive coordinator in an effort to shore up that unit.
Comments
By shane #1
March 11, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
1-clemson has the athletes to win the acc,they had the talent last year,but they could not defeat any of the quality teams on their schedule.can bowden coach these guys to their potential?2-vt always steps up to the plate,they will win again next season.3-nc state just doesn’t have the horses to compete.4-can jimbo fisher get this program under control?i am hearing from my seminole friends that papa bowden doesn’t have it anymore and should retire.5-shannon has gotten control of his team and has gotten rid of the bad apples.are you watching jimbo?miami will be back.6-what about tech?
By Ben
March 11, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
Tony,
Thanks for the breakdown but the Noles will be just fine on the D-Line and LB corps.
Look out for Kendrick Stewart and Emmanuel Dunbar at NT and Kendall Smith, Nigel Bradham and Vincent Williams at LB. Also, Marcus White at DE may put up 8-10 sacks this season by his lonesome.
By 78 Dawg
March 11, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
The acc s**cks, why even waste space or time covering this crap. SEC is all that matters and the DAWGS rule the SEC!
By GeoffDawg
March 11, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
You’re correct that Clemson has the best proven tailback tandem in the country right now but I don’t think anyone would be surprised if that position is usurped by Georgia a few games into the season.
By hardeevillain
March 11, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
78 Dawg:
Bad dog! Someone should smack you on the nose with a rolled-up newspaper.
If this article and the ACC are such crap, as you say, then why bother taking the time to read it? You bothered to opine; it must not be that irrelevant. Please find a Georgia or other SEC-related article in which to share your future musings.
By RAMBLE ON!
March 11, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Clempson still has Chan Gailey coaching their team…they win no more than Eight games.
By 78 Dawg
March 11, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
Tony,
The all the columns about college football should be in relationship to the DAWGS. A column about the acc should compare how poorly the teams compare to the DAWGS. USC, how they aren’t as good as the DAWGS, Noter Dame how the DAWGS have more nc, Hockey how the players as sissies compared to the DAWGS, Flooding in Missouri, how it’s not as scary as Stafford throwing deep. How did you get this job without knowing where the centre of the Universe is?
By UGA who?
March 11, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Hey 78 Puppy….if the dawgs rule the sec, why the heck didn’t they even win their division last year? Typical uga ignorance.
PS - after all of MR’s bush league antics last year, you better believe the other SEC coaches are coming after him this year.
By Scooter
March 11, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
I think 78 is having a little fun with you guys
By zmoney
March 11, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
Mr. College Football, huh?
Mr. College Foosball maybe.
It would be nice if you researched your info before climbing atop your self-appointed pedastal as the authority of our beloved sport. Sure, it’s your opinion but at least research the facts and try to refrain for one week of expense receipts to Athens in order to cover Caleb King’s ever growing helmet size.
Also, et’s see if you can readdress your agruement that Chapel Hill is a top five tailgot spot in the NATION!.
credibility fumbled.
By mcdawg
March 11, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
Clemson NOW has the best RB tandem in the country-lets reevaluate say about the 3rd or 4th week of the season
GO DAWGS
By orange tiger
March 11, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
Paul Johnson is a good coach but so was Chan Gailey. When will the qu**rs realize that coaching is not the problem. The make up of the student body is predominately gay for god’s sake.
By DOGS R B***
March 11, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
78 can go to hell
By 78 Dawg
March 11, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
Scooter,
don’t spoil my fun this is a riot. No need to check spelling or facts, or reason. It’s like politics.
By 78 Dawg
March 11, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
DOG RB* Thanks I haven’t thought of one that clever, I’ll use it next time. Gayturds and the nats can go to hell. I can’t even make this stuff up, it’s so stupid lol.
By RAMBLE ON!
March 11, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
HEY orange tiger what does your mommy say when you tell her you get your arse kicked by a bunch of qays…she must get tried of asking you.
By 78 Dawg
March 11, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
I’m so clever…Sometimes I switch frozen taters with pixie sticks. The fry girl never catches on. It’s my way of flirtin’.
By MalibuGT
March 11, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
1- Clemson will get off to fast start with 4 straight home games following the Atlanta game against Alabama. But they are known for fast starts and falling apart 2- Va Tech should be the team to beat. While they are experiencing some key losses on the defense, that has rarely been their weakness under Foster. All offensive line back. But they must win at FSU and at Miami. 3- NC State - hopeless 4- FSU starts with 4 straight home games but will have 8 players suspended for the first 3. As noted earlier, Jimbo will have to establish himself as the leader for these guys to contend 5 - I’m not sold on Shannon. But he is has clearly loaded up on talented recruits.
6- 78 Dawg does poorly on his art project and is forced to repeat the third grade
By DogObnoxious
March 11, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
Really, Tony, is there any player in the ACC who could be on the Dogs’ 2-deep roster? Maybe there’s a kicker in that league who could be second string for UGA, but I don’t think there’s a position player who could.
By 78 Dawg
March 11, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
Orange Tiger ya’ll suck as much as the nats. When was the last time you beat the DAWGS? If you post again without mention the DAWGS, I’m gonna have Moreno run over your redneck a** personally
By 78 Dawg
March 11, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
Oh, if you can’t outsmart ‘em steal their identity. If you were any dumber you’d be wearing silver britches. Knowshon has been named the front runner for the Heisman.
By 78 Dawg
March 11, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
I’m takin’ a nap. Ya’ll make fun of yourself till I get back.
By dakid
March 11, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
You dawg fan’s are the worse. When was last national title??? 1980. All these great players you claim you have, but the Vols whipped you pretty good, and you lost to USCjr. That sure is a great program up there in Athens, nothing but a bunch of red necks who have nothing better to do than to prop up the most underachieving program in college football, you will go another 28 years without a title.
By scooter11
March 11, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
78Dawg is your embarassment - not ours. He’s on the right blog; just not willing to let his true colors fly.
By DeacKillsaDevil
March 11, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
Dog,
What about Alphonso Smith or CJ Spiller?
There’s also this guy who could go #1 this year in the draft.
Wake will be back in the ACC Championship this year.
By Dick Rod
March 11, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Less than 10% of the comments relevant to the subject matter. As football fans, a lot of the posters here make good fertilizer haulers.
By reservoirDAWG
March 11, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
Tommy Bowden(class act) decides not to give RayRay his scholarship this year? Any Clemson fans know if this was a depth problem(nice problem to have)?
By orange tiger
March 11, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Ramble On, Actually my mother is quite upset that a bunch of Gays beat us all to frequently. That however does not make me feel as bad as your mother must feel realizing that she has brought another weirdo gay into this world. By the way,how is attendance at the Tickle Piles???
By DOGS R B***
March 11, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
78 or should i just call what you really are a redneck, plain and simple. Ugay has all that talent and nothing to show for it.
Orange pu$$y, didn’t we beat that a$$ last year. Why you talking trash.
By clemsux
March 11, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
orange tiger, why don’t you go back to your banjo and leave the computer alone?
I think we all know what you’re doing with that animal husbandry degree anyway
By razerGT
March 11, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
Shane - you asked ‘what about Tech?’ Tech is essentially starting over, so the program needs to be given a year before someone can say what needs to be fixed and what doesn’t.
As for 78 Dawg… if you guys think he’s serious you need to read his comments again.
By RAMBLE ON!
March 11, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
orange tiger, I think your mom is upset because you still live with her, no job, and you’re as dumb as that stupid rock your sorry football team rubs. Sorry, nothing worth celebrating beating Clempson in anything.
By RiskyBusiness
March 11, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
That’s all fine and good in the story, but the game of the year is Clemson at Wake Forest. It seems to be hard for the football establishment to understand that Wake is now one of the top teams in the ACC.
Of course, establishment writers are all busy trying to find Jim Grobe a new job so that the hierarchy of college football returns to the past.
By GT
March 11, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Who knows what to expect in the world of college football. Parity is close to reality and powerhouses have decided to be civilized and par back on their football. Anybody who thinks he is an expert in all this mess is full of it. I am not even sure the crowds are as good as they once were for college football.
By orange tiger
March 11, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
RAMBLE ON, Yes, my mother is upset that I still live at home and dissapointed that I’m dumb but she is extremely thankful that I’m not a queer like a Tech grad or student
By orange tiger
March 11, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
RAMBLE ON, Yes, my mother is upset that I still live at home and dissapointed that I’m dumb but she is extremely thankful that I’m not a queer like a Tech grad or student.
By orangeman
March 11, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this
RAMBLE ON, Tech grads are the only men I know that have been declared to gay for cirque du soleil!!
By Mother Nature
March 11, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
Calling GIT’s players “gnats” is insulting to the true gnats and to me!! “Flies” would be more appropriate! Haven’t you smelled that stadium?
By Colorman
March 11, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this
In preparation for the upcoming football season, we have seen a huge increase in the already substantial GIT order for GREEN. And with the need to substantially increase our prices, Jealously certainly comes at a high price.
By shane #1
March 11, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
razergt,i am well aware that tech is starting over,that makes the program mmore intresting,at least to me.i would like to get tony’s opinion on the subject.when does tech’s spring practide start?do you think johnson will close practice to reporters?he certainly is no spurrier when it comes to the media,not even a richt!information about the tech program is hard to get.where did gtinsider go?
By gerry12
March 11, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
78dawg the real truth is uga has less class than any team in the sec and as far as being good how simple minded can anyone be thinking you have the right to play for number one hell you did’nt play in the title game lsu did dawg there is a new lawman in town and that is lsu just remember you got us in baton rouge this if you guys don’t win it this you need to fire your coach by the way he’s not worth 3 millon a year
By oldgold
March 11, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this
Who are the dawgs ? The only team I know is Tech. Am I missing something ?
By oldgold
March 11, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this
Tony: Should the ACC become part of the NFL ? Playing UGA and NC State is becoming boring.
By oldgold
March 11, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this
Tech vs Ga State should become the first regular season game played in the Ga Dome- that is if the Falcons are still in business.
By oldgold
March 11, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this
Shouldn,t the SEC East become just FLA and TN ? The SEC West seems to have it together and should form their own conference.
By oldgold
March 11, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this
Is Tech the only college in Georgia ?
By oldgold
March 11, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this
Would there be college football in the southeast without Tech ?
By oldgold
March 11, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
Tony: Can Tech upgrade their schedule and substitute Notre Dame for all instate games ?
By oldgold
March 11, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this
Is there life outside of I-285 ?
By oldgold
March 12, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
This blog was going somewhere but unemployed Clarke County Kollege fans got in the way. Now back to business. Clemson will be the best team in the southeast. Tech will compete with LSU and Va Tech for #2. The nat champ game will be USC vs LSU or Clemson. Write it down.
By oldgold
March 12, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this
Why should ACC basketball be part of the NCAA ? Can it become the 3rd NBA conference ?
By oldgold
March 12, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
I’m sorry. Did anyone else have something to say ?
By Down goes Moreno ...
March 12, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this
Don’t be surprised if K. Moreno doesn’t make it through the entire season … So much talk about how great he is is making him a marked man. And be wary of the hot & dry desert in week 4 …..Prediction - that will be GA’s 2nd loss of the young season with more to follow.
But there’s always next year.
By m
March 12, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this
From a coaching standpoint, Tech will, by far, be the most improved. Tech fired the worst coach in the history of the NCAA. Hallleeeedamlooyah. And they hired an agressive coach that has been impressive every place he has been. Thank God and Greyhound that Gailey is gone.
By cavalier here
March 12, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
Can you imagine a bigger burden than being a Georgia Tech grad. Whatever you do and wherever you go, people will always wonder if you are gay or straight.
By GTsince62
March 12, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
What is it with you Georgia people and the gay comments. Why don’t you grow up and become productive instead of living for nothing but football and gay talk about Tech. Alot of you people really need a life.
By yellowblood
March 12, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
I frankly don’t get it. There is nothing wrong with being Gay. It’s the way God made us. It’s certainly preferable to being a UGA grad and living in a trailor. I’m a GT grad and gay. Proud of both. It’s time for all my Tech friends to be loud and proud of their sexuality whatever it might be.
By DOGS R B***
March 12, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
yellowblood, please just stop breathing.
By Zeb McKluskey
March 12, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Hey gerry12, did your keyboard come without the period and comma keys? 78Dawg, I don’t know what team you pull for, but that was funny as hell, keep up the good work.
By Big Boy
March 12, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
TO UGA WHO: What bush leaque antics would that be, a celebration after scoring a touchdown, or wearing black jerseys? All they did was propel us to #2 in the country. Tech is not even #2 in the State of Ga, I’d go with Valdosta State or Ga Southern.
By clemson sux
March 12, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
Hey any school that has gay purple and gay orange together in their school colors needs to SHUT UP. Which homo alcoholic picked those colors. The Bowdens suck by the way
By kiddjackets
March 12, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
I am a tech fan with out georgia tech georgia would not have technology more tech grads make more money than a georgia grad an go on to have more of a succesfull live knowing they have a better retirement check to show for it so all yall red necks that love UGA which stand for georgia unemployment association. As for tech their baseball team is good their basketball team is still the best in the south unlike georgia who finished for the 12th seed in the sec an a baseball team that cant make a mlb player in years the only super star yall ever had that made it in the pros in basketball was Dominque and since when have any one from georgia was a force in the NFL who actually starts Hershal Walker was a great college running back but did not do sh** in the pros so yall red neck uga loving did stop talking about how bad tech is an face the mucis that georgia does not care what personallity a althete has but how good he is on the field its a pitty actualy…
By Clueless Dawg
March 13, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
78 Dawg,
Getting a degree from UGA is about as easy as getting one from a 2-year community college. If your atheletes tried to enroll in GT, UVA, UNC, DUKE or WAKE, you’d have about 3 players on the team. Nice Basketball program by the way…
By kiddjackets
March 13, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
just like uga to copy another program in football they werent the first team to go all black that would belong to florida state the unvieled all black verus maryland which was weeks before uga unvieled thiers in the auburn game. Uga can not come up with their own idea whats nexts were all black in every sport
By 89EAGLE
March 13, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
The stunt ga pulled against FL wasn’t bush league. It was CMR showing his FSU ways. I would really be proud to be compared to FSU.
By reservoirDAWG
March 13, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Kidjacket are you drunk or retarded?
By kiddjackets
March 13, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
just like a redneck to blind to see the truth
By Bird Dawg
March 17, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
I noticed that Mr. Barnhart didn’t list where Georgia Tech needs imporvement. That’s because Georgia Tech made the announcement Today, Monday 3-18-08, that they are disbanding their football program. Paul Johnson will continue to be paid 750k/year for the duration of his contract (4 yrs), for doing nothing. Thats what he would be doing anyway. Tech has decided to invest the football money in their basketball and LaCrosse programs.