ACC Mid-season Report

ACC Mid-season Report

Six weeks into the season and '09 is already starting to resemble 2007's upset-filled wild ride.  We're at the halfway point and while some conferences may have a clear picture in sight, the ACC is not among them.  Last year's conference race came down to the wire and needed a tie-breaker to decide the Coastal division champ, where eventually Virginia Tech went on to win the ACC and Orange Bowl.  With a wide-open Atlantic division and what appear to be three talented front-runners in the Coastal, we could be looking at another dramatic finish. 

In the ACC mid-season report we'll hand out team grades, look back at some memorable moments, highlight some of the big games to come, and present some player and team awards.

Best Moments:

Virginia Tech receiver Danny Coale (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

1.  Tyrod Taylor stuns the Huskers: Nebrasksa had been wearing down Virginia Tech all day with relentless defensive pressure led by All-American defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.  With just 1:44 left on the clock in the fourth quarter, the Huskers held what felt like an insurmountable 15-10 lead over the struggling Hokies.  Virginia Tech desperate and backed up near their own end zone, appeared doomed.  Then in what seemed like a finish only Hollywood could write, Tyrod Taylor spotted a wide open Danny Coale streaking down the sideline and delivered a beautiful strike which went for 81-yards to the Nebraska 3-yard line.  After a sack and incomplete pass looked like they might derail the Hokies' comeback hopes and the final seconds ticking away, a frantically scrambling Taylor found Dyrell Roberts in the back of the end zone for a miraculous game-winning touchdown, sending Lane Stadium's crowd wild as they stormed the field.

2.  Miami - Florida State evoke memories of the glory days:   In the 1980s and '90s, Miami and Florida State were two of the most dominant programs in all of college football, whose legendary rivalry games often played a significant role in determining the national champion.  In recent years however, both schools had fallen on harder times and lost a lot of that luster in the eyes of fans across the country.  After encouraging seasons by two very young and talented Hurricane and Seminole teams in 2008, a sense of optimism and excitement was growing at both schools.  In 2009 the annual rivalry game was moved back to Labor Day and did not disappoint under the national spotlight.  Miami quarterback Jacory Harris battled all night with Seminole signal-caller Christian Ponder in an instant-classic filled with fireworks and game-changing plays.  In the end it was Jacory Harris's Hurricanes that came out on top and took a major step back toward prominence, but the real winners were the 9.1 million viewers that tuned into the epic ACC thriller.

3.  Montel Harris' 42-yard TD run caps emotional win for Boston College:  It was a deeply emotional atmosphere in Chestnut Hill with ESPN's College Gameday crew in attendance to honor Boston College's star linebacker Mark Herzlich who is sitting out the season because his battle with Ewing's sarcoma.  Herzlich further charged the day's excitement with his inspiring pre-game speech and announcement that his doctor had informed him that he was 99% sure Herzlich was now cancer-free.  However, it looked like the Seminoles might spoil BC's day after Florida State had managed to claw their way back from an 18-point deficit to tie the game at 21 and then recovered a fumble by Boston Colleges's Jeff Smith on the ensuing kickoff.  Florida State had the ball and momentum but after Seminole kicker Dustin Hopkins missed the go-ahead field goal from just 37 yards out, the Eagles knew it was their day.  Boston College took over on their 20-yard line and drove 38 yards before running back Montel Harris broke loose for a 42-yard touchdown run putting the Eagles up for good.

Team Grades:

Boston College Eagles:  A-  Despite one of the most brutal off-seasons of any team in recent memory, the Boston College Eagles own a 4-2 record with big wins over Wake Forest and Florida State.  Picked by most of the media to finish last in the Atlantic division, the Eagles are proving doubters wrong and finding ways to win.  At 2-2 in conference play Boston College has as good a shot as anyone to win the division, and there doesn't seem to be too much danger left on the schedule besides a trip to South Bend for a meeting with the Fighting Irish.

Clemson Tigers:  C  After a valiant comeback against the Yellow Jackets fell short and a dominant performance the following week against Boston College, Clemson appeared to be a team on the rise.  Then the Tigers dropped two straight against TCU and a struggling Maryland team, causing concern and quieting the growing excitement in Clemson.  While the Tigers have been competitive in every game, the bottom line is they are too talented to be just 2-3 overall with their best win coming at home against a young and rebuilding Boston College team.

Duke Blue Devils:  A-  The only reason the Blue Devils aren't receiving an A+ here is that black eye they got on opening weekend.  Yes, Richmond is probably the best FCS team in the country, that doesn't excuse a team from a BCS conference losing to one from the Colonial Athletic Association.  However, since then Duke has gone 3-2 including a huge conference road win over NC State, their first in almost six years.  Quarterback Thaddeus Lewis is playing incredible football right now and if he and the Blue Devils can keep it up, who knows?  They might have just enough to go bowling for the first time in 15 years, but Duke still has to manage to win three more games to qualify.

Florida State Seminoles:  D+  Truthfully, Florida State fans wouldn't be lying if they argued they're only a few key plays away from a winning record, but the reality is they didn't make those plays and the only reason the Seminoles aren't receiving a failing grade is the impressive beat down they put on #7 (at the time) BYU in Provo.  The 'Noles were pre-season favorites in the Atlantic division but now find themselves 0-3 in conference play and if Christian Ponder doesn't get some help from the rest of the team soon, the nation's longest bowl streak is in very real danger.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets:  B+  Georgia Tech has proved that their offense is capable of working effectively against ACC defenses and when executed correctly can be devastating.  They have not however, shown that they can consistently play solid defense and that could the difference in the Yellow Jackets ACC title hopes.  Last week Georgia Tech ran wild on Florida State in a shootout win, but face their toughest test of the year this Saturday when Virginia Tech comes to town.

Maryland Terrapins:  D  Maryland's year has not been pretty by any stretch of the imagination.  After getting thoroughly demolished by what we now know to be an overrated California team, it took overtime the following week for the Terps to get by JMU, at home.  For an encore Maryland lost again to a middle-of-the-pack Sun Belt team in Middle Tennessee State and got crushed the week after by Rutgers, both games were also at home.  The Terrapins saving grace so far came week five by surprising Clemson but the winning didn't last long as they dropped their next game a week later at Wake Forest.

Miami Hurricanes:  A  Before the season began there was actually talk about the Hurricanes possibly starting 0-4, but now at 3-1 including wins over three ranked teams (when they played) Miami is a top ten team with BCS aspirations.  The Hurricanes should be favorites in every game left on their schedule and as long as they remain focused each week, there's no reason to believe Jacory Harris and crew can't wind up in a BCS bowl.

North Carolina Tar Heels:  C+  North Carolina got off to a great start playing tough defense on their way to a 3-0 start and looked like legitimate contenders in the Coastal division.  However, once the Tar Heels began ACC play that idea crumbled after UNC dropped its first two games to Georgia Tech and lowly Virginia.  Now at 0-2 in the ACC not only are the Heels' Coastal division hopes all but erased, but looking down their remaining schedule, North Carolina might actually have trouble matching last year's eight win total.

NC State Wolfpack:  C-  NC State was picked by many (myself included) to be a ACC sleeper and a contender in the Atlantic division.  Russell Wilson is a phenomenal quarterback but he hasn't been enough to keep the Wolfpack from falling to 0-2 in conference play after being handled by Duke.  The Atlantic division appears to be up for grabs but NC State hasn't done themselves any favors and if they don't correct some major defensive problems, this season won't be the one many Wolfpack fans hoped for.

Virginia Cavaliers:  D+  Two weeks ago the Cavs would have received a big F, but in the last couple weeks it looks like Virginia is finally starting to figure some things out.  Two straight wins don't make up for an 0-3 start including an embarrassing loss at the hands of FCS team William & Mary, but at least the Cavaliers seem to be on the right track.  Unfortunately for Virginia a brutal schedule lies ahead, not likely to help the mood in Charlottesville.

Virginia Tech Hokies:  A+  Virginia Tech is playing their best football in years and that's earned them the No. 4 spot in every major poll and at this point have to be considered the best one loss team in the country.  The Hokies have found the offense they've been missing for the past several years and that coupled with Bud Foster's defense has created a lot of national championship buzz around Blacksburg.  Virginia Tech can only control what they do and that means forgetting about the polls and hype, and focusing on winning, one game at a time.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons:  B+  The Demon Deacons have played solid, consistent football, and that earned them a 4-2 record overall and a slight lead in the Atlantic division.  Boston College would own the head-to-head tie-breaker over Wake Forest should that situation arise, but for now it appears that Jim Grobe's Demon Deacons are slight favorites to represent the Atlantic.  Though in such a wacky division, it's really anyone's guess right now.

Mid-Season Awards:

Best Player:  Virginia Tech RB Ryan Williams:  Not does Williams lead the ACC in rushing with 734 yards and touchdowns with nine; he's also ranked fifth in rushing and fourth in touchdowns, nationally.  Despite being just a freshman he's starting to show up on some media Heisman radar, and deservedly so.

Best Team:  Virginia Tech Hokies:  No surprise here, the Hokies are the ACC's highest ranked team and best shot at a national title this year.  They've played the nation's second toughest schedule so far and come out 5-1 with huge wins over #9 Miami and #15 Nebraska.

UNC DE Robert Quinn(42) (AP Photo G. Smith)

Biggest Surprise Player:  North Carolina DE Robert Quinn:  Quinn looked promising as a freshman, but few could have predicted the breakout season he's having this year as a sophomore.  After being diagnosed with a brain tumor as a senior in high school, Robert has persevered and become an tremendous talent on the Tar Heels defense.  Through the first six games Quinn leads the ACC in sacks(7), tackles for loss(11), forced fumbles(3), and is second among all defensive lineman in tackles(26).

Biggest Surprise Team:  Boston College Eagles:  Coaching change, graduation, injuries, illness, you name it the Eagles have experienced it.  Very few teams have been through an off-season as tumultuous as Boston College has, and even fewer could manage to match the success of the Eagles in spite of the amount of talent lost.  Yet, somehow Boston College is winning and with a 4-2 record overall and 2-2 mark in ACC play, they're right in the hunt for the Atlantic division crown.

Biggest Bust Player:  North Carolina QB T.J. Yates:  In his first two years at North Carolina, Yates showed glimpses of his potential but was injured last year and played in only six games.  Now healthy, 2009 appeared to be the year for him to step up as a leader for the Tar Heels, but so far Yates has struggled.  T.J. has thrown more picks(7) than touchdowns(6) and ranks near the bottom of the ACC among starting QBs in passing yards, yards per attempt, and passer rating.

Biggest Bust Team:  Florida State Seminoles:  The Seminoles were preseason favorites in the Atlantic and considered one of the top three teams in the ACC, but Florida State has done little to support those opinions.  At 0-3 in the ACC and 2-4 overall not only are the 'Noles Atlantic chances vanishing, their streak of 27 straight bowl appearances is in great jeopardy.

Most Improved Player:  Virginia Tech QB Tyrod Taylor: Hokie signal caller Tyrod Taylor is finally starting to legitimize his "duel-threat" quarterback label.  While Taylor's numbers on the ground are down a bit, his passing numbers have skyrocketed.  In just six games Tyrod Taylor has already thrown more touchdowns than he did in his first two years at Virginia Tech combined.  He has made good decisions and thrown just one interception which is part of the reason why he has the tenth highest passer rating in the country.

Most Improved Team:  Duke Blue Devils:  Although Duke has the same record they did at this point in time last year, it becomes obvious when you watch this football team that the Blue Devils are a much better team than they were a year ago.  One week after Duke gave an excellent Virginia Tech team more than they wanted; the Blue Devils went on the road and beat a good NC State team by three touchdowns.  It still won't be easy for Duke to make a bowl game but you get the feeling this team is fired up and ready to play every week.  The Blue Devils aren't a pushover any more.

Mid-season All-ACC Team:

OFFENSE:                                                                    DEFENSE:                                   

Biggest Remaining Games:

Conference Match-ups:  Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech(Oct. 17), Miami at Wake Forest(Oct. 31), Wake Forest at Duke(Nov. 28), Clemson at NC State(Nov. 14), Florida State at North Carolina(Oct. 22), Virginia Tech at Virginia(Nov. 28)

Non-conference Match-ups:  Miami at South Florida(Nov. 28), Georgia at Georgia Tech(Nov. 28), Boston College at Notre Dame(Oct. 24), Clemson at South Carolina(Nov. 28), Florida State at Florida(Nov. 28)