Category Archives: Team Primers

ACC Football 2013 Payback Games: Florida State

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NC State Scored a Memorable Upset Over Florida State Last Year; Can the 'Noles Exact Revenge in 2013?

NC State Scored a Memorable Upset Over Florida State Last Year; Can the ‘Noles Exact Revenge in 2013?

Every team in the ACC has a couple games they wish they had back from 2012. Whether they didn’t bring their A-game, or the other guys just got lucky, every school would love another shot at an opponent, for the ability to prove it won’t happen again. Luckily, because of conference play and parity in the ACC, many will get a chance at redemption immediately, with rematches already on the books for 2013.

As part of our 2013 college football season preview, we’ll be running through the biggest “payback” games for each school. As no team finished with just one loss, there are likely multiple choices for each — none more “right’ than another, necessarily. Still, every selection should help provide some extra motivation for fans as they gear up for this season’s slate of games.

Team: Florida State Seminoles

Opponent: NC State Wolfpack

Last Year: Loss, 17-16 at NC State

This Year: October 26, vs. NC State

Yes, Florida State lost two games last year, and one of them was to archrival Florida. But this — the major upset loss to NC State on the road — was the one that likely hurt the most for ‘Noles players and fans alike. After beating highly-ranked Clemson in front of a national audience just two weeks prior, FSU suddenly looked flat in comparison to its no. 3 national ranking. With a manageable schedule, it appeared everyone was willing to push fears aside though; the Seminoles were set to compete for a national championship for the first time in more than a half-decade. And then the offense went overly conservative in the second half. The Wolfpack made the plays they needed to late in the contest. And we were left with a downtrodden, upset FSU team, a beleaguered conference and this indelible .gif.

The Seminoles course-corrected immediately following the loss — hi, 51-7 drubbing of Boston College — but the issue of Jimbo Fisher’s overly conservative play-calling at times never truly went away. One could argue it’s what kept the contests against overmatched Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech teams so close, and maybe what kept Northern Illinois in the Orange Bowl for at least a half. It’s certainly what drove now-Miami offensive coordinator James Coley out of Tallahassee, being handcuffed by Fisher calling plays. So while the personnel is certainly different — both teams have new starting quarterbacks and offensive coordinators this year — there’s still plenty to learn from last year’s loss that can help bring FSU success against the Pack in 2013.

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ACC Football 2013 Payback Games: Duke

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Duke Can't Hope to Stop Miami's Offense in 2013; But Can They Outrun the 'Canes Defense?

Duke Can’t Hope to Stop Miami’s Offense in 2013; But Can They Outrun the ‘Canes Defense?

Every team in the ACC has a couple games they wish they had back from 2012. Whether they didn’t bring their A-game, or the other guys just got lucky, every school would love another shot at an opponent, for the ability to prove it won’t happen again. Luckily, because of conference play and parity in the ACC, many will get a chance at redemption immediately, with rematches already on the books for 2013.

As part of our 2013 college football season preview, we’ll be running through the biggest “payback” games for each school. As no team finished with just one loss, there are likely multiple choices for each — none more “right’ than another, necessarily. Still, every selection should help provide some extra motivation for fans as they gear up for this season’s slate of games.

Team: Duke Blue Devils

Opponent: Miami Hurricanes

Last Year: Loss, 52-45 vs. Miami

This Year: November 16, vs. Miami

Though the Blue Devils had already been eliminated from Coastal Division title contention when this game wrapped up late last year, it didn’t mean Duke didn’t want that victory. After starting out 6-2, the team ended up dropping its final four regular season games and then a bowl game to finish 6-7, marking the 18th straight season the program had a losing mark. Yes, the postseason streak is over, and that’s certainly a moral victory, but a win over the Hurricanes to close out the ACC slate would’ve meant a guaranteed winning mark. However, in failing to do so, it does give the team something to build upon for 2013.

As resilient as ever, Duke actually played one of its better offensive games of the season against Miami, despite the fact that its defense allowed nearly 650 yards of total offense to the ‘Canes (the main reason Duke lost). In his last home game playing for the Blue Devils, senior Sean Renfree went 36-of-59 for 432 yards and four scores, while fellow senior Conner Vernon caught 11 passes (two for touchdowns). Even as the game appeared lost late in the third — Duke was down 45-24 — the team refused to quit, displaying the type of tenacity that had been lost virtually every week since the October upset over North Carolina. Alas, they would fall short in the comeback attempt, losing by a touchdown.

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ACC Football 2013 Payback Games: Clemson

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Can Clemson Put an End to South Carolina's Four-Game Winning Streak Against Them?

Can Clemson Put an End to South Carolina’s Four-Game Winning Streak Against Them?

Every team in the ACC has a couple games they wish they had back from 2012. Whether they didn’t bring their A-game, or the other guys just got lucky, every school would love another shot at an opponent, for the ability to prove it won’t happen again. Luckily, because of conference play and parity in the ACC, many will get a chance at redemption immediately, with rematches already on the books for 2013.

As part of our 2013 college football season preview, we’ll be running through the biggest “payback” games for each school. As no team finished with just one loss, there are likely multiple choices for each — none more “right’ than another, necessarily. Still, every selection should help provide some extra motivation for fans as they gear up for this season’s slate of games.

Team: Clemson Tigers

Opponent: South Carolina Gamecocks

Last Year: Loss, 27-17 vs. South Carolina

This Year: November 30, at South Carolina

Win or lose the previous year, each iteration of the Battle of the Palmetto State will always be the most important game on Clemson’s schedule. And for a very long time, the Tigers had the upper hand in the clash between them and their cross-state rivals, South Carolina. In recent years, things have changed however, and the SEC’s Gamecocks are now riding a four-game winning streak that’s allowed coach Steve Spurrier to crow about his squad’s superiority even more so than normal. The war of words between Spurrier and Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has added fuel to the fire and intensity of this matchup, but not wins for the Tigers. Swinney, who secured the full-time head coaching job with a victory over South Carolina in 2008, has not won this grudge match since. He hopes that changes in 2013, as there’s arguably never been more on the line for both teams to end the season.

Last year’s iteration was wild enough — the 11th-ranked and 12th-ranked programs in the country, respectively, going at it for in-state supremacy. But despite the fanfare around the Tigers’ offense, Clemson was effectively shut down all game, playing second-fiddle to a surprisingly effective Gamecocks attack. Backup quarterback Dylan Thompson threw for three touchdowns against CU’s beleaguered secondary and to make matters worse, the Tigers’ offense was completely terrorized by Jadeveon Clowney (who recorded 4.5 sacks) all day. Clemson’s Tajh Boyd, who’d been on a statistical tear all season, was held to just 183 yards and a touchdown on 11-of-24 passing. For all intents and purposes, it was a nightmare scenario.

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ACC Football 2013 Payback Games: Boston College

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Eagles Fans Were Crushed By Last Year's 30-23 Defeat vs. Virginia Tech; Can They Bounce Back in 2013?

BC Fans Were Crushed By 2012′s 30-23 Defeat vs. Virginia Tech; Can They Bounce Back in 2013?

Every team in the ACC has a couple games they wish they had back from 2012. Whether they didn’t bring their A-game, or the other guys just got lucky, every school would love another shot at an opponent, for the ability to prove it won’t happen again. Luckily, because of conference play and parity in the ACC, many will get a chance at redemption immediately, with rematches already on the books for 2013.

As part of our 2013 college football season preview, we’ll be running through the biggest “payback” games for each school. As no team finished with just one loss, there are likely multiple choices for each — none more “right’ than another, necessarily. Still, every selection should help provide some extra motivation for fans as they gear up for this season’s slate of games.

Team: Boston College Eagles

Opponent: Virginia Tech Hokies

Last Year: Loss, 30-23 (OT) vs. Virginia Tech

This Year: November 2, vs. Virginia Tech

In an otherwise hapless season of ACC play, the Eagles did manage a win against a depleted Maryland team, while also forcing overtime in an eventual loss versus a seven-win Hokies squad. Those are the highlights. But despite the use of the word “forced,” Boston College was not in this game by chance of a miracle — they’d actually outplayed Virginia Tech for the majority of the contest. Ultimately, their downfall would be decided by some overly conservative play-calling from former coaches Frank Spaziani and Doug Martin.

With just over one minute remaining in regulation, BC received the ball on their own 17 yard line. Possessing some momentum and reasonable amount of time, one would surmise the offense would at least attempt to move the football and try to get in range for a game-winning field goal (score was tied at 23 at the time). Instead, two running plays and a kneel-down sent it into overtime as a perturbed Chestnut Hill crowd booed. In overtime, the BC defense was on its heels for the entirety of a six-play touchdown drive by Tech. And then the offense took over, down seven and needing to get it in the end zone to force another overtime. The plays? Rush up the middle for no gain. Poorly-drawn pass play that resulted in a Chase Rettig sack. Incomplete pass. And then a seven-yard pass on 4th and 11. End of game.

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ACC Football Standout Senior 2013: Wake Forest

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Tanner Price is Banking on Increased Mobility to Jump-Start a Stagnant Wake Forest Offense

Tanner Price is Banking on Increased Mobility to Jump-Start a Stagnant Wake Forest Offense

Last season’s juniors are now this season’s seniors, and with that comes extra responsibility and expectations. In the ACC, while there were plenty of players selected in the NFL Draft, the conference still returns a strong group of seniors — many of whom are set to make a strong impact in their final seasons of eligibility.

Over these few weeks, we’ve gone team-by-team in the ACC to identify the “standout senior” that’s key to his respective squad, and why he’s so important. Think we should’ve featured another player, though? Feel free to weigh in with your own thoughts in the comments.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons: Tanner Price, QB

As a sophomore, Tanner Price made Wake Forest think they’d struck gold, as their accurate, strong-armed passer led the team to six wins and within one ACC victory of a spot in the league championship game. Throughout 2011, Price was seen as a natural leader and quick decision-maker; one that could certainly carry the Demon Deacons offense and push them to greater heights. And then 2012 happened. The bottom fell out for the entire Wake offense, which managed to be among the worst in the nation. Price regressed mightily, completing just 55.6-percent of his passes for 2,300 yards and 12 scores. Injury bug or not on the offensive line, it was a disaster.

But it shows just how important Price is, and why so much is riding on him to get Wake Forest back to a bowl this year. Last year’s running game averaged just 100 yards per game. The defense allowed nearly 32 points per game. If the team’s senior quarterback isn’t throwing well, there’s not much hope, and yet much of that is beyond his control. Or at least it was.

For 2013, while little personnel has changed for Wake, the philosophy appears to have overhauled itself quite a bit. Offensive coordinator Steed Lobotzke, who’s served the role for 10 years now, seems to understand the pressure the staff’s on, and is implementing some “new” things this year. Mainly, spread option elements. As head coach Jim Grobe mentioned to ESPN during spring practice:

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ACC Football Standout Senior 2013: Virginia Tech

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Can Virginia Tech's Logan Thomas Carry the Hokies Once Again, or Collapse Under the Pressure?

Can Virginia Tech’s Logan Thomas Carry the Hokies Once Again, or Collapse Under the Pressure?

Last season’s juniors are now this season’s seniors, and with that comes extra responsibility and expectations. In the ACC, while there were plenty of players selected in the NFL Draft, the conference still returns a strong group of seniors — many of whom are set to make a strong impact in their final seasons of eligibility.

Over these few weeks, we’re going team-by-team in the ACC to identify the “standout senior” that’s key to his respective squad, and why he’s so important. Think we should’ve featured another player, though? Feel free to weigh in with your own thoughts in the comments.

Virginia Tech Hokies: Logan Thomas, QB

I’ve said this over and over again since last summer, but it bears repeating once again: Logan Thomas cannot hold this entire Hokies offense on his shoulders every week. Obviously, the return of receiver D.J. Coles will help offset that burden, as will another year of experience for the young offensive line, but looking at this Virginia Tech offense, success is still largely what Thomas can make of it. As we saw last season, that can create a fairly undesirable situation for both the player and the team, and there’s no way they can go another year as things are currently set up.

Behind a veteran offensive line in 2011, Thomas burst onto the scene as a surprise sophomore, who was quick with his feet and a strong throwing arm. He was prematurely projected to be a top-10 pick and a Heisman contender, which all seems ludicrous now. But while expectations have appropriately fallen back to earth, there’s also no reason to believe that he’s a lost cause. Again, Thomas’s burden within this offense was virtually unmatched in the conference, as no team had so few tools surrounding its “star” (loose word) quarterback as the Hokies did with him. He accounted for all but 11 of the touchdowns scored by the Tech offense, and all but 1,400 yards as well. The pressure was suffocating, as anyone who watched the Florida State game last year will tell you, when he just heaved the game into oblivion late in the fourth quarter.

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ACC Football Standout Senior 2013: Virginia

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Morgan Moses Has a Chance to Lead The Hoos' Offense in 2013; Will He Take It?

Morgan Moses Has a Chance to Lead The Hoos’ Offense in 2013; Will He Take It?

Last season’s juniors are now this season’s seniors, and with that comes extra responsibility and expectations. In the ACC, while there were plenty of players selected in the NFL Draft, the conference still returns a strong group of seniors — many of whom are set to make a strong impact in their final seasons of eligibility.

Over these few weeks, we’re going team-by-team in the ACC to identify the “standout senior” that’s key to his respective squad, and why he’s so important. Think we should’ve featured another player, though? Feel free to weigh in with your own thoughts in the comments.

Virginia Cavaliers: Morgan Moses, OT

We’ll get this out of the way first: With the news today that Phillip Sims is no longer enrolled at Virginia, Moses’s job does get a bit harder, as there’s no established passer for the UVa offense. But that said, Sims was not the end-all, be-all of the Hoos attack. He simply had the most in-game experience. There will be a learning curve for whichever of David Watford or Greyson Lambert wins the starting job now, but that’s why Moses is so important. As the quarterback situation figures itself out, the Hoos will largely be relying on the running game.

Physically, Moses is just an imposing individual. Standing at 6’6″ and 325 pounds, he’s the type of O-line prospect pro scouts would kill for, and he’s making strides to increase his speed as well. In the meantime though, the weight loss he underwent last year (dropped 20 pounds prior to his junior year) put him at a disadvantage at times, as he’d get manhandled by larger defenders. This was addressed as the 2012 season went on, but without another anchor on the line like Oday Aboushi, the onus will be entirely on Moses for the first time.

And without playing a game this year, he appears off to a strong start. Phil Steele named him first-team All-ACC yesterday, he captained the blue team at the Hoos’ spring game and has impressed coaches with the work he’s willing to put in as a leader on this team. But results-wise, he’ll have his work cut out for him as Virginia tries to resurrect its running game. After finishing 53rd in the nation in 2011 with 162 yards per game, UVa fell to 98th last year, with just under 128 per game. As starting back Kevin Parks looks to take advantage of his new, more-featured role, he’s got to have a competent offensive line in front of him in order to succeed.

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