Tag Archives: Auburn

ACC Football 2012 Power Rankings: Week Two

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If Clemson’s Andre Ellington Continues Running the Way He Did on Saturday, the Tigers Could Win the ACC Once Again

After months of arbitrary offseason shuffling, we finally have some actual games to base these rankings off of. All 14 ACC squads were in action last week, and while many performed admirably, several manged to disappoint as well. Check out the list below, and weigh in down in the comments if you disagree.

1. Florida State Seminoles (LW: 1): The Seminoles did a commendable job pummeling Murray State on Saturday. And that defense — just as impressive as they’ve ever been. Unfortunately, however, the big win came with a steep price. Star defensive end Brandon Jenkins injured his foot, and is now out for the remainder of the season. We won’t know how much the loss affects FSU this week, but once the real slate starts, it’ll be all too apparent.

2. Clemson Tigers (LW: 2): Everything about Saturday’s win over Auburn was exceptional. Andre Ellington‘s ground game. Tajh Boyd‘s ability to make plays work through the air and on the ground. The offensive line’s maturity right in front of our eyes. And of course, the defense quickly showing they’d learned a thing or two from new coordinator Brent Venables.

3. North Carolina Tar Heels (LW: 6): Everyone worried about how Giovani Bernard would fit into Larry Fedora’s offense. After the 62-0 drubbing they handed Elon, I think he’ll fit in just fine. Three TDs on just 12 touches will do that sort of thing. Obviously there’s more difficult opponents out there, but the big win appears to be an appetizer for what’s in store for this offense.

4. Virginia Tech Hokies (LW: 3): Another slow start for the Hokies, though this year, they manage to win the opener. If Virginia Tech gave the game ball to anyone on Monday night, it should’ve been handed right over to their opponent’s QB. Aside from their late drive for the game-tying field goal, the offense appeared listless and the O-line issues are real.

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Atlantic Coast Convos 2012 Top 25: Week Two

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After an Impressive Opening Win Over Michigan, Alabama is Quickly Repositioning Themselves for the Number-One Spot

Now that we’re in-season, we’ll be updating these rankings on a weekly basis. As always, we think these are correct. Simultaneously, you’re probably of the opinion you know better. Feel free to share that with us below (respectfully, of course).

Atlantic Coast Convos 2012 Top 25 (Week Two)

1. USC Trojans (1-0) (LW: 1) (First-place votes: 3)

2. Alabama Crimson Tide (1-0) (LW: 4) (1)

3. Oregon Ducks (1-0) (LW: 3)

4. LSU Tigers (1-0) (LW: 2)

5. Florida State Seminoles (1-0) (LW: 6)

6. Oklahoma Sooners (1-0) (LW: 5)

7. West Virginia Mountaineers (1-0) (LW: 10)

8. Georgia Bulldogs (1-0) (LW: 7)

9. South Carolina Gamecocks (1-0) (LW: 9)

10. Arkansas Razorbacks (1-0) (LW: 12)

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ACC Football 2012 Previews & Predictions: Week 1 (Part Two)

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Can Chase Rettig Repeat Last Year’s Performance and Bring BC Their Second Win Over Miami In As Many Games?

This is Part Two of this week’s Previews & Predictions feature. Also check out Part One.

Miami Hurricanes at Boston College Eagles: One of two league games on the schedule this week is actually a repeat of each of these team’s final games of 2011. Both were in better shape then, and come into 2012 trying to answer some major questions. Miami replaces nearly their entire starting lineup (on both sides) from last year, while BC tries to get past a rash of preseason injuries. I’m giving the edge to the Eagles, however, due to their experience and (surprisingly) QB Chase Rettig, who may be reborn with a new O-coordinator this season. Prepare for a rough season, Miami. Prediction: Boston College 20, Miami 16

Murray State Racers at Florida State Seminoles: I honestly feel bad for the Racers here, because they were actually a pretty good team last year. They scored 37 points per game, and threw for 308 yards per game, and had an all-around fun time. Unfortunately, that’s all going to end against Florida State this Saturday. The ‘Noles appear to be on a mission, and with the opining masses starting to include them in the National Championship conversation, it’s getting harder to see how anyone could get in this team’s way. Expect the starters out by halftime. Prediction: Florida St. 51, Murray St. 10

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ACC Football Preview 2012: Top 10 Games

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Virginia Tech Should Be Involved in Several of the ACC’s Top Games for 2012

While there are plenty of heated rivalries within the ACC, the league also has a unique situation where some of its most intense matchups are actually with out-of-conference foes. We take a look at the best of both, with an emphasis on the games that will impact the conference and national title race the most. No, that last part was not a joke.

Included below is our list of the top 10 games of 2012. Disagree? Please air your complaints in the comments.

1. Florida State at Virginia Tech, November 8: In a matchup of two of the country’s best defenses, we could end up with an early look at the ACC Championship Game. This time around, it’ll be a battle of who can get to 20 points first.

2. Clemson at Florida State, September 22: FSU looks for some payback after last year’s close loss to the Tigers. The winner of this contest would effectively have the inside track to winning the Atlantic division.

3. Virginia Tech at Clemson, October 20: The Hokies haven’t easily forgotten either of last year’s embarrassing losses against Clemson, so they’ve got plenty to play for here. The Tigers, on the other hand, could either be playing to seal their place in the league title game or trying to avoid their second ACC loss. Something’s got to give.

4. NC State at Clemson, November 17: Another payback game, Clemson surely remembers how badly they were manhandled in Raleigh last November. It’s a long shot, but this late game could also decide who plays for the ACC title, too.

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ACC Football Preseason Power Rankings 2012

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Kyle Fuller and the Virginia Tech Defense Are a Large Part of the Team’s High Ranking Coming Into 2012

Just days before kickoff, we’ve compiled our final offseason power rankings before the new ACC football season begins. Starting after week one (this weekend), these will go back to their typical, weekly format. Read the full rankings below, and enjoy the season!

1. Florida State Seminoles (LW: 1): Florida State’s hype has gone through the roof as we’ve gotten closer to the season. On top of the typical talk of an ACC title, notable pundits have also pegged them as a true national title contender (and perhaps, winner, too). In the end, it’ll all come down to EJ Manuel‘s readiness to take them to the next level. It’s obvious the defense is fully capable already, despite the loss of Greg Reid (not as vital as some would have you think).

2. Clemson Tigers (LW: 2): Things won’t be easy without game-changing receiver Sammy Watkins during the first two games of the season. But there’s still plenty of firepower in this offense, even in his absence. We know they can score. But unfortunately, we’re still unsure whether or not this defense can stop anyone. Week one versus Auburn will be a tough test early on.

3. Virginia Tech Hokies (LW: 3): As always, the Virginia Tech defense (led by Kyle Fuller) is on board. Now, we’ll have to see just how well this revamped Hokies offensive line holds up. If Logan Thomas can get some time to throw — instead of being relegated to scrambling too often — they’ll be just fine.

4. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (LW: 5): Manageable schedule, veteran group; the whole thing seems to lead to a big year for the Ramblin’ Wreck. The key, as mentioned far too many times before, is Tevin Washington‘s ability to throw the ball. If he’s made strides, and the passing game at least appears to be a threat to the defense, the triple-option becomes that much more dangerous.

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ACC Preseason Top 25 Players of 2012: #5, Sammy Watkins

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Clemson’s Sammy Watkins is #5 on Our Countdown of the ACC’s Top 25 Players for 2012

As part of our 2012 season preview, we’re counting down the top 25 players in the ACC for this season, from 25 to one. Obviously these lists are always completely subjective, so feel free to weigh in with your own thoughts in the comments.

No. 5, Sammy Watkins, WR/Clemson

Life would be pretty good for Sammy Watkins, one of the nation’s most explosive players, if not for a spring arrest concerning marijuana. Now, while Watkins did everything that was asked of him in order to return himself to good standing at Clemson, he’s still out for the first two games of the season. Which is why he appears here at number five, instead of higher (a good case could’ve been made for him to be the best player in the ACC). But if you’re worried about Watkins’s performance at all this year, forget it. Even in just 10 regular season games, he still may put up some of the nation’s most impressive numbers.

Watkins burst onto the scene like a bat out of hell last year, notching 28 catches and six scores in his first four collegiate games. The 4.40 40-yard dash sprinter could not be stopped. A jack-of-all-trades, he not only made defenders pay in the passing game, but on runs and kick returns as well. And this year, he’s adding punt returns to the repertoire, too. Take a look at this video of his 89-yard kickoff return touchdown against Maryland last season. Anyone else startled by how easy that looked? The Florida native is a natural athlete, gifted and quick, without so much as breaking a sweat. It’s no surprise that neutralizing him slowed the Tigers’ offense significantly last year either, as two of their four losses came in his most underwhelming performances (another loss was experienced with him out of the lineup completely).

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Atlantic Coast Convos 2012 Preseason Top 25

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USC Barely Beat Out LSU For Our Number-One Spot. Are They the Favorites for This Year’s National Championship?

All those days and weeks and months of counting, and we’re now right on the doorstep of the 2012 college football season! With just 23 days remaining until the first kickoffs on August 30, it also seemed time for the blog’s preseason top 25 picks. Of course, we know no more than you or any one else does, so feel free to interject your own opinion in the comments. Yet another exciting season is nearly upon us, and I, for one, can’t wait.

Atlantic Coast Convos 2012 Preseason Top 25 (August 7)

1. USC Trojans (LW: 2) (First-place votes: 3)

2. LSU Tigers (LW: 1) (1)

3. Oregon Ducks (LW: 5)

4. Alabama Crimson Tide (LW: 3)

5. Oklahoma Sooners (LW: 4)

6. Florida State Seminoles (LW: 6)

7. Georgia Bulldogs (LW: 8)

8. Michigan Wolverines (LW: 10)

9. South Carolina Gamecocks (LW: 9)

10. West Virginia Mountaineers (LW: 7)

 

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