Tag Archives: Kevin Parks

ACC Football Goat of the Week, Week 2: Mike Glennon, NC State

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After Another Poor Outing — This Time Against UConn — NC State QB Mike Glennon is This Week’s Goat

No one enjoys piling on when things go wrong. But nonetheless, we’ve got to call out the ACC players who were counter-productive in helping their teams grab a victory this weekend. On the bright side for them, they can always get off this list next week. And for their sake, let’s hope they do.

ACC Goat of the Week, Week 2: Mike Glennon, QB/NC State

A member of the Woflpack occupies this spot for a second straight week. And while the team did manage to pull off a win against Connecticut on Saturday, it was accomplished without any credit due to its offense. For the second straight week, they struggled to get things going in the rushing or passing game, with the onus falling squarely on their senior leader and QB, Glennon. His meager 15-for-30 performance, which netted just 204 yards and a touchdown, were among the worst numbers he’s put up since taking over as the starter last season. No, he’s not the only reason NC State has underperformed through two games. But if they hope to get themselves out of whatever slide they’re in, it’ll have to be with Glennon guiding the way and putting up points.

Honorable Mention:

Miami Hurricanes defensive line (allowed 288 yards rushing, en route to 52 points against)

Duke offensive line (allowed two sacks, but team rushed for just 27 yards, QBs under pressure all night)

Kevin Parks/Perry Jones, RB/Virginia (17 attempts, 40 yards total, 0 TD)

Josh Harris, RB/Wake Forest (21 attempts, 40 yards, 1 TD)

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ACC Football Preview 2012: Preseason Offensive Unit Rankings

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Even Without Sammy Watkins for Two Games, Clemson Should Have the ACC’s Top Offense

We’re literally one day (and some hours) away from the start of the 2012 season, so obviously, we’re rolling out tons of arbitrarily ranked lists to peruse before kickoff. The focus of this list? Every ACC offense. Along with the ranked list, we’ll provide some background to legitimize said arbitrary ranking. Don’t agree with us? Voice your opinion in the comment section.

Want more lists? Be sure to check out the defensive and coaching rankings set to be posted later on today!

ACC Offensive Unit Rankings (Preseason)

1. Clemson Tigers: Clemson has lost very little on offense, after putting up nearly 34 points per game last year. If they manage to pick up the pace even further this year, and survive the first two games without Sammy Watkins, it should be a wild ride.

2. North Carolina Tar Heels: Installing the spread for an already-potent attack, new head coach Larry Fedora is excited about the possibilities. QB Bryn Renner should excel, and it will be interesting to watch how star halfback Giovani Bernard defines his role in the new formation, too.

3. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: The ‘Wreck will once again sport their lethal triple-option, with more capable backs than I can ever recall. A-back Orwin Smith should shoulder a good deal of the load, along with QB Tevin Washington, en route to another season averaging over 300 yards per game on the ground.

4. Florida State Seminoles: Beyond QB EJ Manuel, it’s still uncertain who the primary weapons will be for the ‘Noles, but collectively, there’s just too much talent available for them to fail. With an easier schedule, they should be able to surpass last year’s average of 30 points per game with little difficulty.

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ACC 2012 Season Preview: Virginia Cavaliers

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Does Michael Rocco Have What It Takes to Lead Virginia, or Will He Lose the QB Battle to Phillip Sims?

Team: Virginia Cavaliers

2011 W-L: 8-5 (5-3)

Head Coach: Mike London (12-13; third season)

Returning Starters: 12 (7 Offense, 5 Defense)

Mike London’s Virginia team surprised the conference last year, winning eight games on the backs of a veteran defense that ranked in the top five (in the ACC) against both the run and pass. Now, the question begs how they’re going to top that. So far this offseason, it appears they’re well on their way. Landing Alabama QB transfer Phillip Sims was huge, and getting him eligibility for this season was enormous (despite the ensuing/ongoing drama as a result). The biggest coup, however, may be what Mike London’s done in the recruiting game. As of last night, the Hoos are in uncharted waters — pulling down a top-20 class — and continuing to make waves. But will that momentum reflect at all on the field this year? That’s still up for debate.

For all the good will surrounding the program coming off last year’s over-achievement, there are still tons of question marks to be addressed. And of course, they start at quarterback. Last year, starter Michael Rocco was efficient enough, throwing for 2,600 yards and 13 touchdowns. Without Sims, he’s firmly entrenched as a team leader and returning starter. But with him, there’s a lingering doubt that he’ll be able to get things done. If you look at his game-by-game progression from last year, you see a quarterback that grew into his role and delivered consistent — though average — numbers, with upward spikes for a few impressive performances. What’s alarming, though, is his performance against quicker, more blitz-heavy defenses. In those games (I count five), the team went 1-4, with Rocco four TDs to six interceptions. At the collegiate level, Sims may not be a proven commodity, but in high school, the quarterback made a living under pressure and while not a “running QB,” he does know how to move his feet. Sims may not know the offense yet, but once he does, there may be a greater conversation to be had here, all dependent on Rocco’s results.

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2011 ACC Season Recap: Virginia Cavaliers

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Virginia Head Coach Mike London Has a Rising Program On His Hands for 2012

Team: Virginia Cavaliers

W-L: 8-5 (5-3)

Postseason: 43-24 Chick-Fil-A Bowl loss to Auburn

Top Offensive Performer: Kevin Parks, RB

Top Defensive Performer: Steve Greer, LB

Back in August, it’s doubtful that many players in the Cavaliers’ locker room expected the team to be playing in-state rival Virginia Tech for a Coastal Division crown in late November. Yet, there they were, at 8-3, one of the country’s biggest surprises. And while they fell 38-0 in that game, followed by another ugly loss to Auburn in the postseason, there’s a thought that Virginia’s a young team with some experience and a constant desire to get better. It also doesn’t hurt that head coach Mike London knows how to get what he needs on the recruiting front.

On offense, Virginia was less than inspiring, putting up just 23.2 points per game, and forcing its defense to hold serve when it just couldn’t punch the ball in. The Cavaliers scored 20 or less points five separate times, and also struggled against teams with winning records. Unsurprisingly, the team ranked near the middle of the pack in the FBS for both rushing and passing yards per game. What was surprising, however, was the fact that the team still managed to pick up over 20 first downs per game — more than every other ACC school but Virginia Tech and Clemson (the league’s two best teams). Continue reading →