FRIDAY LINKS

Via ESPN.

*Georgia Tech's defense has shut out its critics, but there are a few legitimate reasons for the group's struggles this year.

*North Carolina could have put itself in a better postseason position than going back to the Meineke Car Care Bowl for the second straight year, but it could have been worse, which is why no one is complaining.

*Maryland quarterback Chris Turner is ready to move on, but he'll do so leaving his name scattered about the record books.

*The State handed out a few awards to Clemson.

*Tennessee assistant Eddie Gran, who will join Jimbo Fisher's staff, has already received one rave review. Despite the succession plan, a staff overhaul was unavoidable for Fisher.

*Miami left tackle Jason Fox is expected to play in the Champs Sports Bowl after missing the season finale with an undisclosed illness.

*Virginia Tech expects to sell out its allotment of tickets for the Chick-fil-A Bowl by early next week.

*NC State coach Tom O'Brien sounds optimistic his star quarterback will return in 2010.