Noles, Hokies Advance In Polls

Both Florida State and Virginia Tech  up a few notches in this week's Associated Press Top 25. Florida State checked in at No. 5 (up one spot), and Virginia Tech moved from No. 13 to No. 11.

Maryland, N.C.  State, Clemson and Georgia Tech all received votes.  Check out the throw at the 45 second mark.

Terrell Leaving Wake Forest After DWI

(Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Guard J.T. Terrell is withdrawing from Wake Forest and leaving the basketball team after he was charged with driving while impaired.

Terrell’s attorney, Mike Grace, said in a statement issued Monday through the school that Terrell was arrested by Winston-Salem Police at about 3 a.m. Saturday.

Grace says the circumstances of the arrest and other signs indicate that Terrell “suffers from a serious medical condition which requires immediate attention.”

In the statement, Terrell apologized and said he will spend the next few months rebuilding his life and hopes to play college basketball again. Coach Jeff Bzdelik says Terrell is “at an important crossroads” and wishes him well.

Terrell started 18 of 32 games as a freshman last season and averaged 11 points.

ACC Football Players Of The Week

O'BRIEN (Tony L. Sandys/Washington Post)

OFFENSIVE BACK - Danny O'Brien, Maryland, QB, So., 6-3, 215, Kernersville, N.C. Danny O'Brien led Maryland to a 32-24 win over Miami by going 31 of 44 for 348 yards and a touchdown, as well as running for 37 yards. It was the third 300-yard passing game of the sophomore's career. His 385 total yards were the third most in the FBS in the opening weekend.

OFFENSIVE RECEIVER - Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech, WR, Jr., 6-5, 206, Lithonia, Ga. Stephen Hill recorded a career-high 181 yards and two touchdowns on four receptions in Georgia Tech's 63-21 win over Western Carolina last Thursday, averaging 45.3 yards per catch. Hill became the first Yellow Jacket to catch two touchdown passes in a game since 2007 as Georgia Tech racked up 365 yards passing - the most in the Paul Johnson era.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN - Anthony Mihota, Virginia, C, Sr., 6-4, 285, Fredericksburg, Va. Mihota had a total of 16 knockdown blocks on 67 plays helping UVa roll up 240 rushing yards and 256 passing yards in a 40-3 win over William & Mary.

CO-DEFENSIVE LINEMAN - Brian Slay, NC State, DT, Jr., 6-3, 290, Ashburn, Va. A junior defensive tackle from Ashburn, Va., Slay played 45 snaps in only his second career start, and recorded six total tackles (four primary) and two sacks for losses of seven yards. Slay also caused a fumble and recovered two, taking one 52 yards for a touchdown, the fourth-longest fumble return in school history and the longest in 16 years.

T.J. GRAHAM (Ethan Hyman/News & Observer)

CO-DEFENSIVE LINEMAN - Joe Vellano, Maryland, DT, Jr., 6-2, 285, Rexford, N.Y.  Vellano recovered two fumbles, the first of which led to a field goal and the second of which he scooped up and ran in 30 yards for a touchdown. The return for a TD came with 0:47 left in the second quarter, giving Maryland a 20-14 lead and the momentum heading into halftime.

LINEBACKER - Luke Kuechly, Boston College, LB, Jr., 6-3, 237, Cincinnati, OH Junior LB Luke Kuechly recorded 19 tackles in Boston College's 24-17 loss to Northwestern. The Cincinnati, Ohio, native has now tallied 10 or more tackles in 23 consecutive games which is the longest active streak of double-digit tackles in the country. Kuechly also recorded his fifth career interception with just over nine minutes to play in the first half and returned it 23 yards to the Northwestern two yard line. BC scored its first touchdown of the season two plays later.

DEFENSIVE BACK - Cameron Chism, Maryland, CB, Sr., 5-10, 190, Washington, D.C. Chism intercepted Miami QB Stephen Morris on fourth-and-three and returning it 54 yards for a TD with under a minute to play. The score increased Maryland's lead from a single point to 32-24. Chism also had a hand in another defensive score when he forced a fumble that Joe Vellano scooped up and ran in 30 yards for a TD just before halftime.

KEVIN PARKS (VirginiaSports.com)

SPECIALIST - T.J. Graham, NC State, WR, Sr., 6-0, 180, Raleigh, N.C. Graham, a senior wide receiver and kick returner from Raleigh, returned three punts for 88 yards against the Flames, including a game-changing 82-yard return for a touchdown. That return was the 11th longest in school history and his second career punt return for a TD. Graham also returned four kickoffs for 99 yards. For the game, Graham had 88 yards on punt returns, 99 yards on kick returns, and a reception for seven yards, giving him 194 all-purpose yards.

ROOKIE - Kevin Parks, Virginia, RB, Fr., 5-8, 195, Salisbury, N.C. Parks enjoyed one of the best debuts by a running back in UVa history. The Salisbury, N.C. native rushed for 114 yards on 16 carries (7.1 average), and scored three TDs (19, 1, 26), the most rushing TDs by a Cavalier in the program's history. It marked just the sixth time a UVa player has scored three TDs in season-opening game.

Dinich’s Lunchtime Links

EDSALL (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

By Heather Dinich/ESPN

There's plenty of news out there, starting with the first conference win of the season ...

Maryland coach Randy Edsall's problems pale in comparison to what Miami coach Al Golden is going through.

The Terps' uniforms weren't the only thing new in College Park on Monday night.

What did the ACC commish have to say about Miami's ongoing NCAA investigation?

The decision of UNC interim coach Everett Withers to give fired coach Butch Davis a game ball was a bad idea.

BC got some bad news Monday after it learned that receiver Ifeanyi Momah will miss the rest of the season.

Virginia rookie cornerback Demetrious Nicholson knows opposing offenses are going to be throwing his way to "pick on the kid" this year.

BADOUR AND WITHERS (Gerry Broom/AP Photo)

UNC will lose its starting fullback for the season.

David Wilson broke 15 tackles on his 16 carries on Saturday. Wow.

Hokies' kickoff man Justin Myer has the best leg on the team.

Georgia Tech defensive end Izaan Cross shares his thoughts on the D-line.

Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris doesn't want to sound negative, but he was "ticked off" on Saturday.

Gio Bernard is inspired by his late mother, whom he called his "lead blocker."

Duke is moving on after its loss to Richmond. Or at least trying to.

Florida State insists it is not looking ahead to Oklahoma.

Pictures Of The Day

Wahoo wah!  The Virginia Cavaliers celebrate with their fans after last weekend’s victory over William & Mary at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville.  (Photo by Matt Riley/UVA Media Relations)

Tropical Storm Lee has the U.S. Open on hold at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York.  (Photo by Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images)


He’s back.  Stephen Strasburg of the Washington Nationals pitches to Dee Gordon(notes) #9 of the Los Angeles Dodgers at Nationals Park on September 6, 2011 in Washington, DC. Strasburg pitched five scoreless innings in his return.  (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Things That Make You Go…

(Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Hmmm…

Or YECH!

So Maryland, following the trend this year, has new unis.  Like, Oregon, the Terps have turned to an alum for the new look.  Under Armour’s  designers were obvious inspired by the Free State’s flag.

Somehow, they managed to take one of the coolest flags in the good old U.S. of A. and turn it into the most hideous football uni to date.

Nice, Maryland, NICE!
UNI WATCH was not amused. To read more, click here. 

Doug Gottlieb of ESPN noted that Georgia looked like Power Rangers in their new unis.  Boise State's were no better, but the Broncos' old  uniforms weren't great either. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

The Pirates are sporting a cool new helmet logo...(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Florida didn't really unveil a new uniform, but they did break out the rarely used orange jerseys. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Oregon is Phil Knight's Nike guinea pig.  They try every new thing every year.  These unis are new and not necessarily an upgrade...(Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

San Jose State got brand new unis, and unlike Maryland, they hit the mark. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

MARYLAND 32, MIAMI 24

Miami’s depleted defense couldn’t stop the Terps, but Maryland stopped themselves often enough to keep this game interesting right up to the end.

Nick Ferrara kicked a 32-yard field goal to put Maryland ahead 26-24 with 1:39 left, Danny O'Brien threw for 348 yards and a touchdown, and defensive back Cameron Chism played a part in two touchdowns as new Terp's coach Randy Edsall debuted with a win.

Miami was playing its initial game under Al Golden without eight suspended players, including quarterback Jacory Harris, linebacker Sean Spence and defensive linemen Marcus Forston and Adewale Ojomo.

Stephen Morris capably filled in for Harris, going 19 for 28 for 195 yards and running for a touchdown. But on a fourth-and-4 in the final minute, the sophomore threw an interception that Chism took 54 yards to put the game out of reach with 39 seconds remaining.

Maryland amassed 311 yards and 19 first downs in the first half alone and finished with 499 yards, including 92 yards on 21 carries by Davin Meggett.

But Maryland couldn't put the finish on several impressive drives. The Terrapins got to the Miami 11 or closer on six occasions, yet they scored only one touchdown and twice came away with nothing.

To read more, click here. 

Tweets Of The Night

(Gene Sweeney, Jr./Baltimore Sun)

"OH GOSH! Maryland uniforms #ewwwwww!" -- Heat forward LeBron James

"For the uniforms alone, Maryland should be charged with lack of institutional control..." --Eric Stangel, head writer for the Late Show with David Letterman

"Maryland's uniforms are confusing at best!" -- Steelers safety, and former Redskin, Ryan Clark

"Anyone on Maryland have "HE HATE ME" on the back if their jersey?" -- NFL free agent safety Gerald Alexander

Pictures Of The Day

A Boston College Eagles fans watches the game in the second half against the Northwestern Wildcats on September 3, 2011 at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.  Northwestern defeated Boston College 24-17. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Andre Williams #44 of the Boston College Eagles tries turnover recover the ball after quarterback Chase Rettig was hit by Tyler Scott of the Northwestern Wildcats on September 3, 2011 at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.  (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Duke running back Desmond Scott (33) looks to score the first Duke touchdown of the season in the second quarter.  (Photo by Chuck Liddy/Raleigh News & Observer)  

Game over. Wide receiver Tommy Streeter #8 of the Miami Hurricanes looks on as defender Cameron Chism #22 of the Maryland Terrapins returns an interception for a touchdown during the second half at Byrd Stadium on September 5, 2011 in College Park, Maryland. Maryland won 32-24. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

UNC's Dwight Jones (83) gets past James Madison's Dean Marlowe (16) to score on a pass completion from quarterback Bryn Renner giving the Tar Heels' a 7-0 lead over James Madison in the first quarter on Saturday September 3, 2011 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.  (Photo by Robert Willet/Raleigh News & Observer)

N.C. State's Tom O'Brien runs out onto the field with the team before the game. (Photo by Ethan Hyman/Raleigh News & Observer)

Rameses the UNC mascot sports a pair of sunglasses as he grazes on the Kenan Stadium turf in the third quarter of the Tar Heels's season opener against James Madison on Saturday September 3, 2011 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. (Photo by Robert Willet/Raleigh News & Observer)

Saturday ACC Football

DAVID WILSON (AP Photo/Don Petersen)

Northwestern 24, BOSTON COLLEGE 17


VIRGINIA TECH 66, Appalachian State 13

FLORIDA STATE 34, ULM 0

NORTH CAROLINA 42, James Madison 10

CLEMSON 43, Troy 19 

VIRGINIA 40, William & Mary 3  

N.C. STATE 43, Liberty 21 

Richmond 23, DUKE 21

To read more, click here. 

Saturday ACC Football

SATURDAY, SEPT 3

Northwestern (Wildcats, 8,425 students, Evanston, IL)@ BOSTON COLLEGE (-2.5), 12:00 PM, TV: ESPNU (Sirius 91/XM 91)

Appalachian State (Mountaineers, 15,137 students, Boone, NC) @ VIRGINIA TECH (-25), 12:30 PM, ACC Network affiliates, (Sirius 212//XM 191)

ULM (Warhawks, 7,516 students, Monroe, LA) @ FLORIDA STATE (-28), 3:30 PM, TV: ESPNU (Sirius 211//XM 193)

James Madison (Dukes, 18,971 students, Harrisonburg, VA) @ NORTH CAROLINA (-18), 3:30 PM, TV: RSN (Sirius 213//XM 192)

Troy (Trojans, 23,071 students, Troy, AL) @ CLEMSON (-14), 3:30 PM, TV: ESPN3.com (Sirius 136)

William & Mary (Tribe, 5,850 students, Williamsburg, VA) @ VIRGINIA (-8), 6:00 PM, TV: ESPN3.com (Sirius 131//XM 191)

Liberty (Flames, 13,400 students, Lynchburg, VA) @ N.C. STATE (-29), 6:00 PM, TV: ESPN3.com (Sirius 212//XM 190)

Richmond (Spiders, 2,767 students, Richmond, VA) @ DUKE (-8.5), 7:00 PM, TV: ESPN3.com (Sirius 213//XM 192)

Dinich's ACC Links

BLAKE DeCHRISTOPHER

By Heather Dinich/ESPN

NC State quarterback Mike Glennon knows you're going to compare him to Wilson. He's over it.

Regardless of who lines up at quarterback for the Wolfpack, this season will shed a lot of light on which direction the program is headed under coach Tom O'Brien.

Wake Forest will be hurting after losing its quarterback and the game to Syracuse in overtime last night.

Bearded Virginia Tech offensive lineman Blake DeChristopher is back and ready to make a statement (not that the beard doesn't say it all).

The father of Miami safety Ray-Ray Armstrong says he is considering appealing his son's punishment.

Virginia has plans to add an indoor practice field, but how much will it help the program?

Virginia Tech to the SEC? "Total poppycock."

Georgia Tech didn't do everything right last night, but it was a promising start.

PHILLIP PRICE (Mark Crammer Photo)

Maryland has gone through a complete transformation since the last time the Terps took the field.

Bigger plans could be in store for BC's tight ends.

Troy will test Clemson's new left tackle, Phillip Price.

Miami isn't scaling back defensively despite the suspensions of some key players.

Is FSU ready to return to greatness?

Duke will start the season with two key players sidelined.

How 

Pictures Of The Day

Usain Bolt of Jamaica is pursued by photographers as he celebrates his victory in the men's 200 metres final during day eight of 13th IAAF World Athletics Championships at Daegu Stadium on September 3, 2011 in Daegu, South Korea. (Photo by Mark Dadswell/Getty Images)

B.J. Cunningham #3 of the Michigan State Spartans catches the ball against Donald D'Alesio #8 and Jeremy Edwards #5 of the Youngstown State Penguins during an NCAA football game at Spartan Stadium on September 2, 2011 in East Lansing, Michigan. The Spartans won 28-6 (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)

Christian Ponder by way of Florida State of the Minnesota Vikings passes against the Houston Texans in the first half on September 1, 2011 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images North America)

Thursday Night ACC Football

WASHINGTON and SMITH (AP Photo/Billy Weeks)

GEORGIA TECH 63 , Western Carolina 21 – Western Carolina failed to capalize on six Georgia Tech fumbles as the Yellow Jackets put up impressive numbers in the air and on the ground in their season opener.

Orwin Smith scored two of Georgia Tech’s four first-quarter touchdowns and Stephen Hill caught two touchdown passes from Tevin Washington.   

Georgia Tech’s yardage total was the second-highest in school history behind a 706-yard performance against The Citadel in 1948, but the Yellow Jackets struggled throughout the night to hold on to the football, losing two of six fumbles and allowing a second-quarter field goal attempt to get blocked and recovered for a touchdown.

Georgia Tech also showed flashes of a formidable passing game after ranking 119th in the nation last year.

Washington completed eight of 13 passes for 271 yards and three TDs. No. 2 quarterback Synjyn Days was 3 of 3 passing for 94 yards. Hill caught four passes for 181 yards. The yardage totals were career highs for all three players.

Georgia Tech had more yards passing in the first quarter (148) than it had in any game last season (130 in an Oct. 2 win over Wake Forest).

The Yellow Jackets, who led the nation in rushing last year, racked up 260 yards on the ground. Smith finished with 84 yards, which included a 77-yard score, on just four carries.

To read more, click here.

Syracuse 36, WAKE FOREST 29  OT– Tanner  Price threw  touchdown passes of 60 and 22 yards to Chris Givens and a crushing 16-yard score on third-and-goal to Michael Campanero, but the Deacons lost in overtime in the Carrier Dome.

  

PRICE (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli)

“It’s disappointing,” said Price, who was 18 of 31 for 289 yards who was injured and never returned. 

“I tried to get back in there,” said Price, who had his helmet on and was running on the sideline in hopes of returning. “The doctors said I’d be all right, but the coaches said it’s a long season and there’s no point in further hurting yourself.”

 After Syracuse scored a touchdown in overtime, the Demon Deacons got the ball one last time, but the Syracuse defense forced a fourth-down incompletion from the 19 from Ted Stachitas to Givens in the right corner of the end zone.

To read more, click here.

Dinich’s Lunchtime Links

DAVID WILSON (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

By Heather Dinich/ESPN

Two true freshmen at Virginia will be needed to make an immediate impact.

You know about Duke's 'Killer V's.' Brandon Braxton might be better than both of them.

The Deacs kick off tonight, and David Glenn caught up with Wake coach Jim Grobe.

Has everyone in Wake's program been too complacent?

Georgia Tech B-back David Sims has made a significant jump this offseason to the top of the depth chart.

Maryland's suspensions are nothing compared to what Miami is facing.

Injured Eagles Donnie Fletcher and Andre Williams insist they'll play against Northwestern.

How do you win a national title? Practice tough.

The Orlando Sentinel previews Florida State's season.

Uh oh. The mother of Miami receiver Aldarius Johnson has hired a lawyer and wants an explanation as to why her son has been suspended indefinitely.

One of the biggest differences between former UNC quarterback T.J. Yates and his successor, Bryn Renner, is their personalities.

Virginia Tech running back David Wilson should put up monster numbers in the first four games of the season.

If Virginia quarterback Michael Rocco struggles, Ross Metheny will be next in line.

Duke's running game is aiming for better numbers this season.

Pictures Of The Day

Gael Monfils from France plays a shot against Juna Carlos Ferrero from Spain during their match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center during the U.S. Open.  (Photo by Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images)

The general view of the High Point Solutions Stadium during the first quarter of the game between North Carolina Central Eagles and Rutgers Scarlet Knights on September 1, 2011 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

Reese Hoffa of the USA competes in the men's shot put final during day seven of 13th IAAF World Athletics Championships at Daegu Stadium on September 2, 2011 in Daegu, South Korea. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

New Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson (by way of N.C.S.U.), left, looks to pass against UNLV's Nate Carter (36) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011, in Madison, Wis.  Wilson was 10 for 13, 255 yards and two touchdowns.  He also ran for 62 yards and a touchdown. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)

Things That Make You Go…

Hmmm...

In this case, not really.  You had to see this coming.  Folks who wagered on the Miami v. Maryland game out in Vegas or in just reopened Atlantic City ('cause that's the only place it's legal to do so!) when the line was the Canes -5* are now asking themselves one simple question "How could I be so stoooopid?"

Good question. You had to figure the NCAA would say something prior to the start of Miami's season and when they spoke, the Canes lost a handful of starters including their quarterback.  That said, Maimi can survive the suspensions, just ask North Carolina who had a bowl eligible seasons last year amid suspensions and other internal and external disciplinary actions.

However, you had to figure the line would move Maryland's way (-3), and it did.

*Point spreads provided for recreational purposes only.

Are You Ready For Some Football?

THURSDAY, SEPT 1

Western Carolina (Catamounts, 10,000 students, Cullowhee, NC) @ GEORGIA TECH (-35), 7:30 PM, TV: ESPN3.com (Sirius 211/XM 190)

WAKE FOREST @ Syracuse (-7) (Orange, 20,407 students, Syracuse, NY), 8:00 PM, TV: ESPN3.com (Sirius 212/XM 191)

Dinich’s Lunchtime Links

LAUREN LUTTRELL (Suzanne Carr Rossi/Free Lance-Star)

By Heather Dinich/ESPN

A female kicker? At Virginia Tech? You go girl.

Those within the program say Duke's defense has made significant strides this offseason. The rest of us are waiting to see it.

Wake Forest linebacker Kyle Wilber isn't used to seeing his name at second-string on the depth chart, but he's missed too much of the preseason with a hamstring injury.

It wasn't in Michael Rocco's original plans to attend Virginia.

Virginia tackle Morgan Moses is always trying to prove people wrong.

I would not like to be on the receiving end of a Logan Thomas pass.

Miami's situation isn't ideal, but at least Al Golden knows where he stands this season.

Duke is not taking Richmond lightly. A little history lesson says not to.

NICK FERRARA (Kenneth K. Lam/Balt Sun)

Sean Renfree isn't the only quarterback at Duke who wants to make an impact.

When it comes to NCAA punishments, David Teel says Miami and UNC should be very, very afraid.

What's up with Miami receiver Aldarius Johnson? Steve Gorten has some insight.

Will FSU win a national title?

Maryland's Nick Ferrara is ready for double duty.

Nevermind. Roddy Jones is back in the lineup after all.

Is a break-even finish the best shot for the Deacs?

BC QB Chase Rettig has had a little bit more of an edge as the opener draws near.

What are the five most difficult aspects of playing quarterback? Here's what Tajh Boyd is focused on.

Pictures Of The Day

Golfer Keegan Bradley, recent winner of the 93rd PGA Championship, throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the game between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees on August 30, 2011 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.  (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images North America)

Revellers on a truck throw tomatoes into the crowd during the annual "Tomatina" (tomato fight) in the Mediterranean village of Bunol, near Valencia, August 31, 2011. The origin of the tomato fight is disputed - everyone in Bunol seems to have a favourite story - but most agree it started around 1940, in the early years of General Francisco Franco's dictatorship.  (Photo by Heino Kalis/Reuters)

Jesse Williams (L) of United States celebrates next to Aleksey Dmitrik of Russia after claiming gold in the men's high jump final during day six of the 13th IAAF World Athletics Championships at the Daegu Stadium on September 1, 2011 in Daegu, South Korea. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)