ACC Football: Week 2

N.C. STATE (-3) @ Connecticut, East Hartford, Conn., 12:00 PM, TV: Big East Network/ESPN3 (XM 193 SIRIUS 137)

Penn State @ VIRGINIA (-8.5), Charlottesville, Va., 12:00 PM, TV: ABC (XM 91 SIRIUS 91)

MARYLAND @ Temple (-10.5), Philadelphia, Pa., 12:00 PM, TV: ESPNU (XM 192 SIRIUS 134)

MIAMI @ #21 Kansas State (-7), Manhattan, Kansas, 12:00 PM, FX (XM 195 SIRIUS 136)

Ball State @ #12 CLEMSON (-25.5), Clemson, S.C., 12:30 PM, TV: ACC Network (XM 190 SIRIUS 92)

Maine @ BOSTON COLLEGE (NL), Chestnut Hill, Mass., 1:00 PM,  TV: ESPN3 (SIRIUS 128)

Austin Peay @ #15 VIRGINIA TECH (NL), Blacksburg, Va., 1:30 PM, TV: ESPN3 (XM 191 SIRIUS 93)

NORTH CAROLINA (-6.5) @ WAKE FOREST, Winston-Salem, N.C., 3:00 PM, TV: RSN (XM 197 SIRIUS 132)

Savannah State @ #6 FLORIDA STATE (N L), Tallahassee, Fla., 6:00 PM, TV: ESPN3 (XM 191 SIRIUS 93)

Presbyterian @ GEORGIA TECH (NL), Atlanta, Ga., 7:00 PM, TV: ESPN3 (SIRIUS 106)

DUKE @ Stanford (-14), Stanford, Calif., 10:30 PM, PAC-12 Network Bay Area (SIRIUS 128)

*Point spreads for recreational purposes only. 

Nats’ Magic Number: 18

Our Washington Nationals (formerly your Montreal Expos) (85-52) defeated Mr. Anderson’s Chicago Cubs (again) (51-86)* last night in a scuffle-marred game to reduce their magic number to 18.  The Nats need 18 more wins to clinch the National League East no matter what the second-place Atlanta Brave do or don’t do.

Evidently…the Cubbies got a little cranky while getting throttled yet again by our Nats who swept the series from the ivy covered long-suffering losers.

Here, Bryce Harper (who has been on a hitting tear of late) is restrained by home plate umpire Jerry Lane #24 and Steve Clevenger #51 of the Chicago Cubs after an inside pitch in the sixth inning.

Here, Adam LaRoche hits a home run in that same sixth inning.\

*Best record in MLB.

(Photos by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

T.A.H. Uni Watch

(Greg Fiume/UMTerps.com)

 In the ACC, Maryland has another new helmet design (pretty good) and Georgia Tech has a new uni (not so good.)

R.I.P. Art Modell 1925 – 2012

ESPN: One of the most influential owners in the history of the NFL, Art Modell helped mold the foundation of the league.

(AP Photo)

The innovative Modell, whose reputation was forever tainted when he moved his franchise from

David Modell said he and his brother, John, were at their father's side when he "died peacefully of natural causes."

"'Poppy' was a special man who was loved by his sons, his daughter-in-law Michel, and his six grandchildren," David Modell said. "Moreover, he was adored by the entire Baltimore community for his kindness and generosity. And, he loved Baltimore."

Modell was among the most important figures in the NFL as owner of the Cleveland Browns, who became the Ravens after he took the team to Baltimore in 1996 -- a move that hounded him the rest of his life.

To read Modell’s obit in the New York Times, click here. 

Hokies Coles Out For Season

The last thing the Hokies anemic offense needs is an injury to a key player…

(Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

That said, Virginia Tech senior wide receiver D.J. Coles will undergo an MRI on his knee and will miss the remainder of the 2012 season, as announced Thursday by head athletic trainer Mike Goforth. The Maidens, Va., native had off-season PCL surgery on his right knee, but returned for Monday’s opener against Georgia Tech. He injured the right knee again in the first quarter.

Because Coles has not played in more than 30 percent of this year’s season, he will be eligible to apply for a medical hardship waiver at the conclusion of the season. Coles has not redshirted, so provided the medical hardship waiver is granted, he will be eligible to return next year for a fifth season.

Coles has played in 37 games for his career, starting three. He has 39 receptions for 507 yards and three touchdowns.

ACC Football Links

RETTIG (Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Heather Dinich and Andrea Adelson of ESPN.com’s ACC Blog.

If you can’t find something here that interests you, there’s not a damn thing we can do about it!

Chase Rettig's performance stood out in a loss.

A maturing Tajh Boyd is drawing raves for Clemson.

Duke is far from complacent after its victory against FIU, with a trip to Stanford looming.

Brandon Jenkins' injury doesn't have to be tragic for Florida State.

Another game effort yields another galling loss for Georgia Tech.

Maryland's Marcus Leak is much more dedicated and mature in his sophomore season.

Miami has to fix its pass defense after "mental errors" cost it against Boston College.

Andrew Carter of The News & Observer puts North Carolina's punt return yardage into perspective.

Interceptions and pressure were missing from the NC State defense against Tennessee.

Michael Rocco is firmly in control of the Virginia offense.

Corey Fuller was an unsung hero for Virginia Tech.

Wake Forest coach Jim Grobe didn't have to do much to get his players focused on North Carolina.

Boston College failed to execute on defense against Miami.

Adjustments on defense paid off for Clemson in the opener.

Duke cornerback Lee Butler adds versatility to the secondary.

Much more on Florida State losing Brandon Jenkins, with lots of links from Coley Harvey at The Orlando Sentinel.

Georgia Tech missed a huge opportunity to pull the upset, writes Mark Bradley in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Miami running back Duke Johnson gave college football a wake-up call.

There were expected changes to the Maryland depth chart.

North Carolina wants to go even faster on offense. Warp speed, Mr. Sulu!

NC State will see a familiar face on the UConn sideline.

Andy Staples of SI.com gives his take on Virginia Tech's big win.

Virginia is a heavy favorite to beat Penn State.

Wake Forest president Nathan Hatch discusses some ACC issues, including expansion and ... Notre Dame.

Athlon Sports has its post-Week 1 power rankings up.

Boston College coach Frank Spaziani called his team's loss to Miami "a lost victory."

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney raved about his team's dominating performance up frontagainst Auburn.

Duke coach David Cutcliffe said his team's performance against FIU was one of the best he's seen.

Florida State game MVP James Wilder Jr. planned to sleep with his game ball.

Georgia Tech's seniors will honor Julian Barnett by taking turns wearing his No. 40 jersey.

Maryland coach Randy Edsall never considered benching Perry Hills in the opener against William & Mary.

Jorge Milian of The Palm Beach Post hands out his grades for Miami.

North Carolina got instant gratification in Larry Fedora's debut.

NC State coach Tom O'Brien said his team just had a bad performance against Tennessee.

Virginia quarterback Phillip Sims was impressive in his quiet debut.

Andy Bitter has some final Virginia Tech notes before the big game.

Wake Forest survived a "scary game," coach Jim Grobe said.

Nats’ Magic Number: 19

Our Washington Nationals (formerly your Montreal Expos) (84-52)* defeated Mr. Anderson’s Chicago Cubs (again) (51-85) last night to reduce their magic number to 19.  The Nats need 19 more wins to clinch the National League East making one wish the Cubbies would hang around for about two weeks.

(Richard Lipski/AP Photo)

Here, Ryan Zimmerman splinters his bat on a pitch from Cubs' pithecer Chris Volstad during the first inning of last night’s Nats’ 9-1 win.

(Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

 And here starting pitcher Gio throws a pitch against Dave Sappelt. 

The two play again tonight and good seats are still available (see Zimmerman photo above).

*Best record in MLB.

(Clear) Pictures Of The Day

John and Boog Powell circa 1970 long before Boog’s BBQ was the rage at Camden Yards.  (AP Photo)

A New York Giants fan riding a scooter tows another fan outside of MetLife Stadium prior to the 2012 NFL season opener between the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys on September 5, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. ( Al Bello/Getty Images North America)

David Anthony of Great Britain in action during the Wheelchair Rugby match between United States and Great Britain on day 7 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games at Basketball Arena on September 5, 2012 in London, England. (Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)

Adios, amigo. Andy Roddick of the United States waves to the crowd after losing to Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina after their men's singles fourth round match on Day Ten of the 2012 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 5, 2012 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

(Blurry) Picture Of The Day (Heckler's Reward)

Dear T.A.H.:  Yeah, that went well.  12 Home Runs in 2 games.  Almost as good as the Cubs in the entire month of August. Highlight was heckling Soriano and the bullpen catcher Lane.  It only took 2 innings for the ball to arrive in my hand (we sat Row A in Left Field behind Soriano).  He gave in with this heckle...“Come on Lane, I brought the family ALL the way from Peoria for this!” It’s the small victories that count when your team stinks… (Craig “Mr.” Anderson Photo for T.A.H. Worldwide Media LLC)

ACC Players Of The Week

(Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

OFFENSIVE BACK - Andre Ellington, Clemson, Sr., RB, 5-9, 195, Moncks Corner, S.C. Ellington gained 228 yards rushing in 25 carries to lead Clemson to victory over Auburn. Ellington's total was the most in the nation this weekend, the most by a Clemson running back against an SEC team in history, and the most in a season opener. Ellington had 80 yards rushing in eight carries in the fourth quarter when he set up two scores with long runs. The 228 yards ranks as the fifth-best effort by an ACC back against a ranked opponent. Ellington was named the National Running Back of the Week by College Football Performers and is one of four candidates for the National Player of the Week by ESPN.  

(Joshua S. Kelly/U.S. Presswire)

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN - Dalton Freeman, Clemson, Sr., C, 6-5, 285, Pelion, S.C. Freeman played every snap (87) at center and graded a team-best 94 percent in the win over Auburn. Freeman had five knockdown blocks to lead the team in that category as well. The senior directed the Clemson offense from a pace standpoint, as the Tigers ran 87 plays for 528 yards, including 320 rushing yards. It was the most rushing yards in a game for Clemson in three years.   

(Chris Seward/Raleigh News & Observer)

RECEIVER - Conner Vernon, Duke, Sr., WR, 6-1, 200, Miami, Fla. In Duke's season-opening 46-26 win over FIU, Vernon caught 10 passes for 180 yards and one 28-yard touchdown. He averaged 18.0 yards per reception with five catches resulting in first downs as he became Duke's all-time leader in pass receptions with 208, eclipsing the previous mark of 207 held by former high school and collegiate teammate Donovan Varner. In the ACC's record book, he moved into fourth place on the career receptions list (208; passed NC State's Jerricho Cotchery, Duke's Donovan Varner & FSU's Peter Warrick) and into 12th place on the career receiving yardage chart. Vernon extended his streak of consecutive games with at least one reception to 36 games, the nation's longest active streak.  

(ESPN Photo)

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN - Bjoern Werner, Florida State, Jr., DE, 6-4, 255, Berlin, Germany  In just over one half of play, Werner registered five solo tackles - all of which came behind the line of scrimmage for minus-30 yards. Four of the tackles were quarterback sacks, accounting for minus-28 yards and matching the most by an FSU player since Alonzo Jackson recorded four at Louisville in 2002. In addition to his tackles, Werner forced a fumble and broke up a pass. His performance earned him National Defensive Performer and National Defensive Lineman of the Week honors from the College Football Performance Awards, and the national Lott IMPACT Player of the Week.

(Geoff Burke/Getty Images)

LINEBACKER - Jack Tyler, Virginia Tech, Jr., LB, 6-1, 236, Oakton, Va. Tyler had a huge game against Georgia Tech's tough spread option attack, registering a career-high 17 tackles (seven solo) in Virginia Tech's 20-17 overtime win. He also had a tackle for loss as the Hokies held GT to just 288 yards of total offense.  

(Wake Forest Photo)

DEFENSIVE BACK - A.J. Marshall, Wake Forest, Jr., CB, 6-0, 190, Durham, N.C. Marshall was instrumental in Wake Forest's 20-17 win over Liberty. Marshall had six total tackles including two solos and four assists. He led the team with 1.5 tackles for loss and two pass break-ups. His biggest contribution was an interception and 39-yard return for a touchdown late in the third quarter that pulled the Deacons into a 14-14 tie. The interception was the first of his career.  

SPECIALIST - Cody Journell, Virginia Tech, Jr., K, 6-0, 195, Ripplemead, Va. Journell tied the game at the end of regulation with a 41-yard field goal and then won the game for the Hokies in overtime with a 17-yard field goal to help Virginia Tech defeat Georgia Tech, 20-17.

(Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

ROOKIE - Duke Johnson, Miami, Fr., RB, 5-9, 188, Miami, Fla. Johnson was one of two true freshmen (Ereck Flowers, T) to start in Miami's 41-32 win at Boston College as he totaled 135 rushing yards and two touchdowns on seven carries, the most rushing yards by a UM true freshman since Javarris James racked up 148 against Houston in 2006. He scored his career-first touchdown on a 54-yard scamper in the second quarter and added a 56-yard score in the third quarter. Johnson tallied team-high 214 all-purpose yards (135 rush, 10 receiving, 69 kick return). jared wickerham getty

Nats’ Magic Number: 20

(Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Our Washington Nationals (formerly your Montreal Expos) defeated Mr. Anderson’s Chicago Cubs (again) last night to reduce their magic number to 21.  The Nats need 20 more wins to clinch the National League East.

Here, Alfonso Soriano #12 of the Chicago Cubs hits a two RBI triple as umpire Mike Estabrook and catcher Jesus Flores #26 of the Washington Nationals look on during the sixth inning at Nationals Park on September 4, 2012 in Washington, DC.

The two play again tonight and good seats are still available.

(Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Get used to this...Stephen Strasburg watching.       

Things That Make You Go…

Hmmm…

(Gene J. Puskar/AP Photo)

A blue ribbon to support victims of abuse on their helmets and names on their jerseys…

The Nittany Lions come to Charlottesville this weekend.

Pictures Of The Day

Fans, mascots and players:

Running back Khalek Shepherd #23 of the Virginia Cavaliers, defensive back DeShawn Holmes #7 of the Richmond Spiders, and defensive back Wayne Pettus #2 of the Spiders reach for the ball at Scott Stadium on September 1, 2012 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images)

BC fans. (Michael Tureski/Icon SMI)

Maryland fans. (Luis M. Alvarez/AP Photo)

Miami fans. (Michael Tureski/Icon SM)

UNC fans. (Dannie Walls/Icon SMI)

UNC mascots.  (Robert Willett/Raleigh News & Observer)

Picture Of The Day

Other:

Paul Hanagan riding Sejalaat (blue) win the Reheat Nursery Stakes at Goodwood racecourse on September 04, 2012 in Chichester, England.  (Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe)

16 VIRGINIA TECH 20, GEORGIA TECH 17

(Don Petersen/AP Photo)

Many college football games hinge on one critical mistake.  Last night, was no different.

The Virginia Tech Hokies dodged another opening game disaster when Georgia Tech quarterback Tevin Washington threw an ill-advised pass that was intercepted during the Jackets' first possession of overtime.   Cody Journell (#89) subsequently won the game for the home team.

Journell kicked a 41-yard field goal as time expired to force overtime after missing an earlier attempt from 38 yards. 

"I really just try to clear my head of everything whenever I'm out on the field," said Journell, "I just tried to let everything go and do what I needed to do."

The kicks rescued Hokie Nation from another crushing season-opening loss.

Virginia Tech lost to East Carolina in their 2008 opener, Alabama in 2009 and Boise State in 2010, and in a season where some view them as national championship contenders, they couldn't afford to start with a loss to an ACC division foe.

(Don Petersen/AP Photo)

It seemed fitting to Hokies coach Frank Beamer that Journell came through. Last season, he missed the Sugar Bowl while serving a suspension for his arrest on felony breaking and entering charges. He later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor trespassing, and was reinstated under conditions set by athletic director Jim Weaver.

"Cody made a big mistake and I thought he paid a tremendous price," Beamer said. "But I think he knows that this is his family and we're all pulling for him."

Georgia Tech got the ball first in overtime, but quarterback Tevin Washington appeared to be trying to throw the ball away under pressure on third down only to have it intercepted by Kyle Fuller.

Washington's 10-yard scoring pass with 44 seconds left in regulation had given the Yellow Jackets a 17-14 lead before Logan Thomas (230 yards, 2 TDs) then drove the Hokies for Journell's 41-yarder.

After Washington's turnover, the only one in the game, the Hokies got runs of 6 and 18 yards from Michael Holmes on the first two plays to set up the winner.

"I thought we hung in there great," Beamer said. "Those guys know what they're doing. They're tough all game. It's a right-at-you ballgame."

The Hokies trailed 17-14 until Journell made his first kick, depriving Washington of the comeback win in regulation.

Georgia Tech's run-first quarterback hit Deon Hill with a 10-yard touchdown pass in the final minute, stunning the sellout crowd.

(Don Petersen/AP Photo)

The Hokies, who had gone ahead 14-10 on Thomas' 42-yard scoring pass to speedy wide receiver Demitri Knowles with 7:46 to play, got the ball back and drove to the Yellow Jackets 24 with 6 seconds remaining.

Georgia Tech used a timeout to try to ice Journell, but his kick sailed through the uprights to tie it at 17.

Before the offensive flurry in the fourth quarter, the game was a punting contest with both teams looking like they may have needed a “Murray State” tune-up before facing a conference opponent. 

Count Down To The Shut Down

(Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

On yesterday morning, the Washington Nationals told Stephen Strasburg what otherwise was worst-kept secret in Major League Baseball - that their young ace’s amazing season would end because of a rigid post-surgical schedule designed to keep his elbow healthy. 

Strasburg is scheduled to make his last start of the season Sept. 12. No more pennant race, and no playoffs for Strasburg, even though our Nats have the best record in the majors.

FSU’s All-ACC Defensive End Out For Season

(Elsa/Getty Images)

Florida State defensive end Brandon Jenkins will miss the rest of the season after injuring his left foot in the Seminoles' 69-3 season-opening win over Murray State.

Florida State said an MRI on Monday revealed a Lisfranc injury.

Jenkins had a sack in Saturday's victory, but left the game in the first half with the injury. He walked to the locker room, putting weight on both feet.

Jenkins had 21 1/2 sacks the past two seasons and returned to Florida State for his senior season.

Jenkins has not taken a redshirt season and could return to Florida State in 2013 or enter the NFL draft.

Pictures Of The Day

Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers celebrates their 26-19 win over the Auburn Tigers with the leather helmet at Georgia Dome on September 1, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images North America)

Simon Pagenaud of France pits his #77 HP Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports Honda Dallara during the IZOD IndyCar Series Grand Prix of Baltimore on September 2, 2012 on the streets of Baltimore, Maryland. (Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images North America)

Ryan Hunter-Reay of the United States, drives his #28 DHL/Sun Drop Citrus Soda Andretti Autosport Chevrolet Dallara during the IZOD IndyCar Series Grand Prix of Baltimore on September 2, 2012 on the streets of Baltimore, Maryland. (Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images North America)

A general view of cars racing by the Baltimore Inner Harbor during the IZOD IndyCar Series Baltimore Grand Prix on September 2, 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images North America)

Boston College Eagles students paint each other's bodies prior to the game against the Miami Hurricanes on September 1, 2012 at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.

(Jared Wickerham/Getty Images North America)

We were wondering what the Ducks would wear in their opener...We weren’t disappointed!  Here, De'Anthony Thomas celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Arkansas State Red Wolves on September 1, 2012 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.

(Craig Mitchelldyer/Getty Images North America)

ACC Week 1: Duke Is Undefeated

NORTH CAROLINA 62, Elon 0 - Recap

MARYLAND 7, William & Mary 6 - Recap


VIRGINIA 43, Richmond 19 - Recap


MIAMI 41, BOSTON COLLEGE 32 - Recap


7 FLORIDA STATE 69, Murray State 3 - Recap


WAKE FOREST 20, Liberty 17 - Recap


DUKE 46, FIU 26 - Recap

14 CLEMSON 26, Auburn 19 - Recap

Sorry, Floyd

(Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Mayweather out $2.9 million as Wolverines fail to cover (+14), losing to Alabama 41-14.

Well, at least he had all the digits right...ones and fours.

Umm...It’s Called Defense...

Division 3 Knox and Eureka mixed it up yesterday and tallied 117 points in a 62 - 55 Red Devils’ victory.  Not much defense.

(Eureka.edu)

Eureka quarterback Sam Durley completed 34 of 52 passes for 736 yards and five touchdowns. The total broke the NCAA all-time all-levels record for passing yards in a single game, topping Menlo College quarterback Zamir Amin's 2000 record of 731 yards.

"I was just so focused on getting a win," Durley told the Peoria (Ill.) Journal Star. "We needed a start the season with a win. I was worried about the defense getting a stop and they finally camp up big (in the fourth quarter). I just wanted to keep moving the ball. I couldn't ask for a better line and receiving corps. Everyone did their part and good things happened."

Eureka finished with 821 total offensive yards (a school record), and Durley also became the school's all-time passing leader for yards, attempts, and touchdowns in the game.  

"Both teams played hard," Eureka coach Kurt Barth said after the game. "It just came down to who had the ball in the end. Offensively I don't think we could have played any better.

"Boy did Sam have a fantastic game. He called a lot of his own plays all through the game. I haven't seen him play better."

For more on Durley's historic performance, check out the release at Eureka.edu

Things That Make You Go...

Hmmm...

(Luis M. Alvarez/AP Photo)

We’re Number 1 ‘cause we just beat William & Mary 7-6.

Really?

Maryland linebacker Demetrius Hartsfield, center, celebrates with fans after defeating Tribe in College Park, Md.

Fear the turtle.

Pictures Of The Day

Andre Ellington racked up 231 yards in Clemson big opening win.  (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Welcome to Chapel Hill.  Larry Fedora, first-year coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, shakes hands during the Old Well Walk before the Heels routed the Elon Phoenix at Kenan Stadium. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Quarterback Michael Rocco #16 of the Virginia Cavaliers threw for 311 yards against the Richmond Spiders at Scott Stadium. (Geoff Burke/Getty Images)

Yeah, it was that kind of day for Murray State.  Here, quarterback Casey Brockman (12) reacts after throwing the ball to low on third down in the red zone during the second quarter against Florida State. (AP Photo/Phil Sears)

Duke’s Conner Vernon hauls in a first quarter TD pass.  (Chris Seward/Raleigh News & Observer)