Does ACC Have "little brother complex"?

How low can you go? Well, apparently if you look at the stats, the ACC is pretty low. Take this stat for starters. Over the past three years, the ACC leads all conferences in players selected in the first round (25) and overall (115) in the NFL draft.

Now juxtapose that with the following stats. The ACC has lost eight BCS bowl games in a row and hasn't had a team in the BCS championship game since Florida State lost to Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl at the end of the 2000 season. And over the past three seasons, the ACC is a combined 32-41 against opponents from other BCS conferences.

Says N.C. State coach Tom O'Brien, "We have to win those games. That's the only way we're going to get credence as the top conference in the country. " Well, it may be a while given the fact that perennial powers FSU and Miami are down and the additions of Boston College and Virginia Tech has not boosted the ACC significantly as was thought.

The ACC will get a chance to get some credibility early this season as in the opening week of the season, Virginia meets Southern California. Clemson gets Alabama in Atlanta and N.C. State takes on South Carolina as they open against SEC opponents. It could get ugly early.

Longtime college football analyst Tony Barnhart in a recent article points to the dismal record of the ACC. The ACC is 2-17 against non-conference teams ranked in the Top 10 over the past four years. In addition, the ACC is 9-31 against non-conference teams ranked in the Top 25 the past four years. And to top that off the ACC has never received an at-large bid to a BCS game.

Some ascribe the ACC's low rankings to a "little brother complex" with the SEC. Matt Hayes of The Sporting News says that the complex is there with the SEC because that is the league against which it recruits the most.

Whatever the reasons, it is clear that the ACC needs to start winning some big games in order to wash away some common perceptions.

"... 7-6 ain't going to do it. "

" I don't know about this year. But we better be heading in the right direction. I know this: 7-6 ain't going to do it. I'd like to stay in college a few more years. "
Bobby Bowden regarding whether the Noles can be in contention in ACC in 2008 as quoted in Miami Herald

Atlantic Division Coaches Speak Out

Decided to see what meaningful things the ACC coaches in the Atlantic Division said at the ACC Kickoff meeting according to their respective school sites:

Clemson's Tommy Bowden who has managed to never win a conference or division championship talked about his team.

"A big reason we are the preseason favorite is our returning offensive skill position players. But, we have holes to fill in the offensive line - we must replace four starters, including two All-Americans. We also have three new linebackers. "I believe our players will embrace this and it will motivate them in our August practices. But it will also motivate the opposition, including our non-conference opponents. We will get everyone's best shot. "

Meanwhile, Wake Forest's head coach Jim Grobe commented on the fact that being picked to finish second in the division is an unusual thing for the Demon Deacons.

"I've been used to being picked 13th out of 12 teams before, so it's a little different to be picked as high as we've been picked. I think our players will handle it well, though."

The official FSU site doesn't have any comments from Bobby as yet but I think we can all anticipate the quotes.

Second-year Boston College head coach Jeff Jagodzinski was picked to finish fourth in the Atlantic and will be without QB Matt Ryan. He discussed the biggest question mark facing Boston College.

"It is our offense. Our defense will be very strong. The addition of BJ (Raji) and Brian (Toal) is big. We were very good against the run last year and we will be again this year."

Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen who like Tommy Bowden seems to underperform every year talked about his players being ready for 2008.

"They better be [itching] because I'm itching. I'm ready to play. We're not fooling around. They've had a great summer, a great spring and a great winter. We just have to have a great fall now and get going. I haven't made any votes, but I expect us to be good."

Last but not least we have NC State head coach Tom O'Brien who is unaccustomed to being at the bottom. Among the many issues he discussed was how to be better on offense.

“We have to run the ball better. We can’t be second-to-last in the conference in rushing offense. We can’t have the quarterback position throw 14 touchdown passes and 23 interceptions. Those numbers have to be reversed if you are going to be a championship football program. The offensive line has to protect the quarterback.” Sound familiar?

Writers Say Noles Are Third In Atlantic

Another Nole record is out the window. For 16 straight years, Florida State has been the preseason pick to finish first in the Atlantic Coast Conference, either in the overall standings or in the Seminoles' own Atlantic Division. However, the latest poll from the ACC meeting this week does not have the Noles as a winner in either their division or the conference.

To no one's surprise, Clemson is picked to win it all. Here are the media's preseason picks in predicted order of finish:

ATLANTIC DIVISION

1. Clemson (59 first-place votes)
2. Wake Forest (5)
3. Florida State (1)
4. Boston College
5. Maryland
6. NC State

COASTAL DIVISION

1. Virginia Tech (58)
2. North Carolina (4)
3. Miami (1)
4. Georgia Tech (1)
5. Virginia (1)
6. Duke

ACC Champion: Clemson (51)

Rolle To Hit The Rhodes?... Weatherford Prediction ... Noles Form Core

Myron Rolle has gained a lot of publicity since coming to FSU. His on field perfomance has not lived up to the hype yet but his academic performance has been outstanding.

He is now being considered for the prestigious Rhodes scholarship. Stewart Mandel of S.I. has a very complimentary article on Rolle.

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According to Andrew Carter in The Orlando Sentinel, Drew Weatherford was asked at the ACC kickoff about the possibility of Bobby Bowden retiring at the end of this season. Weatherford indicated he could see Bowden coaching for 10 more years.

Drew's response is reason enough for me for him to not be the starter this year. Ok, I am kidding. I have more reasons than that for him not to start.
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It is interesting that FSU and Miami have both independently decided to form player leadership groups. The Noles call their group the "Core". The purpose of the group is to meet regularly, discuss issues and come up with suggestions to take to the coaches.

The group includes FSU senior defensive end Everette Brown, senior quarterback Drew Weatherford, senior tailback Antone Smith, senior receiver Greg Carr, senior cornerback Tony Carter, senior safety Darius McClure, junior linebacker Dekoda Watson, junior safety Myron Rolle and sophomore center Ryan McMahon.

" I think I am the guy for this job. "

"I think I deserve this job, I think I am the guy for this job. I expect to be the starter and play the whole year."
FSU QB Drew Weatherford speaking at Sunday's Atlantic Coast Conference football kickoff festivities

Noles Get Commitment Number 13

The Noles received verbal committment number 13 for the 2009 class with the announcement by 6'3", 260 lb. defensive tackle Demonte McAllister from Alonso High in Tampa.McAllister attended FSU football camp this past week and made his announcement at the end of the Seminole Showtime camp on Saturday evening.He has been recruited by almost all the major schools in the country including Georgia, LSU, Miami, USC, Tennessee, Auburn, Clemson and Florida.

ESPN's' scouting report says this about McAllister, "...(he) has the tools to be a handful along the defensive line. ...This kid is quick and he can get quick penetration and make plays in the backfield. "

New Poll: When Does Bobby Retire?

In light of Bobby Bowden discussing the subject of his retirement at media day with the Florida sports writers, there is a new poll question: When do you think Bobby Bowden retires?

Poll Results: Preston Parker Suspension

Results of the poll: "What is your opinion regarding the two game suspension given Preston Parker by FSU?"

57.5 %- Was correct number of games

23.9%- Should have been kicked off the team

9.7%- Should have been a three game suspension

8.8%- Should have been a four game suspension

Bowden Rejects Middle- Of- Pack Status... An Offer They Could Refuse.... Seeing Yellow

Bobby Bowden rejects the notion by some that FSU is now just a middle-of-the pack team. He still entertains the idea that the Noles could be one gamebreaker away from returning to elite status.Speaking at the annual Florida Sports Writers Association College Football Media Days, he said, "What would a Charlie Ward have done for our team last year? Or a Chris Weinke?"

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The Noles have been one of the marquee teams featured on Labor Day for the past several years. ABC-TV once again approached FSU about opening the season on Labor Day night for the fourth consecutive year but the Noles refused the offer.

Due to the loss of eight starters because of suspensions for the first three games, Bowden turned down the game."We were invited, but we declined it because of all the suspensions," Bowden said today at the Florida Sports Writers Association College Football Media Days.
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The Noles have a new color- yellow. Florida State University is featured on the cover of the new AT&T Real Yellow Pages directory serving Tallahassee. More than 388,000 total copies of the AT&T Real Yellow Pages directories have been produced for distribution in the area this year.

Delivery starts this week and last approximately four weeks. The directory also will be available to new residents and businesses throughout the year.

"... ain’t a one of you can guess when those days are."

" All I know right now is that I’m not interested in retiring, but I know my days are numbered.But ain’t a one of you can guess when those days are."
Bobby Bowden speaking during the Florida Sports Writers Association College Football Media Days as quoted in The News-Press

Media Day ... Leave The Driving To Them ... One Less Nole

College football season in Florida begins to come into focus today when the state college football coaches gather in Tampa for the annual Florida Sports Writers Association Media Days. The press will be capturing the sights and sounds of Florida's Urban Meyer, Miami's Randy Shannon and Florida State's Bobby Bowden .

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Anticipating a less than full stadium, FSU athletics is attempting to get more fans to the game against Colorado in Jacksonville on September 27.FSU has arranged for buses to shuttle fans from Doak Campbell Stadium to Jacksonville's Municipal Stadium the day of the game and bring them back home immediately following the game.

The package includes round trip motorcoach transportation from Tallahassee to Jacksonville and back. There are two package options: Package A - includes motorcoach transportation only for $35.00 per person. Package B - includes Motorcoach transportation and lower level end zone ticket for $55.00 per person.

FSU-Colorado Gameday Bus Package
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In yet another loss to the team, offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher has confirmed that tight end Jonathan Hannah is no longer on the team. The tight end position seems to be a work in progress with Caz Piurowski being out for the opening three games because of suspensions handed down in December. Charlie Graham could return as he is finishing up his A.A. degree at TCC. The Seminoles also have two newcomers at tight end with former Lincoln High standout Ja’Baris Little and Bo Reliford from Fort Lauderdale Dillard.

Noles Running Out Of Gas

How far down is the FSU football program? Word now comes that season ticket sales for the 2008 season are down 6% from last year. Reasons given are the high fuel costs for alumni to travel to the game.

Not to mention two consecutive 7-6 seasons, an academic fraud case pending, and a head coach and university president that are in deep denial.

It is interesting to note that the Gators are once again sold out for season tickets so apparently fuel costs are not a problem in Gainesville. In addition season tickets sales at the University of Miami and USF are up in 2008.

".... among the more mediocre of the 17 sports teams.... "

" The (football) program's gradual descent this decade has made it among the more mediocre of the 17 sports teams at Florida State. "
Andrew Carter, Sun-Sentinel.com

ACC Meets Next Week...Hokies Big Winner...Heather's Flip Flops

The ACC will be holding its annual Football kickoff with the media next week in Greensboro, Ga. and the FSU players selected to represent FSU before the media are QB Drew Weatherford and DE Everette Brown.

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Interesting article in a North Carolina newspaper talks about the ACC expansion and who gained from it. Apparently the ACC did not gain significantly. However, the school that has gained the most is Virginia Tech. According to the article, Virginia Tech's stadium upgrades and the move to the ACC has meant that the Hokies nearly doubled their annual football revenue in four years, going from $21 million in 2002 to an ACC-high $40 million in 2006. Not even Florida State or Clemson equaled the Hokies' income.
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ESPN's Heather Dinich must be running for office. A few days ago she gave her rankings of the toughest stadiums in the ACC. Now she has changed those rankings after she apparently was innundated with emails. So much for her well thought out rankings. In her latest rankings, she moved Clemson's Memorial Stadium up to number one and FSU's Doak from two to three. Her new rankings:

1. Clemson, Memorial Stadium (81,500)

2. Virginia Tech, Lane Stadium (66,233)

3. Florida State, Doak S. Campbell Stadium (82,300)

4. NC State, Carter-Finley Stadium (57,500)

5. Georgia Tech, Bobby Dodd Stadium (55,000)

6. UNC, Kenan Stadium (60,000)

7. Virginia, Scott Stadium (61,500)

8. Wake Forest, Groves Stadium (31,500)

9. Boston College, Alumni Stadium (44,500)

10. Maryland, Byrd Stadium (51,500)

11. Miami, Dolphin Stadium (75,235)

12. Duke, Wallace Wade Stadium (33,941)

"... he might not get another chance."

" If Clemson doesn't win the ACC this year, as the heavy favorite in a weak league, (Tommy) Bowden might never and he might not get another chance."
J.P. Giglio, The News & Observer

Breaking Down The Numbers: Penalty Yards

National rankings based on 119 teams and the ACC rankings on 12 teams:

Stat: Penalties - FSU was last in the ACC in 2007 with the most penalty yards. The Noles accumulated 870 penalty yards and averaged 66.9 yards per game.

ACC Ranking: 2007- #12 2006- #10

National Ranking: 2007- #109 2006- #83

Penalties do matter although Bobby Bowden in the past has seemingly not been that concerned in regard to them. The Noles last year accumulated a ton of penalties that stymied drives on a consistient basis.Coaching changes were part of the problem but the Noles even in 2004 ranked dead last in the ACC in total penalty yards. Coaching and lack of discipline causes penalties and the Noles have been a constant in this one area.

In both the ACC and nationally, the Noles did not improve in this critical area from 2006 to 2007 as they dropped to dead last in the ACC and dropped 26 spots nationally to almost the bottom. Not good. With a relatively young and inexperienced offensive line, the Noles may be facing another year of lost momentum and drives stalled because of penalties.

Va Tech's Lane Stadium Toughest Stadium In ACC Says Who?

As we all eagerly await the start of the 2008 season, we can all give our opinions regarding such things as the toughest stadiums in the ACC.

ESPN's Heather Dinich has given her opinion with the following rankings. Wonder what you think.

1. Virginia Tech, Lane Stadium (66,233)

2. Florida State, Doak S. Campbell Stadium (82,300)

3. Clemson, Memorial Stadium (81,500)

4. UNC, Kenan Stadium (60,000)

5. Georgia Tech, Bobby Dodd Stadium

6. Virginia, Scott Stadium (51,500)

7. Maryland, Byrd Stadium (51,500)

8. Boston College, Alumni Stadium (44,500)

9. Wake Forest, Groves Stadium (31,500)

10. Miami, Dolphin Stadium (75,235)

11. NC State, Carter-Finley Stadium (57,500)

12. Duke, Wallace Wade Stadium (33,941)

Buyers Remorse ?...Sign Them Early... Cupcakes Galore

Is Michigan having buyers remorse with Rich Rodriquez? Probably not but they should be. Here's a guy that doesn't believe in honoring a contract and now Michigan has helped settle the West Virginia lawsuit against Rodriquez by agreeing to pay West Virginia $2.5 million by July 31. For his part Rodriquez will pay $1.5 million in three installments of $500,000 beginning in 2010. And kudos to West Virginia for legally enforcing the contract that was signed by Rodriquez.

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The American Football Coaches Association is leaning toward proposing an early signing date for the third week of December beginning in 2009. The trend seems to be that players are committing to schools earlier each year. The AFCA has surveyed coaches and conferences about allowing players to sign a National Letter of Intent before the current February signing day.
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And for the last buzz item. If you are friends with a Gator fan and I hope you aren't, you well know that you hear from their little pea brains that the Gators and the SEC is so powerful and the Noles and the ACC are so weak. Well, who do you think loads their schedules with cupcake I-AA opponents the most? Correct- the all "powerful" SEC. A study conducted between 1998 and 2007 shows that the SEC ranks third in conferences in scheduling these cupcakes behind the Mid-American and Big 12 conferences. The ACC was fifth. Wonder if their pea brains can process that information?

"... I plan on getting, like 1,200 yards ..."

“I’m not trying to be cocky or nothing, but I plan on getting, like 1,200 yards, six to eight touchdowns, and go [to the NFL]. Bottom line.”
Corey Surrency as quoted in article by Andrew Carter,Orlando Sentinel

"The Smurf" Arrives On Campus

More freshmen are joining the summer workouts and perhaps the most notable addition is junior college transfer Corey Surrency. The 6-foot-5, 210 pound wide receiver from Miami played for The El Camino Community College in California for the last two years.. Nicknamed the "Smurf", Surrency is getting used to the heat and workouts. With just two years of eligibility left, Surrency figures to play this year.

"... FSU hasn’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since Warrick Dunn in 1996."

" It’s difficult to believe that FSU hasn’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since Warrick Dunn in 1996. ... (it) seems impossible that this dubious streak is now entering its 12th season. "
Andrew Carter,Orlando Sentinel

It's Official: Bellamy Out And Line Gets Thinner

The Nole's offensive line got thinner as starting guard Evan Bellamy announced Tuesday that he will in fact miss the 2008 season because of a blood clot in his lower left leg.

According to a statement by FSU, doctors told Bellamy that he most likely will be sidelined for six months because of medication he must take for the clot.

1999 FSU Championship Ring Being Sold

Don't look now but apparently someone associated with the 1999 FSU National Championship is ready to sell their ring. The ring is being sold through a memorabilia company on eBay and currently has 7 offers or you can buy it now for a mere $3,600. Bidding ends July 10.

Reports Say Bellamy Out For 2008 Season

It is being reported by The Orlando Sentinel that FSU starting left guard Evan Bellamy is lost for the 2008 season. Last week,Bellamy who is a redshirt Sophomore had been hospitalized with a blood clot in his left calf.

If he is lost for the season, Bellamy, who played in 10 games a season ago and started the Music City Bowl, leaves the offensive line t-h-i-n. The Nole line consists of freshman and sophomores.

There has been no official confirmation by the FSU athletic department that he is in fact lost for the season.

"... FSU is 10-20 in games decided by seven points or fewer."

" Ever since the Orange Bowl loss to the Sooners, FSU is 10-20 in games decided by seven points or fewer."
Pete Fiutak, Fox Sports

Noles Continue Workouts

The Nole football players are continuing their workouts and more freshmen are joining in them. Click on below for photos from the last workout before the 4th holiday.

Summer Workout Photos

Happy Fourth Of July From FSU It's Time !

Will Hopkins Be The Next Great Kicker ?

FSU has had some near greats and some even greater kickers. Names like Beitia, Gerry Thomas, Dan Mowrey and Matt Munyon suffered some heartaches. Then there was super Janikowski.

There are some that are saying that Dustin Hopkins who recently verbally committed to the Noles may be the next great kicker. Here are some highlights of his kicking prowess that was posted on YouTube:

"... the football team that is now the embarrassment.... "

" The man most responsible for the all-sports explosion is out of a job, in part, because of a one-sport (football) implosion. How's this for irony? It's the football team that is now the embarrassment of FSU's athletic program. "
Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel sports columnist, discussing impact of former FSU AD Dave Hart