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N.C. State 60, Auburn 58

ldecock — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:10:31 -0500

A dismal shooting night for Tracy Smith? Maybe. He was 2-for-16 from the floor before he hit the two biggest shots of the night.

With Smith hitting the winning basket with 1.3 seconds to go, N.C. State remained undefeated at 4-0 with a 60-58 win over Auburn.

"I was just praying I made it," Smith said. "I saw the rebound come off, and I went and got it, and I shot the shot and it went in."

Smith also converted a three-point play with 50 seconds to go to put N.C. State in the lead for the first time since Auburn took a 51-49 lead with 4:01 to go. Javi Gonzalez made only one of two free throws shortly after, leaving the door open for Auburn's Brendon Knox to tie the score at 58 with 12.4 seconds left.

After Julius Mays missed a 3-pointer from the corner, Smith grabbed the rebound in the lane and scored off the glass for the win, finishing with 11 points on the night.

"I thought it was a great effort on our guys' part, really hanging in there mentally and fighting and battling down to that last basket by Tracy, just determined to get that loose ball," N.C. State coach Sidney Lowe said.

Smith's 15 rebounds were a career high, seven of them offensive rebounds on his own misses.

"I can't remember a night like that," Smith said.

The Wolfpack led Auburn 26-25 at the half, led by nine points from Horner, who was on the floor for only 10 minutes because of foul trouble. A Scott Wood putback late in the half put State back in the lead after a 14-4 Auburn run got the Tigers back into the game.

In the second half, N.C. State was up 39-28 when Auburn ripped off a 21-4 run. State was 1-for-17 from the field during that stretch while Auburn hit four 3-pointers in a row.

Down six, Gonzalez and Mays hit back-to-back 3-pointers to tie the score at 49 with four minutes to go, the entire State bench standing and chanting ‘defense’ in a spontaneous show of team spirit.

With the score tied 51-51, Smith missed the front end of a bonus and Auburn's Frankie Sullivan responded with a 3-pointer at the other end, only to be answered by Dennis Horner, who led the Pack with 16 points.

With the win over Auburn, N.C. State captured the Glenn Wilkes Classic title as the only one of the 10 teams with a 4-0 record. A loss would have put N.C. State, Auburn, IUPUI and Central Florida in a four-way tie for the championship at 3-1. Rhode Island won in 2007 and Utah in 2008.

Smith was named the tournament’s outstanding player and Horner was named to the all-tournament team.

N.C. State 66, Austin Peay 59

ldecock — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:24:45 -0500

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- If N.C State can ever put a second half together like its first halves down here in Florida…

“We’re going to be a force to be reckoned with,” N.C. State guard Julius Mays said.

Once again, N.C. State produced a suffocating first-half defensive performance. Once again, the Wolfpack found itself clinging to a lead late. Saturday, Austin Peay got within four points with a minute to go before the Wolfpack hung on for a 66-59 win.

N.C. State is the only undefeated team left in the Glenn Wilkes Classic, which means a win over Auburn on Sunday would secure the outright tournament championship for the Wolfpack. (A loss would still give N.C. State a share of the title.)

Tracy Smith led N.C. State with 16 points, Dennis Horner added 10 of his 15 in the second half and Javi Gonzalez had eight assists for the Wolfpack (3-0).

Friday against Akron, N.C. State held the Zips to 9-for-28 shooting in the first half to take a 22-point halftime lead. Saturday, the Wolfpack held the Governors to 7-for-20 shooting for a 16-point lead

“Our first half defense, if we can keep that up, we’ll be playing pretty well,” said N.C. State forward Scott Wood, who had 10 points.

But just as Akron outplayed N.C. State in the second half, Austin Peay had the edge in the second half Saturday.

Back-to-back baskets by the Governors’ Anthony Campbell cut N.C. State’s lead to 61-57 with 1:05 to play, but Tracy Smith was fouled converting a putback and finished off the three-point play to bump State’s lead back to seven points, and that was all the Wolfpack would need.

For a team that had only seven scholarship players return from last season, it’s the kind of learning experience that only experience can provide.

“It’s unfortunate but it’s something you run into with a young team,” N.C. State coach Sidney Lowe said. “As I told the guys in the locker room after the game, there’s an art to knowing how to play with a lead. It doesn’t happen overnight. You have to learn how to play with a lead and this team has to do that. We’re certainly getting our opportunities to do that."

Duke 104, Radford 67

jpg — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:13:20 -0500

DURHAM -- It wasn't the zone part of the equation that eluded Radford, but the defense.

Duke shredded the Highlanders' ill-advised zone with 18 3-pointers in a 104-67 romp in Saturday's untelevised game at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Freshman Andre Dawkins (20 points) hit his first five 3s, and six of seven, and Nolan Smith added 20 points for the hot-shooting Devils, who made 18-of-32 from beyond the arc.

Radford switched to a man in the second half but it was equally ineffective. A pair of alley-oops, the second to freshman Ryan Kelly at the 14:29 mark for a 68-43 lead Duke coasted comfortably to its fourth straight win to start the season.

The fifth 3 from Dawkins put Duke up 80-46 and is Duke's 16th made 3 of the game.

The Highlanders, the Big South champions a year ago, started strong enough, leading 13-10 at the 15-minute mark, with big man Art Parakhouski (game-high 23 points) having his way inside, but coach Brad Greenberg's team forgot to play any semblance of defense in the final 15 minutes of the half.

Duke went on a 16-2 run, spurred by a pair of 3-pointers by Smith and Jon Scheyer (11 points), to take control of the game.

This is the only game on Duke's schedule that will not be televised.

Hokies hammer mistake-prone Pack

kentysiac — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:28:34 -0500

BLACKSBURG, Va. - Four N.C. State turnovers - including two lost fumbles on the Wolfpack's first three plays on offense - helped Virginia Tech win 38-10 on Saturday at Lane Stadium.

Linebacker Cody Grimm forced three fumbles to tie an NCAA single-game record for the Hokies, and redshirt freshman Ryan Williams ran for four touchdowns to hand N.C. State (4-7, 1-6 ACC) its sixth loss in the last seven games.

No. 16 Virginia Tech (8-3, 5-2) took a 10-0 lead after recovering early fumbles by Russell Wilson and Darrell Davis. N.C. State bounced back and trailed just 17-10 after Josh Czajkowski's 45-yard field goal with 1:52 remaining in the second quarter.

But the Hokies converted a third-and-18 and a third-and-11 on their final drive of the first half. Virginia Tech took advantage of two pass interference penalties on Brandan Bishop in the end zone to score on a 1-yard run by Williams with 37 seconds left in the half.

After leading 24-10 at halftime, the Hokies scored on the opening drive of the third quarter on a 19-yard run by Williams as he dragged safety Earl Wolff for the last 10 yards into the end zone.

With Virginia Tech ahead 31-10, the outcome essentially was decided even though there still was almost an entire half left to play.

Earlier. . .

It's getting ugly in Blacksburg.

Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor and wide receiver Jarrett Boykin twice exploited freshman cornerback Jarvis Byrd on a 97-yard touchdown drive. Taylor hit Boykin for a 35-yard gain on third-and-4, then passed 38 yards to Boykin for a touchdown.

The Hokies lead 38-10 with 1:42 remaining in the third quarter.

Earlier. . .

A holding penalty and a J.R. Sweezy sack took Virginia Tech out of field goal range as N.C. State's defense made a stand after Jarvis Williams' fumble.

The Hokies, leading 31-10, punted with 8:59 remaining in the third quarter.

In other news, N.C. State reserve cornerback DeAndre Morgan is out for the rest of the game with a concussion suffered on a tackle of Ryan Williams.

Earlier. . .

Jarvis Williams became the third N.C. State player to lose a fumble in Wolfpack territory.

On the Wolfpack's first possession of the third quarter, Stephan Virgil stripped Williams, and Virginia Tech recovered at the N.C. State 31.

Virginia Tech leads 31-10.

Earlier. . .

Ryan Williams' fourth and most spectacular touchdown run of the game has increased Virginia Tech's lead over N.C. State to 31-10.

Williams dragged safety Earl Wolff 10 yards into the end zone at the end of a 19-yard run with 12:25 remaining in the third quarter.

Earlier. . .

Thanks to a pair of big third-down conversions, Virginia Tech has increased its lead over N.C. State to 24-10 with 37 seconds remaining at halftime.

On a third-and-18, Jarrett Boykin got behind Jarvis Byrd for a 42-yard reception. On third-and-11, Brandan Bishop was called for pass interference in the end zone. After another Bishop pass interference penalty, Ryan Williams scored on a 1-yard run.

Earlier. . .

N.C. State is keeping it close.

After recovering a Ryan Williams fumble, the Wolfpack got into scoring position with a 48-yard pass from Russell Wilson to Owen Spencer. Despite an intentional grounding penalty against Wilson, the Wolfpack got a 45-yard field goal from Josh Czajkowski.

Virginia Tech still leads, 17-10, with 5:31 remaining in the second quarter.

Earlier. . .

N.C. State's defense has made a big play of its own.

C.J. Wilson hit Ryan Williams to cause a fumble, and Audi Augustin recovered at the N.C. State 34-yard line with 7:23 remaining in the second quarter. The Wolfpack still trails, 17-7.

Earlier. . .

An amazing play by Tyrod Taylor has helped Virginia Tech add to its lead.

On second-and-15 from the N.C. State 19, Taylor was just about sacked when he fired a pass to Jarrett Boykin just before hitting the ground. The 17-yard gain set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Ryan Williams.

The Hokies lead 17-7 with 14:42 remaining in the second quarter.

Earlier. . .

Virginia Tech LB Cody Grimm has tied an NCAA record with three caused fumbles in the game.

Grimm did it in the first four plays, causing fumbles by Russell Wilson and Darrell Davis, which the Hokies recovered, and Toney Baker, which was recovered by N.C. State's Owen Spencer.

Tech leads 10-7, final minute, 1st quarter.

Earlier. . .

After opening the game with a pair of fumbles, the N.C. State offense finally has gotten on the board.

A 33-yard pass from Russell Wilson to Jay Smith put the Wolfpack in position to score. Then Wilson pump faked to freeze a Virginia Tech safety and passed to a wide-open Owen Spencer for 20 yards and a touchdown.

The Wolfpack trails 10-7 with 2:20 remaining in the first quarter.

Earlier. . .

Two early fumbles have put N.C. State in a double-digit hole in a difficult environment.

Russell Wilson and Darrell Davis both fumbled in the Wolfpack's first three plays from scrimmage on offense. The Wolfpack defense held Virginia Tech to a field goal after the first fumble, but Ryan Williams converted the second fumble with a 4-yard touchdown run.

Virginia Tech leads 10-0 with 7:55 remaining in the first quarter.

Earlier. . .

Make that two fumbles in three offensive plays for N.C. State.

This time, Cody Grimm caused a fumble by wide receiver Darrell Davis that was recovered by Stephan Virgil at the N.C. State 25-yard line.

Earlier. . .

N.C. State's defense stiffened and benefited when a Virginia Tech receiver slipped in the end zone after the Russell Wilson fumble.

Matt Waldron's 26-yard field goal put Virginia Tech ahead 3-0 with 11:50 remaining in the first quarter.

Earlier...

It didn't take long for N.C. State to make its first big mistake at Virginia Tech.

On the first play from scrimmage, linebacker Cody Grimm beat Toney Baker on a blitz, causing and recovering a fumble by Russell Wilson after a sack.

Hahn misses broadcast after surgery

kentysiac — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:05:05 -0500

BLACKSBURG, Va. - N.C. State play-by-play broadcaster Gary Hahn isn't working today's game at Virginia Tech because he is recovering from prostate cancer surgery.

Wolfpack Sports Marketing general manager Brian Asbill said the cancer was discovered in an early stage.

"His prospects for complete and total recovery are excellent," Asbill said.

Hahn, who is in his 20th season as the voice of the Wolfpack, was replaced on play-by-play by Tony Haynes, who usually serves as sideline reporter. Mark Thomas replaced Haynes on the sideline, and Johnny Evans remained in his usual position as color analyst.

Bible doesn't make trip with N.C. State

kentysiac — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:12:11 -0500

BLACKSBURG, Va. - N.C. State offensive coordinator Dana Bible did not make the trip to Virginia Tech for today's 3:30 p.m. game, school sports information director Annabelle Myers said this afternoon.

Bible is undergoing medical tests of an undisclosed nature, Myers said. Running backs coach Jason Swepson will move from his usual position on the field up to the coaches' box and call plays for the Wolfpack.

Bible, 56, also coaches quarterbacks and wide receivers for the Wolfpack. He has been a member of Tom O'Brien's staff since 1999 at Boston College, and previously served as quarterbacks and wide receivers coach at N.C. State from 1983-85 under head coach Tom Reed.

With Bible at the helm, the N.C. State offense ranks third in the ACC in scoring (32.6 points per game) and third in total offense (413.2 yards per game).

Swepson does have experience as an offensive coordinator, in one season at College of the Holy Cross. He will signal plays down to head coach Tom O'Brien, who will see that they get relayed to the players on the field.

Tudor: UNC will learn from loss

jpg — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:00:07 -0500

While Friday’s 87-71 loss to Syracuse was both staggering and humiliating for North Carolina’s basketball team, the experience should provide the Tar Heels with a valuable measuring stick.

For an inexperienced, still-uncomfortable team, which Carolina is, Syracuse amounted to the perfect early-season storm.

The most important factor was the flex zone Orange coach Jim Boeheim plays and has perfected over the years. Why lots of other programs haven’t duplicated his defensive strategy is proof positive that coaches can be stubborn to the extent of stupidity.

Even veteran point guards usually struggle against quality zones, in part because they so rarely face one.

For UNC’s Larry Drew II, who rarely played last season, the Orange zone completely confused and confounded his rhythm, which spilled over to the team’s floor flow.
Drew and Carolina’s trouble went beyond the mere turnover total of 19.

It was that the Tar Heels, even with 19 offensive rebounds, simply could not get comfortable with the ball. That was the case throughout, even though Carolina led by a bucket at halftime.

Any time UNC is held to 38 percent shooting, the opposing defensive strategy was the primary game key.

Eventually, Roy Williams believes Drew, wingman Will Graves and subs Dexter Strickland, Leslie McDonald, John Henson and Justin Watts will gain more confidence against zones and more experienced teams.

Drew almost certainly will improve as the season progresses. He’ll never be a Raymond Felton or Ty Lawson, but Carolina shouldn’t need an all-world playmaker to be a top-5 team at season’s end.

Of more importance later in the season will be perimeter shooting. Graves, Drew and Strickland certainly can’t go 2-for-16.

But it’s too soon for Carolina fans to panic. There have been big early-season losses in the past that didn’t equate to long-range doom.

The 1996-97 team opened it season with an 11-point loss to Arizona, reached the Final Four — and lost to the Wildcats again.

Ten seasons later, Williams’ fourth team lost early to Gonzaga, in the same building as Friday's loss, but went on to win 31 games.

Miami 34, Duke 16

egrobinson — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:49:48 -0500

MIAMI - With a 34-16 victory over Duke at Land Shark Stadium on Saturday, the Miami Hurricanes ended any hope of the Blue Devils making a bowl game this season.

The Devils (5-6, 3-4 ACC) needed a win to have any hope to become bowl eligible for the first time since 1994.

With a roster impacted by injuries, the Devils continued to struggle offensively, particularly in the red zone, though they showed spurts of recapturing the passing attack that was at one point this season leading the ACC.

The Devils entered the fourth quarter with a 16-13 lead but couldn't hold on to it as the Hurricanes reeled off 21 points in the fourth quarter.

In the end, the Hurricanes proved too much, and like in years past closed any early-game opportunities given to the Devils late in the game. The Hurricanes have now won six consecutive contest against the Devils.

The return home for Duke senior quarterback Thaddeus Lewis came to a disappointing end, but not before he claimed another milestone in his career.

In the fourth quarter, Lewis completed a pass off his back foot to Austin Kelly to become Duke's all-time passing leader, surpassing Ben Bennett who held the record with 9,614 passing yards.

FOURTH QUARTER

The Hurricanes, struggling offensively for much this game, decided to put the ball on the ground late in the third quarter and it paid off early in the fourth quarter.

Junior running back Damien Berry lowered his shoulders and bowled over the Devils as he helped the Hurricanes march down field. He capped the 15-play, 90-yard drive with a two-yard run. The Hurricanes took a 19-16 lead.

Trying to pull back into this game, the Devils put together a long drive into the Hurricanes' red zone, with senior quarterback Thaddeus Lewis mixing in passes to Austin Kelly and Donovan Varner.

On second-and-six from the 6, Lewis was called with intentional grounding as he threw a pass to Jay Hollingsworth, costing the Devils a down and moving the ball to the 13-yardline. It was a questionable call that prompted Duke coach David Cutcliffe to complain to officials.

Lewis would attempt another pass that fell short, which brought out junior walk-on kicker Will Snyderwine for his fourth field goal attempt of the game. He missed wide right from the left hash.

That possession proved a set-back for the Devils and allowed the Hurricanes sure footing to run away with this contest.

The Hurricanes would strike with a five-play, 80-yard drive. Sophomore quarterback Jacory Harris hit junior Leonard Hankerson on a 44-yard bomb that the receiver carried into the end zone. On the play, he had beat Duke's Chris Rwabukamba deep and adjusted to a short thrown pass.

The Hurricanes would go ahead 27-16 and take full control of the game.

THIRD QUARTER

The Hurricanes pulled to within three points with six minutes remaining in the third quarter.

A 12-play, 54-yard drive ended with a made field goal by kicker Matt Bosher. The Hurricanes moved the chains but were ineffective in the redzone.

Both teams relied on the place kickers in this one.

Duke junior kicker Will Snyderwine made his third field goal to cap a 10-play, 60-yard, 3:55 drive with 11 minutes remaining in the third quarter.

The Devils moved the ball with the short screen passes and crossing routes that have become a staple of the offense this season. On one of those crossing routes, sophomore receiver Donovan Varner zoomed across the field and pulled in a 20-yard pass from senior quarterback Thaddeus Lewis.

It was Varner's fourth pass for 20 or more yards.

SECOND QUARTER

Duke entered the game looking to kick-start a sluggish offense that found its stride midway through the season. It took a quarter to get going, but the Blue Devils rejuvenated a stagnant passing game with senior quarterback Thaddeus Lewis finding his go-to target Donovan Varner.

The pair connected late in the second quarter on a 24-yard touchdown pass to help the Devils take the lead in a first half that featured few offensive outburst. Varner ended the first half with six catches for 126 yards, his fourth game this season with 100 or more yards.

A converted extra point by junior kicker Will Snyderwine gave the Devils a 13-10 lead.

Earlier in the half, Miami pulled its defunct offense into gear.

Finally finding his passing touch, Miami sophomore quarterback Jacory Harris hit wide receiver Leonard Hankerson streaking down the left sideline on a 52-yard play late in the second quarter. That play set a up a touchdown pass to Lamar Miller three plays later and helped put the Hurricanes ahead 10-6

To open the second quarter, freshman Desmond Scott returned a kickoff 47 yards to give the Devils prime field position. They were unable to find the end zone, but put up some points on the drive.

Duke kicker Will Snyderwine, who has now made 14 of his last 15 attempts, made a 49-yard field goal early in the second quarter to give the Devils a 6-3 lead at 14:50.

Snyderwine, the junior walk-on, started the year missing his first attempt, but has been Mr. Reliable since.

FIRST QUARTER

An interception by senior linebacker Vincent Rey - his second of the season - set up a 68-yard scoring drive by the Blue Devils in the first quarter. Snyderwine made a 30-yard field goal to give his team a 3-0 lead.

With both teams struggle to come alive offensively, defense and special marked most of the first quarter action.

The Hurricanes would score late in the quarter with a scoring drive capped by a 33-yard field goal by Matt Bosher.

That drive was set by a Duke special teams error. Senior Leon Wright, signaling for a fair catch on a punt return, struggled to catch a high, wobbly kick. He failed to catch the ball, touched it and could not secure it on the ground. Miami recovered the fumble and were handed a short field.

UNC 31, Boston College 13

rpickeral — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:16:15 -0500

@ Chestnut Hill, Mass.

UNC's Melvin Williams records the Heels' fifth interception of the game, and a Casey Barth field with 1:35 left makes the final score 31-13 Carolina.

earlier...

UNC's Deunta Williams just picked off his third interception, returned it to the half-yard line, and Ryan Houston returned to the game to scored the touchdown. UNC lead 28-13 with 4:39 left.

earlier...

Tailback Ryan Houston has been sidelined since mid-way through the third quarter, and Carolina could use him right about now, to help run down the clock. Fullback Anthony Elzy and wide receiver Johnny White have been running the ball without him.

earlier...

Just when you thought the Tar Heels' offense might score, T.J. Yates threw his third interception, into the hands of BC’s Roderick Rollins in the end zone, with 4:45 remaining in the third quarter. UNC, which is still clinging to a 21-13 lead, now has four turnovers today.

earlier...

Helped by two pass interference calls on UNC's Charles Brown, Boston College has cut UNC's lead to 21-13 with 1:13 left in the first half. BC quarterback Dave Shinskie found Rich Gunnell -- who also caught passes of 27 and 16 yards on the drive -- for a 2-yard touchdown.

earlier...

With about 3:30 left in the second quarter, UNC opted to go for it on a 4th-and-12, rather than let Casey Barth try a 45-yard field goal. Bad idea. T.J. Yates threw his second interception, picked off by BC’s Marcellus Bowman – and wasted UNC safety Deunta Williams’ pick (BC’s third turnover of the game).

UNC still leads 21-6.

earlier...

Carolina’s offense has now turned the ball over twice, but its defense has held Boston College to two field goals. On the first play of the second quarter, UNC QB T.J. Yates rolled right, tried to throw on the run across his body, and Eagles defensive end Austin Giles tipped it into the air and grabbed the first interception of his career. BC converted a 20-yard field goal to cut UNC’s lead to 21-6.

earlier...

BC is on the board. It just turned an Eric Highsmith fumble into a 28-yard field goal to cut UNC’s first-quarter lead to 21-3.

earlier...

Cornerback Kendric Burney has done it again. After picking off three passes last week, he’s done it again. On a 2nd-and-7 at the 23, he stepped in front of BC receiver Colin Larmond Jr. and returned it 29 yards for a touchdown. Carolina leads 21-0.

It’s Burney’s fifth pick of the year, the UNC’s seventh non-offensive touchdown of the season.

earlier...

Defensive lineman E.J. Wilson was in the game as a blocking tight end for UNC’s first touchdown, and he had a hand in the second, as well. Wilson forced BC QB Dave Shinskie to fumble, and teammate Cam Thomas rumbled in from 20 yards out to give the Tar Heels a 14-0 lead with about 6 minutes left in the first quarter.

It marked Thomas’ first career touchdown, and the UNC's sixth non-offensive score of the season.

earlier....

After qualifying for a bowl last weekend, North Carolina’s players said there was more work to do. And so far, they’re doing it. The Tar Heels marched 70 yards on their first offensive drive to score on a 1-yard Ryan Houston touchdown. They lead 7-0 with 7:33 left in the first quarter.

Ginyard "big-boyed,'' makes all-tourney team

rpickeral — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:57:13 -0500

NEW YORK -- A couple of quick notes after UNC's 87-71 loss to Syracuse in the championship game of the 2K Sports Classic:

* With about 16 minutes left, UNC senior Marcus Ginyard drove to the basket, collided with forward Arinze Onuaku, fell to the floor, and was slow to get up. He returned to the game, and had an ice pack on his side afterwards.

“Two-sixty met 210,’’ Ginyard explained. “I just got big-boyed.”

* Ginyard made the all-tournament team, along with Syracuse’s Andy Rautins, Ohio State’s Evan Turner and California’s Jerome Radle. Syracuse’s Wesley Johnson was named the tournament MVP.

Syracuse 87, UNC 71

rpickeral — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:28:19 -0500

NEW YORK -- After beating Ohio State on Thursday night, North Carolina coach Roy Williams said he believed his Tar Heels could be a very good basketball team -- he just wanted to come sooner than it was.

Judging by the sixth-ranked UNC's 87-71 loss to Syracuse in the championship game of the 2K Sports Classic on Friday, it's going to take a while longer.

The sixth-ranked Tar Heels (4-1) tried to fight back 20-point second half deficit at Madison Square Garden, but lacked the firepower and poise to take it all the way.

It marked UNC's first loss of the season, and it will have to adjust fast: three of its next six opponents are ranked in the Associated Press top 25.

Carolina led 39-37 at halftime. But Syracuse opened the second half with a 22-1 run that gave it a 59-40 lead. UNC sophomore Tyler Zeller buried his team's first field goal of the half - on a short jumper - with 12:02 left before Syracuse' Kris Joseph gave his team it's biggest lead of the game, 62-42, on a 3-pointer.

UNC didn't fold. It countered with a 18-6 run - including six points by senior Marcus Ginyard, four from freshman Travis Wear, and a 3-pointer by David Wear -- to cut the Orange's advantage to a manageable 68-60 with about seven minutes left.

But Syracuse immediately came back with a 13-2 run of it's own. The chants of "Over-rated!" began with about three minutes left.

And it was hard to blame the crowd.

Ed Davis and Ginyard led the Tar Heels with 15 points apiece, but the Tar Heels shot 38.1 percent while allowing five Syracuse players to finish in double figures.

The match-up marked the first time UNC had played the Orange since Nov., 1987 - and the first time UNC coach Roy Williams had matched up with Syracuse coach (and friend) Jim Boeheim since the Orange beat Williams' Kansas team in the national title game in 2003.

Syracuse, unranked in the Associated Press poll but looking like it deserves to be, opened the game with an 11-2 run, but the Tar Heels used two 3-pointers from junior Will Graves and seven points from Davis to counter with a 13-1 run to take a 15-12 lead.

But Wes Johnson, a transfer from Iowa State and the Orange's leading scorer, scored 10 points in a row for his team to give it back a 22-20 lead.

The Tar Heels trailed, again, by as much as 31-22 when Scoop Jardine buried a jumper. But Carolina ended the half with a 17-6 run - culminating with an alley-oop layup from Larry Drew II to Davis.

Heels to play in Puerto Rico next season

rpickeral — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:27:40 -0500

North Carolina will be packing its bags the week before Thanksgiving next season, too. The Tar Heels will be one of eight teams participating in the Puerto Rico Tip-Off; they will play Nov. 18, 19 and 21. They will be joined by Davidson, Hofstra, Minnesota, Nebraska,, Vanderbilt, West Virginia, and Western Kentucky. Tickets will go on sale next summer.

N.C. State 66, Akron 45

ldecock — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:32:36 -0500

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. -- Say what you want about N.C. State's prospects for the long haul, but the Wolfpack hasn't missed a beat yet.

In what may have been one of the best halves by an N.C. State team in recent memory, the Wolfpack hit 10 of its first 14 shots on its way to a 22-point halftime lead and 66-45 win over Akron, the defending MAC champions and an NCAA Tournament team last year.

Tracy Smith and Dennis Horner each had 16 points for the Wolfpack and Javi Gonzalez added 11 despite spending a good chunk of the second half on the bench in foul trouble.

Where does that first half rank?

“It’s up there, definitely” said Horner, a senior. “Our defensive presence shut them down. Before the game, coach Lowe wanted us to hold them to 37 percent shooting from the field and we actually held them to 32 (percent). That was the key for us.”

Meanwhile, State was hitting everything in sight -- 17-for-25 for the half while holding Akron to 9-for-28.

The second half? Not so much. State was 5-for-9 from the field, turned the ball over 18 times and gave Akron a couple chances to get back into the game. But a few key plays -- a 3-pointer from freshman Scott Wood, four straight made free throws after a technical foul on Akron -- ensured N.C. State ran its record to 2-0.

“I was pleased with our composure when they made the run, and we made some key shots -- Scott Wood’s 3-pointer,” N.C. State coach Sidney Lowe said. “I wasn’t happy with the 25 (total) turnovers, but I think 12 of those were on blocking fouls setting screens. We’ve got to get our feet set.”

Smith had 11 rebounds, giving him his second double-double of the season -- as many as he had in his first two years at N.C. State.

The Wolfpack faces Austin Peay tomorrow night in the second of three games in three days at the Glenn Wilkes Classic in Daytona Beach, Fla.

UNC 77, Ohio St. 73

rpickeral — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:28:05 -0500

NEW YORK -- North Carolina coach Roy Williams said his team didn't get very good leadership during its lackadaisical victory over Valparaiso last Sunday. Obviously, that stuck in senior Marcus Ginyard's craw - and he stuck it to No. 15 Ohio State.

Led by Ginyard's defense, determination and timely buckets, the sixth-ranked Tar Heels (4-0) survived a late-game surge by the Buckeyes, 77-73 Thursday night at Madison Square Garden in their first real test of the season.

They will play Syracuse, which topped No. 13 California in the earlier game, Saturday night at approximately 7:15 p.m. in the championship game of the 2K Sports Classic.

Ginyard, particularly peeved by his performance against Valpo, was particularly intense from the outset. Matched up with OSU wing-turned-point-guard Evan Turner, he forced the junior to travel on the Buckeyes first possession, dove into the Tar Heels' bench to try to get to a loose ball on another, then drew a second foul from him with 11:30 left in the first half by drawing an offensive charge.

By halftime, Turner - who entered the game averaging 19 points, 17 rebounds and 7 assists - had only six points and two rebounds. The Buckeyes (1-2) were shooting 29 percent (and 50 percent from the free throw line).

Meanwhile, Ginyard, who was not being guarded by Turner, had two 3-pointers - the first with 14:05 left in the first half, which gave his team its first double-digit lead (15-5), and the second with 2 seconds left in the first half, giving the Tar Heels a 38-24 lead at the break.

And the Tar Heels, who questioned their own intensity just four days before, fed off his energy.

There was Will Graves (14 points), mixing drives with his jump shots.

There was Tyler Zeller, giving that extra effort not just to score, but to get fouled, too.

There was point guard Larry Drew II, burying a 3-pointer with 6:10 left in the game, when Ohio State cut what was once a 19-point lead to 58-47.

Forward Deon Thompson - the other player Williams called out Sunday as needing to "step up and do what leaders do -- to get kids to concentrate, to get them to play very hard, too get them to focus and focus on the important things, not on the unimportant things" - did his part, too. Eleven of his 15 points came in the second half, including a key block and two free throws after Drew made that 3-pointer.

OSU cut its lead to 68-60 with less than two minutes left when guard David Lighty made a layup. But Ginyard -- who else? -- buried a 3-pointer. After the Buckeyes countered another 3-pointer, Ginyard made a steal that kept the Tar Heels ahead. OSU cut it to as little as 75-73, but Drew II buried two free throws in the final seconds to seal it.

Ginyard finished with 13 points -- and the unquestioned role of team leader.

Pack's Howard out for season

kentysiac — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:52:59 -0500

N.C. State reserve wide receiver Steven Howard is out for the final two games of the season with a knee injury according to the injury report the school released Thursday evening.

Howard made 13 catches for 186 yards this season as a sophomore.

NCAA grants Baker extra season

kentysiac — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:42:54 -0500

The NCAA has granted N.C. State senior running back Toney Baker's request for an extra season of eligibility, coach Tom O'Brien announced Thursday after practice.

Baker missed all but one game over two seasons because of a knee injury before returning this season for the Wolfpack. Getting the extra year doesn't guarantee that Baker will return, though, because there is a chance he will enter the NFL draft after this season.

"After the season I will talk to my family and Coach O'Brien and all these guys, and we'll figure out what's best for me," Baker said after practice Wednesday, before the sixth year was granted.

Baker returned to the starting lineup at the start of this season and leads the team with 664 rushing yards. He also has caught 21 passes for 306 yards.

O'Brien has said another healthy year at N.C. State might help erase any doubts pro scouts have about Baker's knee, but Baker wants to consider all his options after the season before committing to a return.

Seven-foot sophomore commits to Pack

kentysiac — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:54:43 -0500

Joseph Uchebo, a 7-foot, 240-pound center who’s originally from Nigeria, has made an early commitment to N.C. State.

Uchebo is a sophomore at Oak Ridge (N.C.) Military Academy and played last season at Mount Zion Academy in Durham. Oak Ridge coach Stan Kowalewski said Uchebo runs the floor well, has good passing ability and vision, and can score from 18 feet.

“He’s very aggressive going after the basketball coming off the rim,” Kowalewski said, “but he’s not just a back-to-the-basket big man.”

Uchebo has committed so early that it’s difficult for analysts to predict how good he might become. Scout.com national recruiting analyst Dave Telep has seen him play just one time.

Telep was impressed with Uchebo’s intensity and said that it appears he will be a high-level prospect at this point, but felt uncomfortable commenting more on a player he hasn’t seen multiple times.

Kowalewski said Uchebo likes N.C. State because he has family in the Raleigh/Durham area and felt comfortable with Sidney Lowe and the Wolfpack coaches. According to Kowalewski, Uchebo believes that committing early will reduce the pressure of recruiting and help him focus on school work.

“He’s a great kid, a very good player, very skilled,” Kowalewski said. “I think he can play in the ACC right away once he gets there."

Home, sweet home?

jpg — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:37:11 -0500

In case you missed the print edition, today's column looked at home-field advantage in the ACC.

Home, sweet home? Not quite, Tommy Lee, not in this state anyway.

Without repeating myself, I'll just post the numbers here from this season, since expansion and in the 2000s.

OK, I'll repeat one point: every school in the ACC won at least two-thirds of their home games in the 2000s except N.C. State, UNC, Wake and Duke.

2009	W-L	Pct.
Boston College	6-0	1.000
Georgia Tech	5-0	1.000
Clemson	5-1	.833
Virginia Tech	4-1	.800
Miami	4-1	.800
UNC	5-2	.714
Wake Forest	4-3	.571
N.C. State	4-3	.571
FSU	2-3	.400
Duke	2-3	.400
Maryland	1-5	.167
Virginia	1-5	.167

2004 to 2009	W-L	Pct.
Virginia Tech	34-5	.872
Boston College	33-5	.868
Clemson	29-10	.744
Georgia Tech	28-10	.737
Miami	26-11	.703
Florida State	24-13	.649
Virginia	24-13	.649
Wake Forest	24-14	.632
UNC	24-15	.615
Maryland	22-15	.595
N.C. State	20-21	.488
Duke	8-27	.229

2000 to 2009	W-L	Pct.
Virginia Tech	56-10	.848
Boston College	51-12	.810
Miami	50-12	.806
Clemson	49-17	.742
Florida State	44-17	.721
Maryland	45-18	.714
Georgia Tech	44-18	.710
Virginia	43-20	.682
N.C. State	40-27	.597
Wake Forest	34-29	.539
UNC	33-30	.524
Duke	12-47	.203

Notes: Miami and VT joined the ACC in 2004 and Boston College joined in 2005.

Duke football injury report

egrobinson — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:33:25 -0500

Duke injury report @ Miami

Probable: WR Austin Kelly (upper body), LB Abraham Kromah (leg),
QB Thaddeus Lewis (leg), LB Vincent Rey (leg), K Will Snyderwine (leg).

Out: RB Re'quan Boyette (leg), DT Vince Oghobaase (leg), WR Johnny Williams (knee).

Baker undecided on future

kentysiac — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:31:01 -0500

N.C. State running back Toney Baker hasn't decided yet what he will do if the NCAA grants him a sixth season of eligibility.

Because Baker missed all but one game for two straight seasons with a serious knee injury, there's a chance that the NCAA will award him an extra season in 2010. N.C. State coach Tom O'Brien has said another healthier year with the Wolfpack would help Baker erase any doubts that NFL scouts might have about his knee.

O'Brien hopes to have a decision from the NCAA within the next couple weeks. Even if he is granted a sixth season, Baker could enter the NFL draft instead.

"I haven't quite decided," Baker said after practice Wednesday. "After the season I will talk to my family and Coach O'Brien and all these guys, and we'll figure out what's best for me."

Baker has bounced back nicely from the injury. He leads the team with 664 rushing yards and needs just 25 more to surpass his career season best, which was set when he was a sophomore in 2006.

With 24 receptions for 306 yards and three scores, he already has career-high numbers as a receiver. He's in an unusual situation now as a senior who might be playing in his last two games over the next two weeks, but isn't quite sure.

"It's almost crazy that I'm a senior already," Baker said. "It's gone by so fast, it seems like."

Baker is preparing for a visit to Virginia Tech on Saturday as perhaps the only player on the current team who was at Lane Stadium the last time N.C. State played there. The Wolfpack won 17-16 that game in 2004 when the Hokies missed a field goal attempt in the closing seconds.

That day, Baker was a high school senior on a recruiting visit - to Virginia Tech.

"It was a great weekend," Baker said. "The fans there were great. It was a fantastic game. I think they had eight or nine sacks that game, something like that, and State came out with a win."

ACC admits officiating error to O'Brien

kentysiac — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:10:14 -0500

N.C. State has announced that football coach Tom O'Brien has been informed by ACC officiating coordinator Doug Rhoads that a key play in last week's loss to Clemson should have been ruled a fumble.

According to a note released to the media by N.C. State, Rhoads said a play in the third quarter was a fumble that would have given the ball to the Wolfpack with Clemson leading 24-14.

Officials initially ruled that Clemson running back C.J. Spiller was down and the play was dead before Clem Johnson stripped the ball away. O'Brien challenged the call, but a replay review upheld it.

N.C. State's note to the media said Rhoads told O'Brien that the call should have been overturned and ruled a fumble.

Duke to face familiar foe

kentysiac — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:50:36 -0500

Duke will face a familiar foe in the NIT Season Tipoff semifinals on Nov. 25 in New York - and it's not just Herb Sendek.

With a 52-49 defeat of Texas Christian on Tuesday that ended long after midnight on the East Coast, Arizona State advanced to the meeting with Duke. Sendek, the former N.C. State coach, credited an ex-Duke player with carrying Arizona State against TCU.

Center Eric Boateng, a former McDonald's All-American who played just one season with the Blue Devils before transferring to Arizona State, posted career highs with 21 points and 12 rebounds.

Arizona State wasn't nearly as dominating in its second-round game as Duke was in a 101-59 thrashing of Charlotte. But Charlotte coach Bobby Lutz said the 49ers might have been more competitive if he'd had some practice time to prepare them to adjust their uptempo pace and play at a slower tempo.

As N.C. State fans know (for better or for worse), Sendek is a master at playing at a slow tempo. And he has time to prepare, plus a big man in Boateng who will be eager to prove himself to his former teammates in New York.

Smith, Duke crush 49ers

kentysiac — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:56:24 -0500

DURHAM – Nolan Smith was brilliant.

Duke was, too.

Charlotte never had a chance as Smith celebrated his season debut with a career-high 24 points in a 101-59 rout at the hands of the ninth-ranked Blue Devils in the second round of the NIT Season Tipoff at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Afterward, Smith talked as though Duke had fired a shot across the bow of a college basketball world that’s stopped short of labeling the Blue Devils contenders for the Final Four.

"We wanted to show the world that we are going to play great defense and we’re a great team,” Smith said, “and we deserve to be mentioned with the best, with the Kansases and all the teams they mention to win the national championship. We’re a great team. We play great defense and we can score.”

Duke (3-0) advanced to the NIT semifinals at New York’s Madison Square Garden. The Blue Devils will play the winner of the Arizona State-Texas Christian that began at 11:30 p.m. Tuesday. The NIT final is on Nov. 27.

Charlotte will learn the opponents and the location of its consolation round bracket this morning. The 49ers have two games remaining in the tournament, on Monday and Tuesday of next week.

Smith, who was returning from a two-game NCAA suspension for playing in unsanctioned summer league games, asserted himself from the opening tip. He missed a short jumper on Duke’s first possession. He committed a turnover on the next possession that led to two Shamari Spears free throws.

As Spears went to the foul line, Smith clapped his hands and shook his head. But he wasn’t the least bit discouraged.

Over the next two and a half minutes, he scored eight points. Soon, the Duke students were serenading him.

"No-lan Smith, welcome back,” they chanted.

The 49ers (2-1), who were picked to finish seventh in the 14-team Atlantic 10, were overwhelmed. They trailed 35-15 after 10 minutes and 57-27 at halftime.

They committed 12 first-half turnovers against a Duke defense that exerted a lot more pressure with Smith added to the lineup. Just about everything that could have gone wrong did go wrong for Charlotte.

After Duke reserve Olek Czyz – who’d never made a 3-pointer in his career – sank one from in front of the Blue Devil bench midway through the second half, 49ers coach Bobby Lutz just shook his head and laughed.

Spears – who played at Duke when he was at Boston College – scored 20 points, but none of his teammates scored more than six.

"Duke was very impressive tonight,” Lutz said. “We’re not happy with the way we played, but they imposed their will on us from the start.”

While the 49ers struggled, Duke (3-0) had several players play their best games ever, statistically speaking. In addition to his career-high points total, Smith tied a personal best with five assists.

Forward Miles Plumlee posted career highs of 15 points and 11 rebounds. Center Brian Zoubek tied a career best with 13 rebounds.

Jon Scheyer didn’t have a career-high statistic, but scored 20 points and five assists and still hasn’t committed a turnover in three games in the backcourt. Kyle Singler, who teams with Scheyer and Smith on a formidable Duke perimeter, scored 17 points.

Smith said Scheyer and Singler both told him how happy they were to have him back.

"I wanted to play well and feed off of them,” Smith said. “They have been playing great basketball and they were looking for me.”

Now it may be time for the rest of the nation to take a closer look at Duke.

Wilson downplays financial factor

kentysiac — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:13:56 -0500

N.C. State quarterback Russell Wilson downplayed the idea Tuesday that family financial concerns will affect his decision on whether he will leave school to pursue a pro baseball career next summer.

Wilson, who's a third-year sophomore in football and will play his third year of baseball in the spring, will be eligible for the major league baseball draft in June. His father suffered a stroke in the summer of 2008, and N.C. State football coach Tom O'Brien said in July that family health issues could cause him to leave N.C. State after just two football seasons.

But Wilson downplayed that concern Tuesday during his weekly news conference with reporters.

"It's not a huge factor for me," he said. "I know the Lord will bless me at the right time whenever it is, whether it's in the spring time, whether it's in the fall of next year or whether it's the spring after that. So I'm not really worried about that. In terms of financial reasons, like I said, I feel like the right situation will happen at the right time."

Wilson reiterated his desire to be a Hall of Fame major league baseball player and quarterback. He hasn't announced a timetable for deciding on his football future at N.C. State, and O'Brien doesn't expect to discuss the issue with Wilson until after the football season ends.

Wilson expects to earn his degree from N.C. State in the spring of 2010.

Duke 74, Coastal Carolina 49

kentysiac — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:55:52 -0500

DURHAM - Now it's time to see what Duke can do with all three of its best players in the lineup.

Forward Kyle Singler and guard Jon Scheyer have steadied the ninth-ranked Blue Devils in their first two games while guard Nolan Smith served a two-game NCAA suspension for playing in unsanctioned summer league games.

In the opening round of the NIT Season Tipoff on Monday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium, Singler scored 23 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as Duke defeated Coastal Carolina 74-49.

Scheyer was held to two points and attempted just one field goal in the first half, but finished with 10 points and five assists. In Duke's two lopsided wins to open the season, Singler has totaled 43 points and 16 rebounds. Scheyer has 28 points, nine assists and no turnovers over the two games at point guard.

And now Smith is returning to give the Blue Devils another ball handling option in the backcourt and a threat to push the ball on the fast break. At 6 p.m. today in a game televised by ESPN, Duke will play the winner of Monday's late game between Charlotte and Elon in the second round of the NIT.

Tonight's winner will advance to New York for the NIT semifinals on Nov. 25.

Monday night's opponent, Coastal Carolina, came into the game with momentum after defeating Southern Conference South Division favorite College of Charleston 70-59 on Friday night at Myrtle Beach, S.C.

The Chanticleers (1-1) got Duke's tournament off to a stunningly bad start. The Blue Devils turned over the ball on their first four possessions as Coastal Carolina ran out to a 6-0 lead.

But Singler, the preseason ACC player of the year according to the media, quickly put the Blue Devils in front with a mixture of baskets in the lane and jump shots. His teammates combined to shoot just 6-for-20 from the field in the first half, so he didn't get much help.

He didn't need much help, either. Singler shot 6-for-9 from the field in the first half and had 15 of Duke's points as the Blue Devils led 33-19 at halftime.

There was plenty of angst on Duke's bench early as the Blue Devils' underclassmen in particular struggled at times. Associate head coach Steve Wojciechowski muttered disgustedly after Mario Edwards turned a Duke turnover into a breakaway dunk in the opening minutes.

Coach Mike Krzyzewski hollered at freshman Ryan Kelly, instructing him to come to the ball after a Jon Scheyer pass nearly resulted in another turnover. And Krzyzewski leaped angrily off the bench as play stopped for a media timeout after sophomore Olek Czyz was called for carrying the ball on a clumsy left-handed dribble.

But with Singler and Scheyer controlling the game and freshman guard Andre Dawkins (13 points) providing spark off the bench, the Blue Devils relaxed their coaches and advanced in the tournament.

Duke lineman, backup QB, out with injuries

LJPerez — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:59:02 -0500

DURHAM — Duke guard Mitchell Lederman and backup quarterback Sean Renfree will miss the rest of the season because of injuries, the team announced this afternoon.

Lederman, a 6-foot-7, 305-pound redshirt junior, suffered a fractured toe on his right foot during the Blue Devils' Nov. 7 game against North Carolina. Lederman started seven games at left guard this season and played in nine games over all. He underwent surgery at the Duke Sports Medicine Center this morning, according to a Duke news release.

Renfree, a 6-3, 210-pound redshirt freshman from Scottsdale, Ariz., suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Saturday's 49-10 loss to Georgia Tech and will have surgery performed at a later date. Playing behind starting quarterback Thaddeus Lewis, Renfree appeared in five games this year and completed 34-of-50 pass attempts for 330 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions.

His best game came at Army the second week of the season, when Renfree came off the bench to complete seven-of-eight passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns in Duke's 35-19 come-from-behind victory.

Final season for UNC's Mullins

rpickeral — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:15:34 -0500

CHAPEL HILL — Defensive lineman Aleric Mullins, who needs to take only three hours next semester to graduate, has decided to forego his final season of eligibility, coach Buch Davis said.

"In a similar situation as Richard Quinn [a tight end who left after last season, and now plays in the NFL], he just felt like with the completion of his degree, he just felt like it was time to announce that he was going to finish his career here and make himself available for any potential post-collegiate football that he might be available to,'' Davis said.

Mullins has posted 14 tackles this season.

Late Hits: Nov. 16

jpg — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:28:00 -0500

• Late Hits archive

Boston College: The Eagles' 14-10 over Virginia was their first on the road and seventh of the season, which is about three more wins than any without the last name "Flutie" would have sanely predicted before the season began.

Short of Clemson pulling a Clemson, the Eagles won't win their third straight Atlantic Division title, but a 6-2 finish, or even 5-3, should make first-year coach Frank Spaziani the ACC's coach of the year.

Stanford: While Notre Dame's next coaching search will certainly begin with the pursuit of the Holy Urban Grail, it might just end with the Cardinal's Jim Harbaugh.
After Saturday's romp of Southern California, Stanford's 7-3, ranked No. 14 in the country and Harbaugh owns two wins over the Trojans. That's two more than Charlie Weiss and Tyrone Willingham combined.

Miami: The new U looked like the old U after a 5-1 start, but after two losses in three games, the new U really is the new U.
The spirit of Patrick Nix must have possessed new offensive coordinator Mark Whipple in Saturday's 33-23 loss to UNC because the Canes' offense looked like it was run by a ghost.

Running up the score: The BCS computers have a firewall against lopsided wins but that didn't stop "little" guys TCU or Boise State from running it up like Tom Osborne. The Horned Frogs battered Utah, 55-28, and Boise State potatoed Idaho, 63-25.
Careful, boys, as the Utes learned Saturday, what goes around comes around.

####

More official problems

It was nice of Big East officials to get the Twitterati off the SEC's back for one week.
Down 14-7 in the second quarter, Cincinnati's Isaiah Pead fumbled the ball at the goal line, or least that was how it was ruled on the field. The Big East replay judge over-turned the call and gave the Bearcats a touchdown. Cincinnati went on to win 24-21 and keep their national title hopes, albeit slim ones, alive.

Citi is the title sponsor of this year's national title game. Given the greased path taken by the SEC heavyweights, and now upstart Cincinnati, it would make sense for Liquid-Plumr to step in.

####

Ranking the ACC

1. Georgia Tech: Easy GT fans, Chan the Man won the Coastal, too.
2. Clemson: Thank Tommy the B. for Spiller, at least.
3. UNC: Who needs offense?
4. Virginia Tech: Maybe these guys.
5. Miami: What if... what if.
6. Boston College: Full of surprises.
7. Florida State: The bowl streak lives.
8. Duke: Perilously close to the old Duke.
9. Wake Forest: Better than another close call?
10. Virginia: How did they beat UNC?
11. N.C. State: Who needs defense?
12. Maryland: Frige, drops "D" in symbolic gesture.

JP Top 25: Week 11

jpg — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:21:59 -0500

Editor's note: J.P. Giglio is one of 60 AP voters.

• JP Top 25 archive
• AP, USA Today polls
• Pollspeak (how everyone else voted)

There are only eight major Division I teams, out of 120, with either one loss or less. There are 33 teams with either two or three losses.

Thirty-three teams for 17 spots? That helps explain the disparity between my top 25 and the AP top 25, where we have only three teams in common spots (Florida, Alabama and Georgia Tech).

Another, more troubling concern, is the flat-out dismissal of head-to-head to results.
For example, Virginia Tech, Miami and North Carolina are each 7-3. UNC beat both Virginia Tech and Miami but ranks No. 26 in the AP poll, while VT is inexplicably No. 16 and Miami is No. 21.

The cluster in the Pac-10 is even more confusing and a microcosm of the whole process. Six Pac-10 teams are separated by one game. Stanford, the hottest of the group, beat Oregon and clobbered Southern California, but ranks behind the Ducks in the proper poll, presumably because Oregon beat USC first.

The timing of the wins shouldn't matter, just the result, which is also why I have Iowa in front of Penn State and Houston in front of Oklahoma State.

1. Florida
Record: 10-0
Losses: none
Good wins: @ LSU, Georgia
Last week: 1 (won @ South Carolina, 24-14)
This week: FIU

2. Alabama
Record: 10-0
Losses: none
Good wins: LSU, @ Ole Miss, VT
Last week: 3 (won @ Mississippi State, 31-3)
This week: Chattanooga

3. TCU
Record: 10-0
Losses: none
Good wins: @ Clemson, Utah, @ BYU
Last week: 4 (beat Utah, 55-28)
This week: @ Wyoming

4. Texas
Record: 10-0
Losses: none
Good wins: @ Oklahoma State, Oklahoma
Last week: 2 (won @ Baylor, 47-14)
This week: Kansas

5. Boise State
Record: 10-0
Losses: none
Good wins: Oregon
Last week: 5 (beat Idaho, 63-25)
This week: @ Utah State

6. Cincinnati
Record: 10-0
Losses: none
Good wins: @ Oregon State, West Virginia, @ Rutgers
Last week: 6 (beat West Virginia, 24-21)
This week: Illinois (Friday)

7. Georgia Tech
Record: 10-1
Losses: @ Miami
Good wins: Clemson, VT, UNC
Last week: 7 (won @ Duke, 49-10)
This week: open

8. Ohio State
Record: 9-2
Losses: USC, @ Purdue, Navy
Good wins: Iowa, @ Penn State, Wisconsin
Last week: 15 (beat Iowa, 27-24)
This week: @ Michigan

9. LSU
Record: 8-2
Losses: Florida, @ Alabama
Good wins: @ Georgia, Auburn
Last week: 8 (beat Louisiana Tech, 24-16)
This week: @ Ole Miss

10. Pitt
Record: 9-1
Loss: @ N.C. State
Good wins: Navy, Rutgers, Notre Dame
Last week: 14 (beat Notre Dame, 27-22)
This week: @ West Virginia

11. Clemson
Record: 7-3
Losses: TCU, @ GT, @ Maryland
Good wins: @ Miami
Last week: 19 (won @ N.C. State, 43-23)
This week: Virginia

12. Stanford
Record: 7-3
Losses: @ Wake, @ Oregon State, @ Arizona
Good wins: Oregon, @ USC
Last week: NR (beat USC, 55-21)
This week: Cal

13. Oregon
Record: 8-2
Losses: @ Boise State, @ Stanford
Good wins: USC, Utah, Cal
Last week: 9 (beat Arizona State, 44-21)
This week: @ Arizona

14. Iowa
Record: 9-2
Losses: Northwestern, @ Ohio State
Good wins: @ Penn State, Arizona, Wisconsin
Last week: 16 (lost @ Ohio State, 27-24)
This week: Minnesota

15. Penn State
Record: 9-2
Losses: Iowa, Ohio State
Good wins: Temple
Last week: 23 (beat Indiana, 31-20)
This week: @ Michigan State

16. Wisconsin
Record: 8-2
Losses: @ Ohio State, Iowa
Good wins: none
Last week: 22 (beat Michigan, 45-24)
This week: @ Northwestern

17. Houston
Record: 8-2
Losses: @ UTEP, @ UCF
Good wins: @ Oklahoma State
Last week: 11 (lost @ UCF, 37-32)
This week: Memphis

18. Oklahoma State
Record: 8-2
Losses: Texas, Houston
Good wins: Georgia
Last week: 20 (beat Texas Tech, 24-17)
This week: Colorado (Thursday)

19. USC
Record: 7-3
Losses: @ Washington, Stanford, @ Oregon
Good wins: @ Ohio State, @ Cal, @ Notre Dame, Oregon State
Last week: 10 (lost to Stanford, 55-21)
This week: UCLA

20. Oregon State
Record: 7-3
Losses: Cincinnati, @ USC, Arizona
Good wins: Stanford, @ Cal
Last week: 24 (beat Washington, 48-21)
This week: @ Washington State

21. UNC
Record: 7-3
Losses: @ GT, FSU, Virginia
Good wins: VT, Miami
Last week: NR (beat Miami, 33-24)
This week: @ BC

22. Virginia Tech
Record: 7-3
Losses: Alabama, GT, UNC
Good wins: Miami, Nebraska
Last week: 21 (won @ Maryland, 36-9)
This week: N.C. State

23. Miami
Record: 7-3
Losses: @ VT, @ UNC, Clemson
Good wins: GT, Oklahoma
Last week: 13 (lost @ UNC, 33-24)
This week: Duke

24. BYU
Record: 8-2
Losses: FSU, TCU
Good wins: Oklahoma
Last week: 25 (won @ New Mexico, 24-19)
This week: Air Force

25. Utah
Record: 8-2
Losses: @ TCU, @ Oregon
Good wins: none
Last week: 12 (lost @ TCU, 55-28)
This week: San Diego State

UNC tops Valpo

rpickeral — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:59:48 -0500

CHAPEL HILL — Forward Deon Thompson scored 20 points to lead sixth-ranked North Carolina past Valparaiso, 88-77, at the Smith Center.

Carolina led by as many as seven points early. But with 8:23 left in the first half, Valpo guard Brandon McPherson buried a wide-open 3-pointer to knot the score 22-22. UNC forward Tyler Zeller scored on a layup and got fouled for a three-point play to keep the Tar Heels ahead 25-22.

With 4:23 left, Thompson picked up a technical foul when he shoved Cameron Witt in the upper back while positioning for a rebound. Valpo buried both technical free throws, then hit a shot on its ensuing possession, to cut UNC’s lead to 31-26.

Carolina led 38-31 a halftime, and Thompson scored eight points in the opening four minutes of the second half to help UNC pull away.

Zeller finished with 12.

UNC (3-0) led by as many as 24 points.

Bowl outlook: Gator in play for Heels

jpg — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:24:25 -0500

With three straight ACC wins, North Carolina has put itself in a no-lose bowl situation.

With two more wins, and the right breaks, the Tar Heels could end up in the Gator Bowl. Even with a loss, and the wrong breaks, the Heels could still wind up in the Music City Bowl.

That's how much has changed for the Tar Heels (7-3 overall, 3-3 ACC) in a month. Before rattling off wins over Virginia Tech, Duke and Miami, the Heels had more wins over the Southern Conference (2-0) than the ACC (0-3).

Any bowl would have been welcomed after blowing an 18-point lead in a 30-27 loss to Florida State on Oct. 22 and falling to 4-3 overall. With three straight wins, the Heels have worked their way into the mix for the Gator.

First things first, UNC needs to win out. That means beating Boston College and N.C. State on the road. If UNC plays the way it did against Miami, Duke or Virginia Tech, the Heels will beat both BC and State.

That would put them at 9-3 overall and 5-3 in the ACC.

Like every bowl scenario, there are a lot of variables, but the winner of the ACC title game will shape how the dominoes fall.

Bowl	Date	GT wins	Clemson wins
Orange	Jan. 5	GT	Clemson
Chick-fil-A	Dec. 31	Clemson	VT
Gator	Jan. 1	UNC	GT
Champs	Dec. 29	VT	FSU
Music City	Dec. 27	FSU	UNC
Meineke	Dec. 26	Miami	Miami
Emerald	Dec. 26	BC	BC

If Georgia Tech, which finished its conference schedule at 7-1 and won the Coastal Division, wins the ACC title game on Dec. 5 in Tampa, that would open up the Gator Bowl for either UNC or Virginia Tech.

GT would go to the Orange, Clemson, after losing the title game, would go to the Chick-fil-A and that would leave the Gator the choice of either UNC or VT, both teams would be 9-3 overall.

The Gator, in the final year of its contract with the ACC, Big East, Big 12 and Notre Dame, is likely to choose the Fighting Irish (6-4), unless coach Charlie Weiss if fired before the bowl game on Jan. 1, as the opponent.

Which ACC team would make a more attractive matchup? Depends on the viewpoint.

Normally, VT would sell more tickets than UNC, but there are two factors working against the Hokies — their lackluster finish and their frequent travel to the state of Florida.

Virginia Tech was ranked No. 4 in the country on Oct. 17 before a two-game losing streak knocked them out of the Coastal race and into the bottom third of the top 25. How excited is the fan base, which had visions of sneaking into the BCS title game, going to be about another trip to Jacksonville?

Since joining the ACC in 2004, the Hokies have made six postseason trips to Florida — the Orange Bowl in 2008 and 2007, the Gator Bowl in 2005 and the ACC title game in 2008 (Tampa), 2007 (Jacksonville) and 2005 (Jacksonville).

UNC, which is closing with a bullet, hasn't been to the Gator Bowl, or neutral site game in Florida, since the 1997 season.

Plus, UNC and Notre Dame played an exciting game in Chapel Hill, a 29-24 UNC win, last season, which could add some interest to the game from Notre Dame's perspective.

If Georgia Tech loses the ACC title game, that changes the equation. At 7-1, GT can't be jumped by 5-3 team. That means the Jackets have to be picked before UNC.

Since GT played in the Chick-fil-A Bowl last year, VT, at 6-2, would likely go to Atlanta, leaving GT in the Gator.

That would put the Champs in position to choose from UNC (projected 5-3), FSU (4-4) or Miami (5-3) and it would be hard to say no to what could potentially be Bobby Bowden's last game, even though the Champs hosted FSU last year.

That would likely push the Heels to Nashville for the Music City, against an SEC team on Dec. 27 and that's not a bad Plan B.

There's a possibility, if UNC loses to BC and BC finishes 6-2, the best UNC could do is a return trip to Charlotte, but that's a worst-case scenario.

There's also a possbility of BC winning the Atlantic, but we can cross that bridge in the unlikely event Clemson stumbles at home against Virginia.

Barnes was Williams' 'toughest' recruiting job

ldecock — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:36:15 -0500

CHAPEL HILL -- When it comes to technology, North Carolina coach Roy Williams isn’t exactly what you would call an early adopter. To please recruit Harrison Barnes, Williams was willing to exit his comfort zone.

Barnes announced his decision Friday via Skype, which Williams had used in the past to connect with his son in London, but only a handful of times.

"I can stand there and sit there and talk, but if you expect me to set it up, there's no way I could do that," Williams said Saturday at halftime of North Carolina's football game against Miami.

Barnes, who chose the Tar Heels over Duke and four other schools Friday, becomes the centerpiece of an elite recruiting class that also includes Kinston’s Reggie Bullock. The 6-foot-6 forward from Ames, Iowa, is rated the No. 1 prospect in the country by scout.com.

Williams said the 16-month wooing of Barnes was the most diligently he has ever successfully recruited a single player in his career, at Kansas or North Carolina.

"I told him I recruited him harder than any player I've coached," Williams said. “I always felt Raef [LaFrentz] was the toughest, but now it's Harrison."

And why put in all that effort?

"You have to say everything," Williams said when asked what he liked about Barnes. "He's a great student. He's a big-time player. He's very focused. He has a tremendous amount of self-discipline. He's very talented. He's got a pretty good package to say the least.”

Williams said he had an inkling Barnes would choose the Tar Heels when the family told him to set up the Skype connection — which was handled by assistant coach Steve Robinson and video coordinator Eric Hoots — but didn't know if he was the only coach online or all six would-be coaches were connected.

“When he said, 'I’m going to go over and Skype the coach,' and his face showed up on our computer, it was a pretty good feeling," Williams said.

UNC 33, Miami 24

jpg — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:18:41 -0500

CHAPEL HILL -- Miami has never won at Kenan Stadium. North Carolina cornerback Kendric Burney made sure it stayed that way on Saturday.

Burney's three interceptions, including two that were returned for a touchdown, led North Carolina to a 33-24 win over No. 12 Miami. The win, UNC's third straight and seventh of the season, makes the Tar Heels (7-3) bowl eligible for a second straight season.

The Heels are 4-0 against Miami at Kenan, including a 3-0 mark since the Hurricanes joined the ACC in 2004.

Burney returned a 77-yard interception return for a touchdown in the second quarter and had another interception in the fourth quarter that safety Melvin Williams took to the end zone in a wild play.

With about 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Burney picked off Miami quarterback Jacory Harris at the UNC 10-yard line and returned it 46 yards but Burney lost control of the ball — actually fumbling it forward to Williams — who caught it in midair and ran the final 44 yards into the end zone for a 30-17 lead.

Harris answered quickly back with a 14-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jimmy Graham, a 2-minute drive which cut UNC's lead to 30-24.

Casey Barth's 33-yard field goal, his fourth of the game, at 1:57 put the game out of reach.

UNC led 23-7 before 10 straight points from Miami. Graig Cooper's 1-yard TD run, after a fourth-and-10 conversion in UNC territory, briefly got the Canes back in the game.

The rest of UNC's points came from Barth and a 29-yard touchdown catch by Greg Little.

UNC scored first on Little's 29-yard touchdown catch on the second play of the second quarter.

The Canes came back on the next possession and drove 72 yards, with a 29-yard screen to Damien Berry setting the table for a 1-yard TD run by Berry to tie the game at 7-7 at 11:44 in the second quarter.

Barth hit from 22 and 42 yards in the second quarter and from 32 in the third.

Miami kicker Matt Bosher, who ran for 26 yards on a fake punt, hit a 39-yarder in the third quarter for the Hurricanes' other points.

Georgia Tech downs Duke 49-10

egrobinson — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:43:08 -0500

DURHAM - No. 7 Georgia Tech defeated Duke 49-10 on Saturday at Wallace Wade Stadium.

The Yellow Jackets (10-1, 7-1), bolstered by the ACC's top rushing offense, rolled on the ground and in the air against the Blue Devils (5-5, 3-3), spoiling the afternoon for the home crowd of 25,899.

The loss places Duke in a must-win situation headed into next week's game against Miami if the Devils hold out any hope of becoming bowl eligible for the first time since 1994.

The Devils need two victories to become bowl eligible and now need a victory over the 12th-ranked Hurricanes to set up a meaningful contest in their final game of the season against Wake Forest on Nov. 28.

FOURTH QUARTER:

Georgia Tech back-up running back Richard Watson scored a 7-yard touchdown run to help give the Yellow Jackets a 49-10 lead with 4:48 remaining.

THIRD QUARTER:

The Yellow Jackets continued to dominate the Devils in the third quarter, effectively mixing the run and pass.

Georgia Tech quarterback Josh Nesbitt connected with go-to receiver Demaryius Thomas, a 6-foot-3, 229-pound wide receiver, late in the third quarter for a 75-yard touchdown. That four-play, 89-yard touchdown drive placed the Yellow Jackets ahead 42-10.

Duke, meanwhile, struggled to move the ball in any form. Back-up quarterback Sean Renfree came in for a drive to spell senior Thaddeus Lewis, who later returned.

SECOND QUARTER:

Georgia Tech, which owns the ACC's top rushing offense, found its rhythm on the ground in the second quarter. Earlier in the game, Duke controlled the line of scrimmage and limited the option pitches on the corners.

But, as expected, the Yellow Jackets stuck to their script and kept calling for the option, creating misdirection and confusion. Eventually, they struck with thre second-quarter drives that featured the best of their rushing attack and deep passes.

Georgia Tech back Marcus Wright took an option pitch right for a 16-yard touchdown run with 11:22 remaining in the second quarter, giving the Yellow Jackets a 14-10 lead.

Later, the Yellow Jackets needed seven plays to march 66-yards for another touchdown drive, mixing in option runs and deep pass. Junior Back Jonathan Dwyer capped the drive with a 3-yard run to put his team up 21-10 at 5:50.

With less than a minute remaining the quarter, the Yellow Jackets found the end zone again - this time with a 26 second drive. Senior quarterback Josh Nesbitt hit freshman wideout Stephen Hill on a 32-yard touchdown pass.

Hill, covered by Duke senior Leon Wright, sprinted by his coverage and pulled in a catch at the back of the end zone. He beat solid coverage on the play, just getting his foot down in bounds.

FIRST QUARTER: 10-7

On the game's opening drive, Duke went on a nine-play, 73-yard drive capped by an 18-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Thaddeus Lewis to running back Re'quan Boyette.

Lewis' pass, lofted to the back of the end zone to Boyette's outstretched arms, placed him in a tie for fifth place in ACC history for career passing touchdowns.

The Devils, with freshman Desmond Scott as the starting running back, were able to mix the run with short screen passes on the drive. For a team averaging just 68.2 yards per game on the ground, they were able to establish a presence out of the backfield.

Three possessions later, Duke forced the Yellow Jackets into a 4th-and-1 from their 31 yardline. Trying a fake punt, the snap was botched and they fumbled. Duke took over on downs.

On their next offensive possession, Georgia Tech responded with a kickoff returned 83 yards by Orwin Smith. From the 2-yardline, Yellow Jackets' quarterback Josh Nesbitt blasted into the end zone for a touchdown.

FSU 41, Wake Forest 28

rpickeral — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:29:10 -0500

WINSTON-SALEM -- Twenty-two seniors, including four-year starting quarterback Riley Skinner, played their final home game at Wake Forest on Saturday.

Now, they have an off week to wait — and wonder "what if?" — before playing their final college contest, period. Florida State's 41-28 victory at BB&T Field officially eliminated the Demon Deacons (4-7, 2-5 ACC) from bowl contention.

Wake, which has now lost five games in a row, won't play in the postseason for the first time since 2005.

Wake's final game will be Nov. 28 at Duke. FSU (5-5, 3-4) needs to win next weekend against Maryland or Nov. 28 at Florida to become bowl eligible.

Earlier...

Dustin Hopkins' 42-yard field goal is good. FSU 34, Wake 21.

Earlier...

Wake tailback Kevin Harris scored on a 12-yard touchdown run to cut FSU's lead to 31-21 with about seven minutes left in the third quarter.

Earlier...

Wake Forest is struggling to convert third downs (1-for-4), can't seem to tackle, is getting outplayed by a freshman quarterback, and doesn't look like its going to compete in the postseason, as it trails FSU 31-14 at halftime.

Seminoles freshman Greg Reid returned a punt 68 yards for a touchdown with 3:40 left in the first half to dig the Deacons' hole even deeper. Wake's Josh Adams countered with a 20-yard touchdown run to cut it to 31-14. But the only reason FSU didn't score again was an intrception by safety Cyhl Quarles -- who was leveled about 10 yards later.

Earlier...

FSU's Dustin Hopkins just booted a 47-yard field goal to extend the Seminoles' cushion to 24-7 over the Demon Deacons with 4:52 left in the first half.

Earlier...

FSU's Kendall Smith stepped in front of Wake tight end Mike Rinfrette, picking off Riley Skinner. That set up Seminole quarterback E.J. Manuel's first touchdown, on a 1-yard run. FSU leads Wake 21-7 with 12:48 left in the first half, and the Deacons have a lot of work to do if they want to play in the postseason.

Earlier...

FSU's Jermaine Thomas scored on a 6-yard touchdown run to give the Seminoles a 14-7 after a quarter. So far, the Noles don't seem to be missing quarterback Christian Ponder, who was the league's top passer until his season-ending shoulder injury.

Earlier...

Wake Forest quarterback Riley Skinner is playing in his final home game, but he’d like to stretch his season to one more outing. That means his team needs a bowl berth, which means winning its final two games, which means beating Florida State today.

With about 3 minutes left in the first quarter, the scored is tied 7-7 at BB&T Field.

Florida State, which must win two of its last two games to become bowl eligible, scored first on the opening possession of the game when sophomore tailback Ty Jones scored on a 9-yard run to make it 7-0. Freshman quarterback E.J. Manuel – making his first collegeiate state because of Christian Ponder’s season-ending shoulder injury -- completed 2 of his 3 pass attempts on the 81-yard drive.

But Wake quickly countered with a 70-yard drive culminating in a 3-yard touchdown run – on a 4th-and-1 – by Josh Adams.

Clemson, Spiller run past N.C. State

kentysiac — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:10:18 -0500

C.J. Spiller became the first player in Clemson history to throw, run and catch a touchdown in the same game Saturday as the Tigers stayed on course for the ACC championship game with a 43-23 defeat of N.C. State at Carter-Finley Stadium.

Spiller threw a 17-yard scoring pass to Xavier Dye in the second quarter on a halfback option. In the third quarter, Spiller got loose around the left end for a 16-yard touchdown run.

N.C. State's defense inexplicably lost track of Spiller in the fourth quarter as he caught a 34-yard touchdown pass from Kyle Parker. The Wolfpack (4-6, 1-5 ACC) had a miserable day offensively against a stout Clemson defense.

Dropped passes were one of N.C. State's biggest problems. Owen Spencer and Jarvis Williams both dropped a pair of passes, and Koyal George had a pass go through his hands in the end zone in the fourth quarter.

Wolfpack quarterback Russell Wilson threw touchdown passes of 18 yards to George - who began the season as a starting cornerback - and 8 yards to Williams. Backup quarterback Mike Glennon added a 2-yard scoring pass to Williams with three seconds remaining.

Clemson (7-3, 5-2) won its fifth straight game and can clinch a trip to the ACC championship game with a defeat of Virginia on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Earlier. . .

It's getting ugly at Carter-Finley.

Jamie Harper, Clemson's third-team running back, raced untouched by an N.C. State defender for 69 yards and a touchdown with 8:42 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Tigers lead 43-17.

Earlier. . .

In the film room on Sunday, N.C. State's defensive backs certainly will be asked how on earth they left the ACC's best player so wide open.

No defender was within 10 yards of C.J. Spiller as Kyle Parker threw him a 34-yard pass for a touchdown with 10:05 remaining in the fourth quarter. After Clemson's second missed extra point of the game, the Tigers lead 36-17.

Earlier. . .

Josh Czajkowski's 26-yard field goal for N.C. State has cut Clemson's lead to 30-17 with 13:55 remaining in the fourth quarter.

A 26-yard pass from Russell Wilson to Toney Baker put the Wolfpack in position for the field goal.

Earlier. . .

After three quarters, N.C. State trails Clemson 30-14 but is deep in Tiger territory.

The Wolfpack will open the fourth quarter with a first-and-10 at the Clemson 11-yard line after a 26-yard pass from Russell Wilson to Toney Baker converted a third-and-9.

Earlier. . .

After an N.C. State replay challenge proved fruitless on what could have been a fumble by Clemson's C.J. Spiller, the Tigers struck for another touchdown.

Two plays afterward, Spiller ran 16 yards for a score to stretch the Tigers' lead to 30-14 with 7:56 remaining in the third quarter.

Earlier. . .

N.C. State is making it interesting.

The Wolfpack took the opening kickoff and drove 75 yards for their second touchdown of the game.

Russell Wilson's 8-yard scoring pass to Jarvis Williams with 11:08 remaining in the third quarter cut the deficit to 24-14.

Earlier. . .

Clemson's defense - and three dropped passes by N.C. State's receivers - bottled up the high-scoring Wolfpack in the first half Saturday.

N.C. State quarterback Russell Wilson is just 4-for-14 for 49 yards passing, and the Wolfpack has been held to 114 yards of total offense. Clemson leads 24-7 at halftime.

Earlier. . .

A big third-down conversion led to another Clemson touchdown.

On third-and-11, Jacoby Ford split the safeties for a 47-yard reception from Kyle Parker. Three plays later, Parker hit tight end Michael Palmer for 5 yards and a score.

The Tigers lead 24-7 with 4:09 remaining in the second quarter.

Earlier. . .

Finally, N.C. State is on the board.

Wideout Koyal George, who began the season as a starting cornerback, caught an 18-yard touchdown pass from Russell Wilson to cut Clemson's lead to 17-7 with 6:42 remaining in the second quarter.

A late hit flag on Brandon Maye after a third-down sack of Wilson kept the drive alive.

Earlier. . .

Clemson resorted to some trickery as it's rapidly pulling away from N.C. State in a pathetic showing by the Wolfpack.

C.J. Spiller threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Xavier Dye on a halfback option, increasing the Tigers' lead to 17-0 with 12:48 left in the second quarter.

Earlier. . .

N.C. State just had a 6-yard punt - after a sack of Russell Wilson.

The Wolfpack is falling apart.

First and 10 Clemson on the N.C. State 17.

Earlier. . .

N.C. State coach Tom O'Brien said the Wolfpack players would have difficulty tackling C.J. Spiller and Jacoby Ford one on one.

In the case of Clemson's first scoring play, N.C. State couldn't get it done one on none. Nobody laid a hand on Ford as he ran 17 yards on an end around to extend the Tigers' lead to 10-0 on the second play of the second quarter.

Earlier. . .

C.J. Spiller and Clemson are out to a fast start at Carter-Finley.

Spiller has 55 rushing yards at the end of the first quarter. Clemson has a 3-0 lead and is in position for another score, with a second-and-1 at N.C. State's 19-yard line.

Earlier. . .

The interception was about as good as a punt, but it goes down as an interception nonetheless.

Clemson's Byron Maxwell picked off Russell Wilson on a deep throw on third-and-19. The Tigers take possession at their 25-yard line leading 3-0 with 3:24 remaining in the first quarter.

Earlier. . .

Thanks in part to running back C.J. Spiller, Clemson is on the board first at Carter-Finley Stadium.

Spiller broke at least two tackles on a 30-yard run that set up a 28-yard field goal by Spencer Benton with 6:40 remaining in the first quarter, giving the Tigers a 3-0 lead over the Wolfpack.

On the second straight possession, defensive end Michael Lemon made a big play for N.C. State, a pass deflection on third down that forced the field goal attempt.

Earlier. . .

The defenses held firm on the first two possessions at Carter-Finley.

N.C. State stopped Clemon on the opening possession with the help of a tackle of C.J. Spiller for a 2-yard loss by defensive end Michael Lemon, who's been elevated to the starting lineup.

Clemson's Chris Chancellor might have gotten away with a pass interference penalty on third down, forcing a Wolfpack punt.

Clemson has won the toss and will receive the opening kickoff against N.C. State at Carter-Finley Stadium.

Stay tuned here for live updates throughout the game.

From the Miami viewpoint

jpg — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:06:42 -0500

Pre-game thoughts on Miami's visit to Kenan Stadium from Shandel Richardson of the Sun-Sentinel:

Why Miami will lose:

— Although I disagree with Randy Shannon saying the Tar Heels are better
defensively than Oklahoma, this will be a true test for the Canes. A
shaky UM offensive line versus a very good UNC front seven could spell
trouble.

— Special team blunders. UM has struggled in every phase of special
teams this season, kickoffs, punts, punt returns, punt coverage, etc.
If it continues today, you can believe Butch Davis will capitalize.

— Late-season woes. The `Canes dropped their last four in 2007. They
lost their last three a year ago. Shannon's teams have shown a tendency
to tank late in the season.

Why Miami will win:

— UNC is downright awful on offense. I mean, bad. T.J Yates is hardly
Riley Skinner, and the Heels offense may resemble Virginia's today.

— The UM running game will throw three different looks at UNC with
Javarris James (tweener), Damien Berry (power) and Graig Cooper
(speed). Tough to stop for any defense. Berry's emergence has been just
as key as Leonard Hankerson's at wide receiver.

— The motivational factor. The Canes are tired of losing here, and want
to end the streak. How bad do they want this one? Most players have
said they won't even focus on the Georgia Tech-Duke game because they
want to beat the Tar Heels. Do I believe that? Not a chance, but it
looks good in the newspapers.

N.C. State 87, FIU 71

egrobinson — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:23:31 -0500

RALEIGH - The Kellie Harper era at N.C. State officially started on Friday night, marked by a gritty, 87-71 come-from-behind victory over Florida International at Reynolds Coliseum.

In its season-opener, State’s new coach collected her first victory after becoming the program’s head coach in April. She was hired to replace legendary coach Kay Yow, who died in January after a long time battle with breast cancer.

Plucky and defensive-minded, the Wolfpack rallied from a four-point second-half deficit, playing the aggressive, pressing style its new coach promised.

The Pack trailed with 10:50 remaining, but a 3-pointer by junior Brittany Strachan pulled them within point of the Golden Panthers. Strachan then stole a pass that led to a layup by senior Nikitta Gartrell, who was fouled.

Her made free throw gave the Pack a 55-53 lead and they slowly closed out FIU down the stretch – exhibiting a determined full-court defensive stylethat is likely to define Harper’s team this season.

Harper, 32, arrived at State after five seasons as head coach at Western Carolina, where she compiled a 97-65 record andguided her team to the first round of the NCAA Tournament in 2004-05.

Harper, though, is most known for her playing days at Tennessee where she was called by her maiden name Kellie Jolly. A thin yet durable point guard, she led the Lady Vols to three national championships during her time there from 1995-99.

Rock-steady running Pat Summitt’s system, Harper’s 1998 team finished the season with a 39-0 record. She did not miss a free throw in that season’s NCAA Tournament and in the title game against Louisiana Tech scored a career-high 20 points.

Her physical and mental toughness was on full display during the 1997season where she returned after missing just 16 games with a serious knee injury - a torn anterior cruciate ligament that sidelines many players. In the NCAA Tournament title game that season against Old Dominion, she doled out a championship-game record 11 assists and was named to the All-Final Four team.

For her rehabilitation efforts, returning from such a damaging injury, the national Strength and Conditioning Association named her its“Strength and Conditioning Female Athlete of the Year.”

It’s with that history and tournament reputation that the Sparta, Tenn., native takes over a State program that last season dealt with the death of Yow- its hall of fame coach.

Hired by athletics director Lee Fowler, who selected her over Yow’s hand-picked successor, former assistant Stephanie Glance, Harper has expressed her respect for the previous coaching staff while simultaneously declaring her need to establish her own identity.

Players say Harper has helped them balance the grief they experienced in losing Yow with their desire to concentrate on basketball.

State played like a team freed of such burdens.

Swarming and pressing, the Pack forced nine early turnovers and jumped to a 31-10 team lead in the first half. They converted the Golden Panther’s turnovers into points, too, with an up-tempo, push-it-ahead attack.

That furious tempo slowed over the final six minutes of the first half when State’s opponent surged – on the strength of four 3-pointers by FIU senior Ashley Traugott – and captured a 39-38 halftime lead.

Wake Forest 76, Oral Roberts 56

rpickeral — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:54:06 -0500

WINSTON-SALEM -- With point guard Ishmael Smith capable of beating everyone in transition and five players 6-feet-9 or taller in the rotation, there was really no question that Wake Forest would be able to score around the rim this season.

But even after beating Oral Roberts 76-56 in their season opener on Friday night, it's still unclear whether the Demon Deacons will be able to consistently make outside shots.

Wake (1-0) made only seven jumpers - including just one in the first half - at Lawrence Joel Coliseum. It didn't matter much against the Golden Eagles, who were picked to finish second in the Summit League's preseason poll. But a lack out outside swishes could become a huge concern, especially during the ACC season when multiple foes will be able to match their height in the lane.

The Deacons - which lost 42 percent of their scoring when Jeff Teague and James Johnson left early for the NBA, and 66 percent of their made 3-pointers when you add Harvey Hale's graduation to the mix - nonetheless broke away early by using an 11-0 run to take a 20-7 lead. Weaver's 12-footer began the onslaught, but it was punctuated by a couple of dunks from freshman Ari Stewart and Weaver.

By halftime, Wake had made 15 of their 35 shots, relying on power moves, tip-backs and athletic drives. But it 0-for-8 from behind the arc. It didn't help that reserve guard Gary Clark, one of the team's few possible outside threats, was ill and not even in the building.

And the outside shooting got only slightly better after the break.

Al-Farouq Aminu finally buried the Deacons' first 3-pointer of the game with 16:38 left, to make it 45-30. Then Stewart, a 6-7 forward from Marietta, Ga., added two 3s and a jumper from the top of the key. Aminu added two more 3s in the final five minutes.

Aminu led the Deacons with 25 points. Smith had 4 points, 4 assists and 5 turnovers; he made only 2 of his 11 shots.

Wake was 11th in the league in 3-point percentage last season (.320) and dead last in made 3-pointers (4.1 per game).

Barnes goes high-tech in picking Heels

kentysiac — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:30:42 -0500

In front of an anxious crowd at his high school and a national TV audience on ESPN-U Friday afternoon, top-ranked recruit Harrison Barnes walked over to a laptop to connect by video conference to the coach whose school he planned to sign with.

After an awkward, 70-second pause while the video link was established, coach Roy Williams and the North Carolina team appeared on the projection screen at the gym at Ames High School in Iowa.

Cheers erupted in the gym. Williams explained that he’d gathered the whole team on the Chapel Hill end of the video conference.

"Coach, I know you’re in practice now, and I’ve got to get going on signing my letter of intent here,” Barnes said. “But I just want to let you know that I’ll be joining you next year on the squad. I can’t wait to play with all you guys.”

With the help of the high-tech gadgetry, Barnes announced one of the most highly anticipated recruiting decisions of all time. Barnes, a 6-foot-6 forward rated No. 1 in the Class of 2010 by scout.com, also considered Duke, Iowa State, Kansas, Oklahoma and UCLA.

Since birth, though, Barnes has had a sort of North Carolina tie. Before he was born, his mother, Shirley, taped many of former Tar Heel great Michael Jordan’s games with the Chicago Bulls in case she had a son.

When her only son was born, she named him Harrison Bryce-Jordan Barnes. During his visit to North Carolina earlier this fall for the school’s alumni game, Barnes and his family briefly met Jordan, although NCAA rules only allow a short greeting.

But Barnes cited Williams and the current North Carolina players as the reason he chose the Tar Heels.

"I just felt that not only is Coach Williams so good at instructing the game, I just had a great relationship with the players,” Barnes said on ESPN-U.

All-Star Sports recruiting analyst Bob Gibbons said that with Barnes joining shooting guard Reggie Bullock and point guard Kendall Marshall, North Carolina has one of the best recruiting classes in the nation. Gibbons said it’s “a coin toss” between the Tar Heels and Ohio State to decide which school has the No. 1 class.

"I was so impressed watching the whole scenario today including the way he did it with his technical announcement,” Gibbons said. “. . .This kid is advanced and intelligent beyond his years, and I think Roy once again proves he’s the best recruiter not only in the ACC but in the nation. Harrison Barnes will be just a great recruit for North Carolina, and having Kendall Marshall and Reggie Bullock come in alongside him bodes well for the future of the Tar Heels’ program.”

Barnes’ decision was a blow to Duke, which hasn’t been to the Final Four since 2004 while the Tar Heels have been to three Final Fours and won two NCAA titles during that period. Barnes’ commitment could help make this the fourth time in the last five years that North Carolina’s recruiting class has been rated higher than Duke’s by scout.com.

Gibbons predicted that Duke will try to find another small forward – Oak Hill Academy’s Roscoe Smith - to play with point guard Kyrie Irving, who’s rated as the No. 5 player in the class by scout.com. Smith, who’s 6-7, is rated the No. 32 player in the nation by scout.com and hasn’t committed yet.

Before conferencing in with Williams, Barnes said his decision was difficult because he had so many outstanding options. He said he had grown attached to the coaches at all the schools, Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski included.

"Coach Krzyzewski and I have become very close over the last year and a half,” Barnes said. “Duke has high academics and is just unique in a variety of ways.”

But rival North Carolina is going to get Barnes as Williams continues to dominate recruiting in the ACC and across the country.

Top recruit Barnes chooses UNC

kentysiac — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:18:12 -0500

Highly recruited 6-foot-6 forward Harrison Barnes of Ames, Iowa has committed to North Carolina.

In an announcement at his high school televised by ESPN-U, Barnes told North Carolina coach Roy Williams and the Tar Heel team by video conference that he had selected the Tar Heels.

Barnes has been the subject of incredible scrutiny as the No. 1-ranked player in the class according to scout.com. On Oct. 5, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski and North Carolina coach Roy Williams both visited his house.

Duke, North Carolina, Iowa State, Kansas, Oklahoma and UCLA were the finalists for Barnes.

Having such a high-profile player consider both Duke and North Carolina until the end is nearly unprecedented. Barnes added to the suspense with a disciplined and highly secretive selection process as he methodically visited all six schools.

Pack's Michel probable for Clemson

kentysiac — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:01:34 -0500

N.C. State senior middle linebacker Ray Michel is listed as probable for Saturday's noon game against Clemson at Carter-Finley Stadium, according to a team injury report released Thursday night.

The "probable" designation means it's estimated that he has a 75 percent chance of playing against Clemson.

Michel suffered an ankle injury on Oct. 17 at Boston College and has missed the Wolfpack's last two games. He led the team with 53 tackles when he was injured, but has been surpassed now by outside linebacker Audie Cole.

N.C. State 69, Georgia State 53

jpg — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:29:21 -0500

RALEIGH -- N.C. State wants to win with its offense running through Tracy Smith. The Wolfpack also has to learn to how win without its big man.

With Smith in foul trouble, N.C. State struggled to survive against a Georgia State team filled with ACC castoffs. Ultimately, Smith got on the court long enough to offset a miserable shooting effort and lead the Wolfpack to a 69-53 win over the Panthers in the season-opener.

Smith's game-high 18 points and 11 rebounds, in only 25 minutes, helped N.C. State win its 16th straight season-opener.

A late 18-5 run, capped by a Scott Wood layup at 3:42, brought the previously lifeless crowd at the RBC Center to its feet and allowed them to exhale.

Georgia State, with N.C. State transfer Marques Johnson and Wake Forest transfer Joe Dukes, looked like it would kick off what is supposed to be a down season for the Wolfpack with a dagger.

Dukes scored two straight buckets, to tie the game at 37 at 13:46 in the second half, but the Panthers couldn't take the lead, despite N.C. State shooting 3-of-16 from 3-point range.

Javier Gonzalez hit senior forward Dennis Horner on a set play for an easy hoop, and then four straight points by guard Julius Mays (16 points) started to give the Pack some breathing room. Gonzalez's 3 made it 48-41 and then the Panthers went four minutes without a point.

The Wolfpack couldn't have asked for a better start, with Smith scoring eight of the team's first 12 points. N.C. State jumped out to a comfortable 12-point first-half lead before Smith went to the bench with 7:40 left with two fouls.

Combine Smith's absence, with a 2-of-10 effort from 3-point range in the first half, and Georgia State whittled the Pack's margin to three points at the half.

Familiarly, an opponent named "Hansbro" did some damage. Georgia State forward Xavier Hansbro scored five points in the final minute, a 3-pointer with 43.2 seconds left, made 32-29 at the break.

Hansbro's 13 points weren't enough to offset State's advantage inside with Smith and Horner (15 points).

Duke's Plumlee fractures wrist

kentysiac — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:51:22 -0500

Duke's big lineup just got smaller.

Freshman Mason Plumlee, the athletic, 6-foot-10 center who was on track to possibly start for the Blue Devils, is out indefinitely after suffering a fractured left wrist in practice Wednesday, the school announced.

The injury will not require surgery and will be evaluated weekly by the Duke medical staff.

"We are confident that he will make a full recovery," coach Mike Krzyzewski said in a statement. "Mason is going to be a very good player for us and we look forward to him getting healthy and returning to the court."

Plumlee is a McDonald's All-American who averaged 12 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three blocked shots in exhibition wins over Pfeiffer and Findlay. Duke begins the regular season at 7 p.m. Friday against UNC Greensboro.

The Podcast: Nov. 12

jpg — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:18:41 -0500

Staff video by Travis Long, Caulton Tudor and Joe Giglio

Topics: The good Orange ACC teams visit the Triangle.

N.C. State women's basketball sign four players

egrobinson — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:59:23 -0500

N.C. State's women's basketball program released the names of four players who signed national letters of intent for 2010-11.

Myisha Goodwin, 5-5, G, Lorton, Va., Thomas A. Edison High

Kody Burke, 6-1, F, Riverside, Calif., Sherman Oaks Notre Dame High

Devin Griffin, 5-9, G, Lubbock, Texas, Coronado High

Nashika Williams, 5-11 , G, Northern Durham

Devils expect pressure without Smith

kentysiac — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:52:39 -0500

Senior guard Jon Scheyer says Duke is ready.

With junior guard Nolan Smith sitting out a two-game NCAA suspension for playing in unsanctioned summer league games, the Blue Devils are down to two scholarship players in the backcourt.

On Friday and Monday, Duke will play without Smith against UNC Greensboro and Coastal Carolina, respectively. Those teams won't have the size to match up against the Blue Devils, who have their biggest team in coach Mike Krzyzewski's 30-year tenure.

So they're likely to pressure Scheyer, freshman Andre Dawkins, walk-on Jordan Davidson and whoever else handles the ball in the backcourt for Duke. Scheyer says the Blue Devils are ready.

"Obviously we're a better team with Nolan," Scheyer said. "There's no denying that. He gives us a lot, adds a lot, and of course takes pressure off me. So of course for the first two games we have to be ready to just handle the ball.

"I'm sure defenses will try to pressure us a little bit more, and that's something we're prepared to do. And it's something that, we can't have any excuses."

It's unclear exactly how Duke will rotate its backcourt. Without Smith in the first half of an exhibition game against Division II Findlay, the Blue Devils actually started with four forwards on the floor with Scheyer.

Krzyzewski wasn't pleased with the way that lineup played, but Scheyer said the team hasn't abandoned it.

"We didn't take advantage of it like we could have (in the exhibition)," Scheyer said. "We were a little sloppy and didn't go inside as much as we should have. So I think that lineup is really good for us. Just, when it's in there, we've got to go inside, get the ball in there."

Regardless of which lineups are used, playing without Smith should be good practice in overcoming adversity early in the season for Scheyer and the Blue Devils.

UNC 89, NCCU 42

rpickeral — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:54:24 -0500

CHAPEL HILL -- For years, North Carolina's Marcus Ginyard has been known as the guy who can do a little bit of everything: steal, rebound, dive for loose balls, assist, defend, play four different positions, lead.

But guess what: he can score, too.

The fifth-year senior recorded a career-high-tying 17 points during sixth-ranked UNC's 89-42 drubbing of N.C. Central on Wednesday night in the 2K Sports Classic. His 7-for-10 output at the Smith Center, following his dozen-point performance in UNC's season opener, showed two key things:

1.) The surgically repaired left foot that sidelined him last season is just fine, thank-you-very-much, and

2.) He's even more versatile - and assertive -- offensively than he used to be.

NCCU (0-1), under first-year coach LeVelle Moton, kept it close early, cutting what was once a six-point deficit to as little as 19-17 with 12:25 left in the first half when junior Vincent Davis buried a 3-pointer.

But UNC's John Henson countered with a bucket, Central's Davis missed a dunk, and Carolina reserve Justin Watts swiped a steal that teammate Dexter Strickland turned into a three-point play to make it 24-17.

And the deluge didn't end there.

Ginyard helped account for 10 straight points during what would stretch to a 21-0 breakaway run. First, he buried a jumper to make it 32-17. Then he made two straight dunks to increase the cushion to 36-17. He assisted freshman Leslie McDonald to make it 38-17, then made a cutting layup that gave the Tar Heels a 40-17 advantage.

All the while, he looked speedy, fresh and confident --traits he lacked after he tried to return from foot surgery last season, only to take a medical redshirt because he lacked the explosive tenacity that had become his staple.

With 4:05 left in the first half, Eagles guard Dwayne Sims halted the onslaught - briefly - with a 3-pointer. But then UNC countered by scoring 11 more points. In all, the Eagles shot 1-for-13 with eight turnovers in the final 12:22 of the half, and UNC led 51-20 at the break.

Ginayrd followed a 3-pointer with a long jumper that gave the Tar Heels a 68-26 advantage with at least 12 minutes left in the game, and the only real question after that was whether he would break his career high of 17 (set in 2007-08, against UCSB).

He tied it with a dunk about two minutes later that gave the Tar Heels a 74-32 cushion. But with the game secure, he spent the final eight minutes on the bench, cheering on his teammates.

Reserve forward Tyler Zeller added 12 points of 6-for-6 shooting for the Tar Heels (2-0), and senior Deon Thompson chipped in 13.

C.J. Wilkerson led the Eagles with 16 points.

Photo: ROBERT WILLETT - rwillett@newsobserver.com

Harrow signs with Wolfpack

jpg — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:31:47 -0500

To the delight of a standing-room only crowd at a sports bar near campus, dynamic guard Ryan Harrow signed his national Letter of Intent with N.C. State on Wednesday afternoon.

Wolfpack fans watched highlights of the 25th-ranked high school basketball player in the country on the flat-screen TVs at Sammy's and cheered as he made his commitment official.

"We're going to turn some heads," said Harrow, who's joined in the recruiting class by highly-rated combo guard Lorenzo Brown and forward Luke Cothron."We're going to be one of the best teams in the ACC."

Harrow, at 5-11 and 158 pounds, doesn't cut an imposing physical presence, and he talks with a high-pitched squeak in his voice, but he charmed the room with his wit and personality.

"I'll talk to y'all," the high school senior from Marietta, Ga. told the crowd. "I like the attention."

The frequent target of Harrow's one-liners was fellow top prospect, forward C.J. Leslie of Raleigh, who was one of the 150 or so people in attendance. Leslie, who orginally commited to N.C. State but re-opened his recruiting options last spring, surprised his friend with the visit.

"I know he's going to make the right decision," Harrow said. "He doesn't want to play with another point guard besides me."

Leslie, who's rated 12th in the class of 2010 by Scout.com, said he's not ready to make a decision with N.C. State, Kentucky, Florida, Oregon, Georgia and Connecticut all still on his list.

"This is definitely a plus," Leslie said of Harrow signing with State.

Leslie plays for coach Erasto Hatchett at Word of God in Raleigh. Hatchett, Harrow's brother-in-law, organized the press conference and promoted it on N.C. State's message boards.

"[Ryan] deserves to have his day," Hatchett said. "He has been overlooked for so long."

Staff photo by Ethan Hyman

Pack commitment rapidly improving

kentysiac — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:13:25 -0500

It wasn’t the fault of Portal (Ga.) High linebacker/defensive end/wide receiver Theo Rich—he had missed his sophomore and junior football seasons at Statesboro (Ga.) High with unrelenting sinus headaches.

So he had concentrated on basketball. But finally, with the headaches under control, doctors gave him the okay to play football again, just as he was transferring to little Portal for his senior season.

"I didn’t know who the young man was until he was already enrolled,” Portal coach Justin Chester said a few minutes ago. “He sort of came out of nowhere. Once he took the practice field, though, we all knew we had a blessing.”

Chester said the coaches had to get Rich back on track as far as fundamentals were concerned, but that he improved by leaps and bounds.

As Rich, who is 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds with 4.75-second speed in the 40-yard dash, got better and better, N.C. State began to take notice.

The Wolfpack offered recently, and at that point Georgia State and Buffalo were Rich’s only other offers.

"Theo really liked what he saw with them,” Chester said. “And he really liked the idea of playing in the ACC.”

The Wolfpack will likely use Rich at defensive end if he grows a bit more, or possibly at linebacker. But almost certainly on the defensive side of the ball, Chester said.

"For now, he’s getting ready to play basketball for us. That will keep him in shape, and he’ll have some fun as he finishes his senior year.”

- Stan Olson, The Charlotte Observer