The Conference Call: Sept. 10

The ACC coaches get passive-aggressive on The Conference Call:

• Miami coach Randy Shannon made headlines with his non-handshake handshake with Florida coach Urban Meyer after the Canes' 26-3 loss to Florida on Saturday night and subsequent protestation of Meyer's decision to kick a field goal with 25 seconds left in the already-decided game.

"Sometimes when you do things, and people see what type of person you really are, you turn a lot of people off," Shannon said after the game. "Now, whatever you want to get out of that, I won't say it again. But it helped us. It helped us more than you'll ever know."

Shannon was considerably more subdued on Wednesday.

"I don't even worry about it anymore," the second-year Miami coach said on the conference call.

Shannon did share some injury news. Running back Javarris James has a high ankle sprain, suffered against Florida, and will miss two to four weeks.

• One day after getting defensive about his his offensive staff, Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer was in a calmer state of mind on Wednesday.

Losing to ECU is one thing and playing uninspired against Furman is another, but the actual ACC season starts on Saturday with Georgia Tech next up for the defending champions.

"We understand we've got to get better if we're going to win in this league," Beamer said.

• Duke coach David Cutcliffe said star receiver Eron Riley, who tweaked his right ankle against Northwestern and missed most of the second half of that game, is day-to-day but is probable for Saturday's game with Navy.

• After posting 14 points in back-to-back games, Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen is confident his team can keep up with No. 23 Cal, which has scored 38 and 66 points in its first two games — both against BCS opponents.

"I think we can score points," said Friedgen, whose offense has been limited in the air. "Our 'D' has ben playing good and I'm hoping [it] can rise to the occassion."

• FSU's prepping for its second straight scrimmage while the suspended players complete the end of their punishment. Of the available options, backup running back Ty Jones is likely out with an ankle injury.

"We're fighting like mad until we get our guys back," coach Bobby Bowden said.

• N.C. State coach Tom O'Brien was honest after State's 42-20 loss to Clemson in 2007 and he was again on Wednesday.

"We didn't stop the run at all," TOB said. "That was probably the worst game we had last year."

State gave up 340 rushing yards to Clemson at Carter-Finley last season. The Tigers have 252 through the first two games this season.