sutomcat
No recent Cali or Iggy awards; Mr Irrelevant
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This is a day for the American Chinese dish, chop suey. It usually consists of a meat—such as pork, beef, shrimp, chicken, or fish—and eggs, which are quickly cooked in a sauce with vegetables like cabbage, celery, and bean sprouts. It is usually served with rice, but stir-fried noodles may be added. In Cantonese, a Chinese language, its name literally means "odds and ends". There are so many conflicting stories of its origin, that no one really knows where it came from. Most believe it was invented by Chinese Americans. Some say it was made by those working on the transcontinental railroad, or for miners by a Chinese cook in San Francisco. Some claim it was made by the chef of a Chinese official who was visiting the United States in 1896, or that the official wandered into a Chinese restaurant and the chef there came up with it for him using leftovers. A few have also claimed that it is based off a dish from Taishan, a Chinese county in Guangdong province. No matter where it got its start, it is now a prominent food in American Chinese cuisine.
SU News
Syracuse offensive coordinator Jason Beck will call plays from booth in change from last season (PS; Carlson)
Syracuse offensive coordinator Jason Beck will call plays from the booth this season, a common approach from college football coaches but a departure from the way the Orange offense ran last year.
Beck spent last season on the sidelines as Syracuse’s quarterbacks coach, and he was joined there by offensive coordinator Robert Anae, who preferred to call plays from the field level.
Coaches who prefer to work from the press box often cite the ability to see the entire field as one of the benefits. Coaches who prefer to work from the sidelines often emphasize the ability to interact with players face-to-face.
“He’s going to be up in the box, calling plays from up in the box,” Syracuse head coach Dino Babers said. “He did a fantastic job (in the bowl game). I think his anticipation of when to go to something was satisfactory on my part. There were some plays that weren’t executed correctly but the timing of the calls were right on. I’m looking forward to seeing if he still has any of that timing left.”
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Dino Babers talks LeQuint Allen, new coaches ahead of season-opener (DO; Miller)
Syracuse started last season 6-0. It earned the No. 14 rank in the country and reached a bowl game for the first time since 2018. But SU deflated in the second half of the season, winning just one of its final seven games.
Ahead of the Orange’s matchup with Colgate on Saturday, head coach Dino Babers detailed the team’s depth chart, new coaching hires, positional battles and the mindset for Week 1. He didn’t expand much about Garrett Shrader’s shoulder recovery, although he was asked plenty.
Here are some takeaways from Babers’ first post-training camp press conference of 2023:
Captains
Before opening up for questions, Babers announced that the team had voted on their second set of captains. On special teams, kicker Brady Denaburg joins Justin Barron. On defense, Isaiah Johnson will join Marlowe Wax. On offense, it’s Shrader and Damien Alford.With Shrader being the only returning captain from 2022, the other five will be new to the role. Babers was happy with how the team voted.
“It’s a quality group. Teams that go really far are player-led, not coach-led,” Babers said. “I think the team did a good job of picking out guys that aren’t the most popular, but definitely the people that you want to follow.”
LeQuint Allen isn’t Sean Tucker
Following an agreement with Syracuse to end a season-long suspension, LeQuint Allen made it to training camp. After a 154-yard performance in the Pinstripe Bowl against Minnesota last season, Allen is primed to be the starting back.“He plays very clear,” Babers said. “He does not make a lot of mistakes for someone as young as he is.”
Yet, he isn’t expected to be the workhorse. Babers doesn’t plan for Allen to be an every-down back after adding multiple pieces to the backfield. Juwuan Price has been impressive in camp and took first-team reps before Allen arrived. Deston Hawkins and JJ Branham arrived through the transfer portal.
“We’re looking forward to seeing how [Allen] does this year along with the other running backs,” Babers said. “I don’t think it’s going to be the way it was the last two years with Sean Tucker.”
WR depth scarce with Trebor Pena absent
The only notable name missing from Monday’s depth chart was wide receiver/returner specialist Trebor Pena. Babers said an “owie” would bar Pena from being available for Colgate. He didn’t specify the nature of the injury or the timetable.With Pena out, Donovan Brown is Syracuse’s No. 3 receiver. As a redshirt freshman, Brown played in five games but didn’t see much action. However, an impressive training camp has landed him a starting role on Week 1’s depth chart.
“I think anytime that you get an opportunity to Wally Pipp somebody … that’s getting an opportunity that you need to take advantage of,” Babers said.
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Syracuse's Week 1 depth chart: Pena left off due to injury (PS; Leiker)
Trebor Pena was the most notable name absent from Syracuse football’s Week 1 depth chart released Monday afternoon.
Pena, who made The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List” last week, is dealing with an injury, SU coach Dino Babers said during his press conference.
The slot receiver had 22 catches for 203 yards last season.
Babers described Pena’s injury as “a little owie” — an oft-used phrase for him — and said the team doesn’t know if he will be available for the game or not. He did not definitively rule Pena out.
Other notes from the first depth chart of the year:
- Defensive tackle Terry Lockett, who returns from a knee injury this year, did not make the depth chart despite being listed as the team’s starter in Week 1 of 2022.
- The “or” at the tight end position has shifted from between Oronde Gadsden II and Max Mang to between Mang and Dan Villari. The former quarterback-turned-TE made significant progress during camp and attracted Babers’ praise.
- Though Babers said Monday competition at the center spot is ongoing, junior college All-American J’Onre Reed’s name landed above Josh Ilaoa on the depth chart. Transfers Joe More and David Wohlabaugh Jr. also made the starting offensive line.
- Walk-on kicker Jayden Oh made the depth chart behind starter Brady Denaburg.
- Leon Lowery was named over Stefon Thompson at one of the linebacker spots. Though Thompson has been working back from an ACL tear, Babers said the placement was performance-based: “Right now, (Lowery) is playing better, and that’s why he’s in front. ... I’m looking forward to seeing (Thompson) unleash.” Babers said he still expects to see quite a bit of Thompson on Saturday.
Syracuse football releases depth chart for Week 1 (cnycentral.com; Wenkoski)
Week One for Syracuse football is officially here- and the Orange answered some unknown questions heading into their matchup against Colgate this Saturday.
New arrivals
Retro florals and breezy boho vibes. New summer styles to wear right now! Sizes 0–24.
The depth chart shows the expected starters at each spot. A few notable positions battles in camp were answered Monday. At the top of the list, Trebor Pena was nowhere to be found. The junior WR/returner is dealing with an undisclosed injury that will keep him out of Saturday's game against Colgate. Stepping up in his place at receiver will be Donovan Brown (R-Fr), and Demarcus Adams (R-Sr) at kick and punt return.
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https://www.si.com/college/syracuse/football/syracuse-football-names-captains-for-2023-season (SI; McAllister)
Syracuse football announced its team captains for the 2023 season on Monday. They included six players in total and were from all three phases of the game. The captains, as voted on by the players, are quarterback Garrett Shrader, wide receiver Damien Alford, linebacker Marlowe Wax, cornerback Isaiah Johnson, safety Justin Barron and kicker Brady Denaburg.
The Orange opens up the 2023 campaign on Saturday in the JMA Wireless Dome. The opponent is FCS Colgate and the game kicks off at 4:00 p.m. Eastern.
Syracuse is coming off of a 7-6 2022 season in which the Orange started 6-0 and was ranked in the top 15 in the country. After holding a double digit halftime lead at Clemson in game seven, things unraveled. Syracuse lost to the Tigers and then four more in a row before ending the regular season with a win at Boston College.
The offseason has been filled with change as both coordinators, Robert Anae (NC State) and Tony White (Nebraska) took jobs elsewhere. Syracuse also lost a pair of defensive starters to the transfer portal in Duce Chestnut (LSU) and Ja'Had Carter (Ohio State). Other starters, such as Sean Tucker, Matthew Bergeron, Garrett Williams, Mikel Jones and others departed for the NFL.
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Dino Babers addresses media ahead of opener against Colgate (247sports.com; Finneral)
Syracuse head coach Dino Babers took the podium ahead of this week’s opening game against Colgate. Here are some of the main takeaways from the press conference.
2023 captains
In his opening address, Babers announced that the team voted for the remaining captains.
Offense:
Garrett Shrader
Damien Alford
Defense:
Marlowe Wax
Isaiah Johnson
Special Teams:
Justin Barron
Brady Denaburg
Syracuse enters the opening game as an overwhelming favorite. Babers looks to keep his team focussed and avoid an upset this week.
“These games are dangerous games,” Babers said. “I’ve been on the other end of these football games. I’ve been 21-point dogs and we’ve beat the team by 21. It’s one of those things where the kids are excited, you guys are excited. I’m sitting here, I’m not excited at all, I’m worried.”
Babers continued to mention how the two teams have a lot of common knowledge and Colgate knows Syracuse better than many teams.
Shrader’s status for week 1
Garrett Shrader underwent a successful procedure to his throwing arm back in the spring. Babers said Shrader will be ready to go in the opener and will play as much as he is needed.
“We would like to think that we don’t have to play him for the full game, but we’re going to play to win,” Babers said.
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A breakdown of Syracuse’s Week 1 depth chart ahead of Colgate (DO; O'Brien)
Syracuse football released its depth chart on Monday ahead of its week one matchup against Colgate. While the Orange hold a 98.2% chance of winning, per ESPN Analytics, the depth chart reveals choices head coach Dino Babers made when it came to who won positional battles during training camp.
“We’re excited to get started this season,” Babers said. “We’re excited to find out exactly where we are.”
Quarterback
Starter: Garrett ShraderBackup: Carlos Del Rio-Wilson
No surprises here. Even though Shrader underwent elbow surgery in the offseason and was placed on a “pitch count” for much of training camp, he was an active participant with no restriction during the team’s second scrimmage of preseason. Babers said that he would like to think Syracuse won’t have to play Shrader the whole game, potentially giving time to Del Rio-Wilson who has emerged as the clear backup.
Running back
Starter: LeQuint AllenBackup: Juwuan Price
While Allen only showed up to training camp two weeks ago, he immediately got first-team reps in drills. His quickness, cuts and catching ability separated himself from the rest of the position group. Price will serve as the No. 2 back.
Wide receivers
Starters:Damien Alford, Donovan Brown, Isaiah JonesBackups: D’Marcus Adams, Umari Hatcher
Toward the end of training camp, Babers said Alford would be the No. 2 option behind Oronde Gadsden II. Equipped with the most experience out of all receivers, Alford will receive more targets once Gadsden faces some of the best coverage in the Atlantic Coast Conference. A notable absence for this week, at least, is Trebor Pena. According to Babers, the slot receiver/returner is dealing with an “owie” and will be out for the week. The injury gives Brown, who Babers equated to Wally Pipp, a start. Meanwhile, Jones will make his first appearence with SU since suffering a season-ending right-arm injury against Purdue last year.
Tight end
Starter: Oronde Gadsden IIBackups: Max Mang, Dan Villari
Gadsden remains listed as a tight end despite playing more in the slot. He will be the Orange’s No. 1 target all season. Mang will get more time as a blocker. Villari, the former Michigan quarterback, switched to tight end last season and is now listed as a backup option alongside Mang.
Offensive tackles
Starters: Enrique Cruz, David Wohlabaugh Jr.Backups: Joe Cruz, Mark Petry
Even with the turnover on the offensive line from last year, Enrique serves as a key returning piece on the offensive line, starting at left tackle. Wohlabaugh Jr., the son of former SU All-American Dave Wohlabaugh, transferred from Kentucky and will play right tackle. Joe will back up Enrique while Petry will serve as the reserve for Wohlabaugh Jr.
Guards
Starters: Chris Bleich, Joe MoreBackups: Kalan Ellis, Jakob Bradford
Similar to Wohlabaugh Jr., More transferred to Syracuse this offseason and ended up becoming a starter on the right side of the line. More arrived from Richmond this past offseason, where he started all 12 games for the Spiders and allowed just four sacks in 542 pass coverage snaps. Along with Enrique, Bleich returns as the team’s left guard. Bleich has the third-best pass-blocking grade among returning linemen.
Center
Starter: J’Onre ReedBackup: Josh Illoa
In the last week of training camp available to media, Reed worked with Shrader on snapping. He will now snap to Shrader against the Raiders on Saturday, replacing Illoa. The now-backup played in all 13 games last season but struggled, posting the lowest Pro Football Focus grade out of any SU offensive linemen.
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Syracuse football 4-star commit Jamie Tremble is freak athlete, per analyst (itlh; Adler)
Syracuse football 2024 four-star commit Jamie Tremble is recently included in a list from 247Sports of the 50 freakiest college football recruits in the senior cycle, and appropriately so.
The 6-foot-4, 205-pound wide receiver/tight end, who verbally committed to the Orange in mid-June, is a top-300 national prospect in the 2024 class, per multiple recruiting services.
Jamie Tremble, a senior at The Wesleyan School in Peachtree Corners, Ga., shines on the football field of course.
However, according to his bio on the 247Sports Web site, Tremble in high school has also played basketball and runs track and field. He is the younger brother of former Notre Dame tight end Tommy Tremble, who plays in the NFL for the Carolina Panthers.
Syracuse football 2024 four-star commit Jamie Tremble is a freak athlete, an expert says.
In his top-50 ranking of the freakiest college football prospects, 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins placed Jamie Tremble at No. 45 overall.
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https://www.si.com/college/syracuse/football/bleav-in-syracuse-episode-74 (SI; podcast; The Bleav)
Bleav in Syracuse podcast episode 74, presented by Bet Online and Hofmann Sausage Company, is out! Host Mike McAllister previews the upcoming Syracuse football season, interviews Orange basketball commit Donnie Freeman about a variety of topics including his transfer to IMG Academy, discusses the latest in Jalil Bethea's recruitment and outlines offers from Syracuse basketball elite camp. You can subscribe and listen on your favorite podcasting platforms as linked below.
Keeping Up With The 315 8-28-23 (ESPN; radio; the 315)
Brian Higgins begins the show reacting to the Syracuse football week 1 depth chart that dropped today. Then, he spins the wheel and picks out the most noteworthy comments from Dino Babers’ Monday press conference. Finally, Brian reacts to some breaking conference realignment news and hears from a familiar caller.
Adam Terry "The 315" 8-28-23 (ESPN; radio; The 315)
Syracuse Football radio analyst and former ‘Cuse and NFL offensive linemen joins Brian Higgins ahead of week 1 against Colgate to preview the season.
Locked On Syracuse Pre-Season Awards + Stat Leader Predictions (youtube.com; podcast; Locked on Syracuse)
It is finally game week for Syracuse Football in a fresh 2023 campaign. On your Monday Episode of Locked On Syracuse, Owen Valentine predicts who will win a number of in-house awards for Cuse Football. Who will be the players of the year? Who will be the breakout newcomers? Who will lead each statistical category?
Dan Fetes "The 315" 8-28-23 (ESPN; radio; The 315)
WHAM Sports Reporter Dan Fetes hops on with Brian to update him on the latest happenings from Bills camp. Plus, they chat about the chances that former Syracuse DE Kingsley Jonathan could make the roster and what role CNY native Latavius Murray might have this season.
The Syracuse vs. Colgate Rivalry By the Numbers (orangefizz.net; Aitken)
Colgate is one of Syracuse’s oldest rivalries in football, although the teams haven’t played much as of late, with just two clashes since 2000. If you’ve forgotten a bit about the series with the Red Raiders, here are some of the most important numbers to keep in mind.
31-31-5
Believe it or not, that’s actually the series record between these two teams. Colgate won 12 of the first 16 matchups. Since then, the Red Raiders have struggled mightily, getting bumped down to the FCS level when D-1 split back in the 1970s. Despite this, SU and Colgate are very even historically, thanks to that early dominance from Colgate.
16
That’s how many matchups the Orange have won in a row, dating back to 1951. While the all-time series has been competitive, that’s not the case in the last several decades.
19-14
The score of the 1950 edition of the rivalry, the last time Colgate beat Syracuse.
1891
The year of the first game between the Orange and the Red Raiders. Colgate traveled to Syracuse and picked up a gritty 22-16 win on the road.
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ACC Football Road Trip: Wake Forest (8/29/23) - Live Stream - Watch ESPN (ESPN; video; ACC DN)
ACC Football Road Trip: Virginia
SU football bowl watch: With Pinstripe likely off the table, where will Orange land? (PS; $; Carlson)
For the second consecutive year, Syracuse and coach Dino Babers enter the year with bowl-or-bust conversations surrounding the season and his tenure.
Babers led the Orange to the Pinstripe Bowl last season. The bowl game has been SU’s destination three of the last five times it was bowl eligible.
Because of that recent appearance, and the fact SU is playing Pittsburgh at Yankee Stadium on Nov. 11, it’s highly unlikely the Orange would make a return visit this season.
The logic that often sees Syracuse sent to New York, however, still applies.
Bowl games are created to make money, both through ticket sales and television. TV wants to generate ratings, so storylines and meetings between big brands matter too. Bowls want to create games that fans are going to be able to attend, so geography matters too.
That’s why you’ll see most expert projections peg Syracuse for the two Northern-most bowl games, the Military Bowl and the Fenway Bowl.
Here is a look at the ACC’s bowl tie-ins this season, along with some ideas on who might end up where and why.
College Football Playoff Tier
Sugar Bowl in New Orleans: Florida State
One of two College Football Playoff semifinals this year, along with the Rose Bowl. The Seminoles are one of two ACC programs with a decent chance entering the season.
Orange Bowl Tier
Orange Bowl in Miami: Clemson
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,,,
Tier 2
Military Bowl vs. American Athletic Conference in Annapolis, Maryland: Syracuse
The Orange’s strong contingent of Washington D.C. alumni and the school’s efforts to make itself one of the country’s top schools for veterans make this a sensible pairing.
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Syracuse Football: 2023 predictions from the TNIAAM staff (TNIAAM; Staff)
The 2023 Syracuse Orange football season is here and now we’ve got to give you our predictions. We asked the staff to give you their overall record, ACC record, bowl game and various individual awards.
Overall record/ACC record & Bowl Game (if applicable)
Andy: 7-5, Military Bowl. I think it’s clear that the schedule has worked itself out in a way that if the Orange can get through their three-game slate of Clemson-@UNC-@FSU healthy, there’s a great chance to find up to 3 wins against middling teams in the conference.
Mike: 8-4, 4-4, Duke's Mayo Bowl. This is the weakest ACC football has looked in a very long time. No Notre Dame means sweeping all four OOC games is very feasible, and everything outside of Clemson and FSU are at least winnable. This particular bowl would be a Hollywood ending for Garrett Shrader, even more so if Mississippi State is the SEC representative.
Dom: 7-5, 4-4, Pop-Tarts Bowl. Syracuse has the potential to be 4-0 if it can survive on the road to Purdue - easily the most season-deciding game that isn’t in the last week of the season. Even with the gauntlet of a mid-season slate that Andy mentioned, the Orange would only need 2-3 wins against any of Boston College, Wake Forest, Georgia Tech or Pittsburgh to clinch a bowl game.
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ESPN's Andrea Adelson talks Syracuse football, realignment (player.fm; podcastl Cuse Podcast)
ESPN's Andrea Adelson discusses the latest with ACC realignment and gives her predictions for the 2023 Syracuse football season with host Wes Cheng on The Juice on the Cuse Podcast, presented by . Afterward, former Syracuse linebacker Jake Flaherty discusses what SU needs this season to head to a bowl game.
BoilerUpload - 4 Days to Purdue Football: Deion Burks & Kydran Jenkins (tinyurl.com; Miller)
One of the players that is expected to breakout in 2023 is the offensive one on today's countdown, while the defensive player had his breakout the last two seasons.
Deion Burks - So (RS)
Belleville, MI (Belleville HS)
5'11", 195 pounds
Wide Receiver
2023 Projection: Starter
In yesterday's initial depth chart Burks was named as a starter. In the press conference with coach Walters he was called "the fastest guy on the team" and "a freak". That is high praise for a player entering his third season at Purdue. As a true freshman in 2021 he played in just four games and was able to hold on to his redshirt. His biggest contribution was a 26 yard reception in the bowl game against Tennessee that set up a touchdown.
Last season he law a larger role. He played in all 14 games and had 15 receptions for 149 yards. He also served as a kickoff returner and special teams player, notching 278 return yards and five tackles.
This year big things are expected of him. He has tremendous speed, so look for Purdue to get the ball in his hands in a variety of ways. The Boilers need receivers to step up and Burks looks like a guy that will step up.
Kydran Jenkins - Sr.
Louisville, GA (Jefferson County HS)
6'1", 260 pounds
Outside Linebacker
2023 Projection: Starter
For the last two seasons Jenkins has been a regular starter on the edge. He has 25 starts in the 27 games played the last two seasons and has notched nine sacks, 57 tackles, and 16 tackles for loss. This was after playing in just one game as a freshman in 2020. Because he played that season he still has a COVID year as well, so he could return for next season.
In 2021 he led the team in sacks with First Round pick Georige Karlaftis, which is high praise. He does a little bit of everything and specializes in getting into the backfield to cause a lot of problems. He even blocked a kick last season at Indiana.
This year should be a big year for Jenkins. He was an Honorable Mention all-Big Ten selection last year, so he will be a major contributor in 2023.
ACC News
UPDATE: ACC Meeting Postponed Due to a Shooter (RX; HM)
UPDATE: ACC Meeting Postponed Due to a Shooter
(apparently twitter/X is broken)
Just wanted to let everyone know that the ACC expansion vote has apparently been postponed due to a shooter on the campus of UNC [LINK].
Tough to get excited about sports when stuff like that happens.
Report: Potential ACC Expansion to be Determined This Week (pittsburghsportsnow.com; Ludwig)
Don’t look now, but it appears that the ACC will decide this week whether or not to expand.
After continued discussion over the weekend, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that ACC officials are working to gather presidents and chancellors on a call at some point this week. He further reported that while nothing is currently finalized, a decision is expected to be made this week — either way — when it comes to adding Cal, Stanford and SMU.
Additionally, Thamel reported that ACC officials are still trying to figure out how the money made by adding Cal, Stanford and SMU would be distributed amongst the member schools.
According to Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger, the ACC could earn just about $72 million in new money by adding Cal, Stanford and SMU to the conference.
“The ACC’s television contract with ESPN includes a pro-rata clause requiring the network to increase the value of the deal by one Tier 1 share for every new member — believed to be about $24 million a share, or about 70% of a full ACC share, which includes Tiers 1-3,” Dellenger wrote.
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ACC About To Add Cal, Stanford & SMU? What Does It Mean For the Big 12? - The Neighborhood Watch (youtube.com; podcast; Crystal Ball CFB)
Josh Neighbors shares his thoughts on the latest news in college football, conference realignment, ACC expansion, Big 12 expansion, the survival of the Pac-12 & more. He discusses the news that the ACC could be on the verge of adding Cal, Stanford & SMU. He talks about the impacts of those moves & what it could mean for the Big 12.
https://www.si.com/fannation/colleg...ent-acc-to-decide-on-cal-stanford-smu-reports (SI; Parks)
The next phase of college football conference realignment could be decided in the next few hours as the ACC plans to meet and potentially vote on the motion to add three schools — Cal, Stanford, and SMU — as members of the league, according to multiple media reports.
Reports have connected the ACC to those three schools for the last several weeks, especially after the apparent implosion of the Pac-12 following a tidal wave of realignment moves that saw five more schools announce they will leave. Here's what you need to know about the developing story.
What's next: ACC presidents have officially scheduled a meeting for Monday night to discuss the possibility of adding the two Pac-12 schools and the AAC member to the conference, and it's widely expected that they will have a formal vote on the matter.
Where the ACC stands: ACC members carried out a straw poll in recent weeks about adding any new members with that ballot falling just one vote shy of the 75 percent threshold that would be required in a formal vote to make any additions to the conference.
- Notre Dame has a vote and is in favor of expansion, principally to maintain its historic football rivalry with Stanford
- Clemson, Florida State, North Carolina, and NC State were the "no" votes in that straw poll, per insiders
- Stanford and Cal will take around $8 million per year each, or around 30 percent of the ACC's normal distribution to start off
- SMU is willing to take no distribution at all for the first seven years, according to insiders, for the chance to join the Power Five
- Those decisions will allow the ACC to free up around $50 million per year in new money, which it hopes will appease some of its more rebellious, exit-minded members
- Florida State has said openly it may have to leave the conference if it doesn't make more money
Stanford, Cal & SMU To The ACC DONE DEAL? College Football Conference Realignment Rumors (youtube;.com; podcast; Chat Sports)
College Football conference realignment rumors are hot today from ESPN College GameDay Insider Pete Thamel on Stanford, Cal and SMU to the ACC. According to Thamel, the latest College Football news is that a deal is close on adding Stanford, Cal and SMU as full-time members to the ACC with a partial revenue share. The big ACC rumors are surrounding who will be the next team to come in and approve the full time all-sports memberships of Cal, SMU and Stanford, as the league needs one more vote for approval from Florida State, Clemson, North Carolina and NC State. Chat Sports host Tyler Jones breaks down everything you need to know of the latest College Football conference realignment news in the ACC and what it means for the rest of the PAC-12, as well as the Big 12, SEC and Big Ten on today’s show.
2023 ACC football predictions: Projected standings and players to watch preview | FOX Sports (foxsports.com; Fischer)
This was far from a quiet offseason throughout the ACC footprint, as conference realignment elsewhere has only added to the unease among many of the members about the future.
On the field, the product has been going through some ups and downs as well, with the middle class of programs looking stronger but the league failing to produce a CFP contender for the second year in a row.
Despite all that, this just might be the most interesting season in a while along the coast. Clemson and Florida State are both ranked in the top 10 and could play twice, there's a potential No. 1 overall pick at North Carolina, and new coaches like Jeff Brohm are bringing plenty of fresh energy to dark horse contenders like Louisville.
With that in mind, here's a look at every team in the ACC listed in a predicted order of finish:
ATLANTIC DIVISION
Clemson
Coach: Dabo Swinney (15th season, 161-39 overall)
Last season: 11-3 overall, 8-0 ACC
Postseason: Lost to Tennessee in Orange Bowl
Players to Watch: QB Cade Klubnik — Threw for 680 yards, 2 TDs, and 2 INTs in his final two games in taking over for DJ Uiagalelei. RB Will Shipley — First-Team All-ACC pick rushed for 1,182 yards and 15 touchdowns while also being a threat out of the backfield. LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. — 2022 All-American after leading the team in tackles, tackles for loss and sacks.
What we're excited to watch: Broyles Award winner Garrett Riley arrives from TCU to revamp an offense that struggled to find much consistency or explosiveness.
What success looks like: The Tigers failed to make the CFP in consecutive seasons for the first time since the playoff began and ending that streak is the goal for Swinney and company.
Achilles' heel: The lack of explosive playmakers beyond Shipley remains a cause for concern as Antonio Williams led the team in receiving as a freshman and there were no notable transfers added to the offense.
X-Factor: How much a difference the new offense will make for a team that remains far more talented than anybody on their schedule.
Clemson replaces Brandon Streeter with TCU's Garrett Riley | Number One College Football Show
Florida State
Coach: Mike Norvell (4th season at FSU, eighth as a head coach. 56-31 overall)
Last season: 10-3 overall, 5-3 ACC
Postseason: Beat Oklahoma in Cheez-It Bowl
Players to Watch: QB Jordan Travis — Heisman Trophy candidate had 32 touchdowns and just five interceptions last year when he led the league in quarterback rating. WR Johnny Wilson — Notched 202 of his nearly 900 yards in the bowl game and is Travis' go-to pass catcher. DE Jared Verse — Potential top-10 pick returned to school after recording nine sacks and earning first-team All-ACC honors.
What we're excited to watch: Are the ‘Noles back? A difficult early schedule will put a loaded roster to the test.
What success looks like: Winning the ACC and threatening a return to the College Football Playoff are the aims in Tallahassee.
Achilles' heel: FSU has lost seven straight to conference rival Clemson and have to go to Death Valley this year.
X-Factor: Wideout Keon Coleman transferred in after leading Michigan State in receptions, yards and touchdowns to give Travis yet another dangerous target in the passing game.
Louisville
Coach: Jeff Brohm (1st season at Louisville, 10th as a head coach. 66-44 overall)
Last season: 8-5 overall, 4-4 ACC
Postseason: Beat Cincinnati in Fenway Bowl
Players to Watch: QB Jack Plummer — Former Purdue and Cal transfer has experience in Brohm's system and 25 starts under his belt. RB Jawhar Jordan — Averaged 5.7 yards/carry last season while doubling as a threat out of the backfield. WR Jamari Thrash — First-Team All-Sun Belt selection at Georgia State after 1,122 yards and 7 TDs.
What we're excited to watch: Brohm knows as well as any head coach how to put on an offensive show and should have plenty to work with taking over at his alma mater.
What success looks like: The schedule sets up for nine or more wins but the key for the new staff is getting even with in-state rival Kentucky to end the campaign.
Achilles' heel: The offensive line is replacing three of five starters up front while not adding too much in the trenches via the portal.
X-Factor: The secondary has been completely revamped for new defensive coordinators Ron English and Mark Hagen, which could help the Cardinals remain salty on the backend.
North Carolina State
Coach: Dave Doeren (11th season at N.C. State, 13th as a head coach. 95-58 overall)
Last season: 8-5 overall, 4-4 ACC
Postseason: Lost to Maryland in Duke's Mayo Bowl.
Players to Watch: QB Brennan Armstrong — Prolific passer and Virginia transfer reunites with OC Robert Anae. WR Bradley Rozner — Eighth-year senior receiver arrives from Rice after averaging nearly 20 yards per catch in 2022. CB Aydan White — First-team All-ACC pick had four interceptions last season.
What we're excited to watch: Armstrong and Anae should be throwing the ball all over the yard to help juice an offense that had finished 116th in FBS in yards per play a year ago.
What success looks like: Reaching double-digit wins is an elusive mark the Wolfpack have aiming for but matching last year's win total with a much more productive offense will probably be enough.
Achilles' heel: There will be new faces all throughout the spine of the ACC's best defense from the past two years.
X-Factor: Armstrong is a veteran and can help win games if he cuts down on the turnovers that plagued him during his final year in Charlottesville.
Syracuse
Coach: Dino Babers (8th season at Syracuse, 12th as a head coach. 73-65 overall)
Last season: 7-6 overall, 4-4 ACC
Postseason: Lost to Minnesota in Pinstripe Bowl
Players to Watch: QB Garrett Shrader — Sneaky dual-threat who had 17 touchdowns through the air and nine on the ground. TE Oronde Gadsden II — First-team All-ACC last year who was among the best pass catchers at his position last year in FBS (969 yards, 6 TDs). LB Marlowe Wax — Had a team-high 91 tackles (10.5 for a loss) and 4.5 sacks last season.
What we're excited to watch: Veteran head coach Rocky Long is running the 3-3-5 defense in upstate New York this year.
What success looks like: Reaching a bowl game is always the goal for the Orange but a better second half of the year is paramount.
Achilles' heel: The loss of tailback Sean Tucker leaves a massive vacuum in the run game and could make Syracuse even more one-dimensional.
X-Factor: There's an almost entirely new secondary for Long to develop if the team has a hope of slowing opponents down this year.
Wake Forest
Coach: Dave Clawson (10th season at Wake Forest, 24 as a head coach. 149-133 overall)
Last season: 8-5 overall, 3-5 ACC
Postseason: Beat Missouri in Gasparilla Bowl
Players to Watch: RB Justice Ellison – All-ACC caliber back who had 707 yards and six touchdowns last season. WR Donavon Greene — Leading returning receiver for the Deacs averaged 17.4 yards per catch in 2022. DL Jasheen Davis — Disruptor up front had six sacks and 13 TFL a year ago.
What we're excited to watch: Despite losing plenty on the offensive side of the ball, the slow mesh is a thing of beauty and is why Wake has averaged 35+ points per game the last three years.
What success looks like: Reaching or exceeding eight wins would be a big accomplishment given the number contributors Clawson must replace.
Achilles' heel: The defense has been near the bottom of the ACC for the past several years and returns only five starters.
X-Factor: New QB Mitch Griffis is replacing a school legend in Sam Hartman and will determine just how much of a rebuilding job this season will be.
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Another Reason ACC Needs to Expand? (RX; HM)
Another Reason ACC Needs to Expand?
From Brett McMurphy:
Given that there are only 15 members in the ACC now, the loss of just ONE (e.g. Florida State) would therefore trigger a renegotiation - downward. However, if adding 3 teams gives the ACC a buffer against that disastrous result, it's a no-brainer.
Friedlander: First impressions of every ACC football game in Week 1 - Saturday Road (saturdayroad.com; Friedlander)
The ACC has a chance to strengthen itself this week.
And no, it has nothing to do with the addition of Stanford, California, Southern Methodist or anyone else as new members of the conference.
This opportunity will be presented on the field of play when 2 of its top current teams, Florida State and North Carolina, take on SEC opponents in neutral-site games.
The Seminoles can back up all the outside love they’ve been receiving this offseason and the “we’re better than the ACC and deserve more revenue than everyone else” bluster from within by beating LSU for the 2nd straight year.
This time closer to home in Orlando, Fla.
North Carolina, meanwhile, can help its own cause, boost quarterback Drake Maye’s Heisman Trophy candidacy and boost its conference’s national perception by taking down South Carolina in Charlotte, N.C.
They’re the 2 marquee nonconference matchups, along with an early ACC showdown between Clemson and Duke, highlighting a busy, important opening week featuring 12 games over a busy 5-day span.
Here’s how the matchups shake out:
NC State at UConn
When – Thursday, 7:30 pm ETTV – CBS Sports Network
The Wolfpack made quick work of UConn in Raleigh last season, rolling up a 4-touchdown lead by halftime and cruising to a 41-10 victory. But the Huskies no longer are the doormat they were when they went 4-32 during the 4 seasons before Jim Mora took over as coach.
They rallied to win 6 games and make it to the Myrtle Beach Bowl last season. And they’re at home for what could be a tricky season opener if NC State shows up expecting a walkover. UConn should be better offensively with the addition of transfer quarterback Joseph Fagnano from Maine.
Still, there’s a reason why coach Dave Doeren’s team is a 14.5-point favorite. The Wolfpack has a defense that allowed the fewest points in the ACC last season and despite the introduction of a new quarterback, graduate transfer Brennan Armstrong already should be in sync now that he has been reunited with his former offensive coordinator while at Virginia, Robert Anae.
Elon at Wake Forest
When – Thursday, 7 pm ETTV – ACC Network
For the 2nd straight year, the Deacons will open their season on a Thursday night against a Football Championship Subdivision opponent with Mitch Griffis at quarterback. Only this time, Griffis is the bonafide starter rather than a temporary fill-in for Sam Hartman. And unlike Virginia Military Institute last season, Elon will come to Winston-Salem, N.C., with a veteran team coming off a playoff appearance.
The Phoenix returns 4 starters on the offensive line, along with 1,000-yard rusher Jalen Hampton. But Wake Forest has won 11 of the 12 meetings between the neighboring rivals, with the only non-win coming in a scoreless tie in 1927. The Deacons won the most recent game 49-7 in 2019.
While Elon should present more of a challenge this time, this should be little more than a confidence-building tune-up for Dave Clawson’s deeper, more talented and more physical team.
Miami vs. Miami (Ohio)
When – Friday, 7 pm ETTV – ACC Network
Will the real Miami please stand up?
Welcome to the matchup once dubbed “The Confusion Bowl,” a matchup in which the buildup undoubtedly will be more interesting than the actual game. Redhawks quarterback Brett Gabbert, the younger brother of Kansas City Chiefs backup Blaine Gabbert, already has thrown down the gauntlet by declaring his team is the “real” Miami and that it will “show (the Hurricanes) on Sept. 1st.”
All-American safety Kamren Kinchens and his teammates might have something to say about that. This will be the 1st major test of the extreme makeover Mario Cristobal did on his roster through the transfer portal during the offseason.
At least 1 thing is certain. No matter what happens on the field at Hard Rock Stadium, it’s a mortal lock that Miami will win the game. Of course, it’s just as much of a sure thing that Miami also will lose.
Louisville vs. Georgia Tech at Mercedes Benz Stadium
When – Friday, 7:30 pm ETTV – ESPN
The Cardinals and Yellow Jackets square off in a battle of the ACC’s 2 1st-year coaches.
Technically, it’s Brent Key’s 2nd season, since he led Tech on an interim basis for the final 8 games after replacing Geoff Collins last season. He earned a 5-year, $15 million contract by going 4-4 in those games and will be looking to carry the momentum over into 2023.
Jeff Brohm, by contrast, returns to his alma mater amid great fanfare after a successful run at Purdue. He inherits a team that led the nation with 50 sacks and was among the best at forcing turnovers while qualifying for the Fenway Bowl under predecessor Scott Satterfield.
Both teams will be starting transfer quarterbacks with Tech turning to Haynes King from Texas A&M and Louisville handing the keys to its offense to Cal’s Jack Plummer. The Cardinals figure to have the edge in that position battle, since Plummer played his 1st 3 seasons for Brohm with the Boilermakers.
While this might only be the 1st game, it’s pivotal for both teams. Especially the Yellow Jackets, whose pathway to 6 wins and bowl eligibility is much more narrow than that of Louisville, which won the scheduling lottery by avoiding Clemson, Florida State and North Carolina – the top 3 teams in the ACC’s preseason poll.
Virginia vs. Tennessee at Nashville
When – Saturday, noon ETTV – ABC
The Cavaliers will be playing at Nissan Stadium for the 1st time since their 34-31 win against Minnesota in the 2005 Music City Bowl. But the circumstances couldn’t be more different.
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2023 Biggest FB Brands (RX; HM)
2023 Biggest FB Brands
Who are the top brands in all of college football?
From 247Sports: College football's 25 biggest brands, ranked
The most recognizable programs in college football, according to high school recruits - by Brad Crawford
Here are college football's top 25 programs in terms of brand recognition according to high school athletes:
25. South Carolina Gamecocks
24. Maryland Terrapins
23. Mississippi State Bulldogs
22. Michigan State Spartans
21. Auburn Tigers
20. UCLA Bruins
19. USC Trojans
18. Tennessee Volunteers
17. Florida State Seminoles
16. Michigan Wolverines
15. Ole Miss Rebels
14. North Carolina Tar Heels
13. Penn State Nittany Lions
12. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
11. Florida Gators
10. MIAMI HURRICANES
9. OREGON DUCKS
8. TEXAS LONGHORNS
7. TEXAS A&M AGGIES
6. LSU TIGERS
5. CLEMSON TIGERS
4. OKLAHOMA SOONERS
3. GEORGIA BULLDOGS
2. OHIO STATE BUCKEYES
1. ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
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BREAKDOWN
ACC: 4.5 (tbd in 2024)SEC: 10 (12 in 2024)
B1G: 5 (8 in 2024)
XII: 2 (zero in 2024)
2023 Week 1 is Here! (RX; HM)
2023 Week 1 is Here!
The first full week of the 2023 College Football Season has arrived, and with it, ACC Football returns as well. Here's the Week 1 TV schedule, along with some comments from yours truly...
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Best Game/Best OOC: LSU vs Florida State
Last year's game in New Orleans was an instant classic. We're all hoping this year's version in Orlando lives up to the hype - but we'll take a Seminole victory how ever it happens.Runner-up: S Carolina vs. N Carolina
It's very important for the Tar Heels to start the season 1-0.
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Best ACC Game: Clemson at Duke
The Tigers are trying to get back into the playoffs, but this year's Blue Devils should pose a formidable obstacle - Clemson better be ready!Runner-up: Louisville at Georgia Tech
Both of these teams are expected to be much-improved, but who will win? That's the question!
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Clemson vs Notre Dame, Revisited (RX; HM)
Clemson vs Notre Dame, Revisited
In the article "ACC vs ND 2013-22" I stated that the record of the Clemson/Notre Dame football series since 2013 is 3-2 in favor of Clemson. This cause some confusion, which I'll try to clarify here.
Modern History (under the ND/ACC Scheduling Agreement):
Date Opponent (record) Result Score Site
11/5/2022 Clemson @ Notre Dame L 14 35
11/7/2020 Clemson @ Notre Dame L 40 47
12/19/2020 Clemson vs. Notre Dame W 34 10 @ Charlotte, NC (ACC Championship)
12/29/2018 Clemson vs. Notre Dame W 30 3 @ Arlington, TX (Cotton Bowl)
10/3/2015 Notre Dame @ Clemson W 24 22
Since 2013, Clemson is, indeed, 3-2 against Notre Dame (but the Irish have won the last two regular season games).
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Faculty member fatally shot in University of North Carolina building (PS; AP)
A shooter killed a faculty member in a science building at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on Monday, police said after a lockdown that paralyzed the campus community as authorities searched for the suspect.
Police arrested the suspect over three hours after the initial reports of shots fired came in from Caudill Labs, officials said at a news conference. Charges were pending, and the suspect was not immediately identified.
University officials also did not immediately identify the staffer who was killed and said it was too soon to offer a possible motive.
“This loss is devastating, and the shooting damages the trust and safety that we so often take for granted in our campus community,” Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz said.
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Other
Day 7 at the NYS Fair: Today’s handpicked menu and schedule (PS; Miller)
Monday was Law Enforcement Day (and Maple Day) at the New York State Fair. During Happy Hour on the Midway, a dozen or so police cars from different Central New York police agencies lit up their colorful strobes and followed bagpipe ensembles past the food and beer stands leading toward the State Police exhibit.
It only makes sense that today is Fire, Rescue and EMS Day. Active and retired first responders get to pass through the gates at no cost, other than to accept our pats on their backs. Their parade starts at 6 p.m.
It’s also Beef Day here. Cattle, by default, get into the Fair for free, too.
And with that, let’s get to what we’re eating today.
Today’s Menu
In a meeting to plan our State Fair coverage, my boss lifted a line from the classic movie “Animal House” as a parental-like suggestion: “Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, Charlie.” To which I replied, “Why not? It’s the Fair.” After all, I write about food and drinks for syracuse.com and The Post-Standard, and I rely on readers to tell me what’s good. That’s what I do at the Fair too. If you find something that makes your belly smile, text me at 315-382-1984 and I’ll give it a shot. I might join you for a meal or drink and pick up the tab if I write about it.
Breakfast: Whether you’re hosting an early meeting at the office, or if you’re rushing to watch another cow give birth on the west end of the Fairgrounds, you must start the day with a square meal. You can find plenty of those here. And if you don’t have time for a sit-down meal of bacon and eggs on a Styrofoam plate, grab a breakfast sandwich on the fly.
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Herman's Hermits play the NYS Fair Charlie Miller
Like last year, the year before that and decades before that, Herman’s Hermits fills Chevy Court (PS; Miller)
The New York State Fair is full of the same-old same-ols. It’s actually comforting. You can come here and eat the same foods, you can ride the same rides, and see the same people year after year.
Peter Noone and his band of Herman’s Hermits are among those State Fair people. They play Chevy Court pretty much every year. On Monday, the English band that’s been performing together since 1964 returned for another hourlong set that included “I’m Into Something Good,” “Daydream Believer” and “Wonderful World.”
After the show, hundreds of fans waited patiently to meet Peter Noone and have him sign old album covers and t-shirts. He repeatedly obliged until the line disappeared.
Landscapers and gardeners across CNY are seeing "explosive" growth of poison ivy this year. (File Photo) Staten Island Advance
How Canadian wildfires and extreme weather fueled a furious crop of poison ivy in CNY this summer (PS; Featherstone)
Poison ivy is having a banner year in Central New York, climbing up trees and creeping into yards with greater vigor than ever.
“I’ve been in this business for almost 30-plus years and I’ve not seen it this bad,” said Dave Oakley, groundcrews supervisor for TJ’s Lawns Plus in Cicero.
Many landscapers and master gardeners we spoke to, from Watertown to Ithaca, Baldwinsville to Chittenango, report similar observations: poison ivy’s growth this season has been explosive.
So why is this year different? Doug Beyel, owner of Chittenango Landscape, blames last spring’s drought, which was followed by plenty of rain and warm temperatures.
“When you get a heat wave, most plants will go dormant or die,” Beyel said. “If they don’t die, as soon as they get the moisture they need to survive, they’ll explode and push out a ton of growth, and that’s exactly what happened. Plants just took off.”
You might have noticed the same pattern in your own backyard. The spring drought turned many lawns into dry patches of yellow grass; but now, in the middle of August, they’re unusually lush and green.
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