sutomcat
No recent Cali or Iggy awards; Mr Irrelevant
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2011
- Messages
- 25,318
- Like
- 109,474
Welcome to National Read a Book Day!
National Read a Book Day encourages people to pause from their busy lives to spend the day reading a book of their choosing. While the holiday takes place just one day a year, on September 6, reading can be a daily, lifetime endeavor, which is what National Read a Book Day aims to engender. Libraries have marked National Read a Book Day with book giveaways and recommendations. Book stores have taken part too, offering discounts on books on the day. Even the highest rungs of the United States government have gotten involved in the day when First Lady Melania Trump donated books by Dr. Seuss to a public school in each state in honor of the day.
SU News
Clark says there's 'no boundaries' for him Long's defense (PS; Leiker)
Asked Tuesday what worked for him in Syracuse football’s season-opening win, Alijah Clark had a quick response.
“Rocky Long,” the third-year safety said with grin.
All of the Orange’s defensive players have spoken highly of their new defensive coordinator, but Clark especially so, as he went on to say Long put him in all the right spots Saturday to make big plays.
The second-year starting safety posted the team’s highest defensive grade (87.5) in SU’s season-opening shutout per Pro Football Focus and also had the No. 6 grade in the country. He had seven tackles and a fumble recovery against Colgate.
He led Syracuse’s defense in grades across the board except in pass coverage, where he came in second (79.4%) behind cornerback Jeremiah Wilson (87.7%).
While it’s a small sample size, those are significant improvements over Clark’s 2022 season grades. His highest single-game overall defensive grade was 71.9% last year against Connecticut.
"Rocky, I feel like, he lets me go,” Clark said. “There’s no boundaries to what I do. It’s no, ‘You gotta move this way or that way.’ He gives me a spot to be at and I’m gonna make sure I be in that spot because he trusts me with doing that, and I trust him with the play calls that he calls.”
...
Former SU QB Charley Loeb trained Carlos Del Rio-Wilson this summer (DO; O'Brien)
When Carlos Del Rio-Wilson first started practicing with Charley Loeb, there was one key piece of information he didn’t know — Loeb was a quarterback at Syracuse from 2009-13.
When Loeb realized that Del Rio-Wilson had no idea, he decided to mess with SU’s backup quarterback. Loeb gave Del Rio-Wilson a few unfamiliar schemes before showing him an old playbook from when he was Syracuse’s signal caller. Del Rio-Wilson did a double take and said, “Oh, !”
“As the week progressed, me and him got closer and closer,” Del Rio-Wilson said. “We started having more conversations outside of football and that’s how I found out.”
Del Rio-Wilson made his first collegiate start on Nov. 15 against Pittsburgh in an eventual 19-9 loss. A few weeks earlier, he showed flashes of potential versus Notre Dame in relief of an injured Garrett Shrader on Oct. 29. But, with glimpses of quality play also came two interceptions and a 43% completion rate.
Starting last May, the Florida transfer worked with Loeb on his consistency by going back to basics. Both trainer and trainee said the work has paid off. Del Rio-Wilson threw for three touchdowns and 149 yards in SU’s season-opening win against Colgate.
“I definitely feel like that’s one of the best quarterback coaches that I ever trained with,” Del Rio-Wilson said of Loeb. “He definitely helped me out with my performance on the field.”
During his five seasons at Syracuse, Loeb only threw the ball 12 times. He served as the team’s primary holder on field goals and PATs. Still, Loeb committed to the position that he had always played. He aided SU’s quarterbacks in 2014 as a student assistant before becoming an assistant coach at Buckingham Browne & Nichols School in Cambridge, Mass.
...
Syracuse Football: Key takeaways from the ‘Cuse 65-0 win over Colgate (itlh; Fiello)
The Syracuse football team started the 2023 season with a decisive home victory over CNY neighbor Colgate, 65-0. This win was a chance to show what you’d want to see in a game like this: that they came to play and dominate an FCS opponent.
I’m not shy in admitting I am a fan of these games to open the season or a “preseason” or as “Voice of the Orange” Matt Park stated on ESPN Syracuse’s Orange Nation program leading up to the game, even a spring opponent.
...
https://www.si.com/college/syracuse/football/former-syracuse-wide-receiver-mike-williams-passes-away (SI; McAllister)
Former Syracuse and NFL wide receiver Mike Williams has passed away at the young age 36, according to multiple reports Tuesday night, as a result of an accident while working on a construction site. Thoughts and prayers go out to Williams' friends and family.
Williams, a Buffalo native, was one of the most talented and productive wide receivers in Syracuse football history. Over three seasons, Williams caught 133 passes for 2,044 yards and 20 touchdowns. At one point, he caught a touchdown pass in nine straight games, setting a school record. Williams currently ranks ninth in school history in total receptions, eighth in total yards and is tied for second with Marvin Harrison in touchdown receptions.
His productivity and talent led to a fourth round NFL Draft selection by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2010. Williams played five seasons in the NFL, four with the Bucs and one with the hometown Buffalo Bills. Over those five seasons, he caught 223 passes for 3,089 yards and 26 touchdowns.
...
https://www.si.com/college/syracuse/football/labatt-strikes-partnership-with-syracuse-athletics (SI; Della Penna)
As fall sports are officially in full swing for the Orange, Labatt Brewing Company has entered a new partnership with the Syracuse athletic department. This three-year deal is the largest collegiate partnership for Labatt, as they become the “Official Canadian Import of Syracuse Athletics.” Cuse fans are able to enjoy America’s top-selling Canadian beer at the JMA Wireless Dome, and at local bars and restaurants near campus.
Before Saturday’s season opener against Colgate, Labatt Blue Light hosted an ultimate Cuse fan tailgate party for adults 21 and older at The Orange Crate. Over 200 fans attended the event and got free t-shirts to commemorate the new sponsorship. Cuse fans also had a sneak peek of the new Syracuse-themed tap handles, and neon signs that change depending what athletic programs are in season. Central New York market manager Lauren Tarson views fun interactive events like this as something that fans should continue to expect moving forward.
...
2025 ATH Jourdin Houston discusses Syracuse offer (247sports.com; Finneral)
Class of 2025 athlete Jourdin Houston was offered by Syracuse back in June of 2022. Houston was very excited to pick up an offer from the in-state Orange.
“I love Syracuse,” Houston said. “It’s an amazing hometown offer.”
Houston hails from Middle Village in Queens, New York. He formerly played at Christ the King High School, but is now with St. Thomas More School in Oakdale, Connecticut. Houston enjoys the relationship the Syracuse coaches build with the players.
“The coaching staff are very locked into the players and they show their love,” Houston said.
Houston is an explosive wide receiver, who has gained plenty of attention in the recruiting realm. Along with Syracuse, he has earned offers from Penn State, Michigan State, Minnesota, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, West Virginia, Boston College and others. Houston remains interested in the Orange as his junior season begins.
“Syracuse is definitely high in my radar,” he said.
Houston has not visited Syracuse yet, but said he plans to attend a game this fall. Houtson has seen the success Syracuse has had in the run game and thinks he would be a valuable asset to bolster the passing game.
...
Syracuse's Schedule Looks Like It's Opening Up (orangefizz.net; Frank)
Entering the 2023 season, Syracuse had a lot of expectations after winning seven games and getting to its first bowl game in four years in 2022. But, the Orange were presented with a very challenging schedule that included games against the three possible best teams in the conference all in a row, plus not a single home game in October.
On top of that, SU had to pay the debt of hosting Purdue last season with a trip to West Lafayette in 2023, as well as playing Pittsburgh, an annual loss on the schedule, at a neutral site at Yankee Stadium instead of at home in the JMA Wireless Dome.
Heading into the year, it seemed pretty likely that Syracuse would be 3-4 or 4-3 after its bye week, with losses to Clemson, North Carolina, and Florida State (the three teams referenced earlier), plus that difficult Big Ten trip to Purdue. But, after week one, things have changed dramatically in how SU might stand after that bye week, where it looked likely the Orange were going to be fighting for bowl eligibility, that may not be the case anymore.
The Boilermakers, who do have a new coach and quarterback, lost at home to Fresno State 39-35, showing that road trip may not be the most intimidating or difficult one anymore. The Bulldogs are no slouch, as they did go 10-4 in 2022 with a win in the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl over Washington State last December. That should provide Syracuse and its fans some more optimism that the Orange can go to Indiana and win, but the challenges of playing on the road, at night, and on national television are still large obstacles to overcome for a team that perennially does not play well away from home.
...
Keeping Up with the 315 9-5-23 (ESPN; radio; The 315)
Today, Brian started the show recapping Syracuse Football’s big week one win before going into other ACC news. He then takes calls from viewers to discuss Syracuse, the conference as a whole the portal, and more.
David Wohlabaugh "The 315" 9-5-23 (ESPN; radio; The 315)
Syracuse offensive tackle David Wohlabaugh joins Brian Higgins to discuss why he transferred to Syracuse, his week one performance, SU family ties and more.
Syracuse football: introducing the Duke’s Mayo Bowl O’Meter (TNIAAM; Chiappone)
Syracuse Orange fans, it’s been far too long since our last bowl update. Far too long, I tell you!
The Orange took care of business last year following its 6-0 start and landed in the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl by season’s end. Did we predict the future with our Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl O’Meter? Possibly.
Here’s the good news: the Bowl O’Meter is back, and this time, we’re launching a new version. On behalf of TNIAAM, we introduce: the Duke’s Mayo Bowl O’Meter.
Orange Nation is jumping for joy after the 65-0 shutout win over Colgate on Saturday, but how will that enthusiasm reflect on our new Bowl O’Meter? Will coach Dino Babers be rewarded with both a Duke’s mayonnaise shower and a new contract extension?
Let’s check and see what this week’s bowl predictions show:
ESPN - Mark Schlabach and Kyle Bonagura
Military Bowl vs Memphis Tigers
If the ACC isn’t willing to add Memphis from the AAC for now, maybe a clash between the Orange and Tigers could motivate the conference to continue its recent expansion spree.
Duke’s Mayo Bowl vs Mississippi St. Bulldogs
Picture it now: Syracuse and the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. As Duke’s Mayo would say: it’s got twang! Last year’s ACC representative, the NC State Wolfpack, failed to shine in the Duke’s Mayo spotlight after losing 5,000 quarterbacks to injuries. Count on the Orange to embrace the Duke’s Mayo spotlight.
Plus: imagine Garrett Shrader’s last home game being in Charlotte and versus his former college team and one-time Syracuse DC Zach Arnett? The story would write itself.
Brett McMurphy - The Action Network
Military Bowl vs Navy Midshipmen
Syracuse already has its work cut out this year versus Army, but how about the Navy? Notorious for their reputation with run defense, this is easily one of the worst rolls of the dice for the Orange. Playing Navy was tough enough, but staying a week in Annapolis?
...
Here’s how Spectrum customers can still watch ESPN without cable for free (PS; Axelson)
Spectrum customers are currently unable to view ESPN due to an ongoing contract dispute between Disney and Spectrum. But with a little planning ahead, sports fans can still get all the ESPN programming they love, including live college football games as the season gets underway.
ESPN is included as part of every major live Internet TV streaming service, including fuboTV (free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial) and others. You can sign up and start enjoying ESPN programming cost-free during the free trial period. Here are your options to watch ESPN while it is blacked out on Spectrum.
Stream ESPN on fuboTV (free trial).
Why did Spectrum drop ESPN?
Spectrum owner Charter Communications is in a contract dispute with the Walt Disney Company, which owns several sports channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and the ACC Network, in addition to channels like ABC, FX the Disney Channel and others. The two companies failed to reach a deal over the price Spectrum pays The Walt Disney Co. for that programming, so the channels have been removed from the cable provider for the time being.
...
ACC News
Riley Leonard leads Duke to upset over Clemson, but homework extension denied :: WRALSportsFan.com (wralsportsfan.com; Hepner)
Duke quarterback Riley Leonard was denied a homework extension after leading the Blue Devils to a stunning 28-7 upset over the then-ranked No. 9 Clemson on Monday night.
The junior dual-threat quarterback, threw for 175 yards and ran for 98 yards and a touchdown.
Leonard's 44-yard touchdown run on the first drive of the second half put Duke in front for good.
The Blue Devil fans stormed the field, celebrating their program's first top-10 college football win since 1989. Leonard was the star of the game, leading Duke in rushing yards.
However, after his performance, the realities of schoolwork set in, and Leonard asked his professors for an extension on a homework assignment.
"Professor Taylor, if you're seeing this, please let me turn in my homework late because it's due tonight - I think - at 12 [midnight]," Leonard said.
Donald H. Taylor, a Sanford School of Public Policy professor, responded to Leonard's request Tuesday afternoon. He denied Leonard's request because his teammates could finish the homework assignment before the deadline.
"Hey, Riley. Great game last night; it was so exciting. Congratulations to you and all your teammates. But you know, Wesley Williams and the other linemen who were in the class they said prepared ahead and did it ahead of time," Taylor said. "So, why didn't the quarterback?
...
2023 Battle Lines Are Drawn! (RX; HM)
2023 Battle Lines Are Drawn!
In case you didn't know, Spectrum and Disney are in a dispute which has cause all ESPN channels to go dark at a very bad time...
Here's what Spectrum had to say:
Hello Spectrum Customer,
We recently contacted you that you could easily update your personal channel lineup, online, 1x per month. As you may be aware, The Walt Disney Company recently removed their programming from our customers, resulting in the loss of the following channels:
- Disney
- Disney XD
- ESPN
- ESPN2
- ESPN Deportes
- Freeform
- FX
- FX Movie Channel
- FXX
- National Geographic
- Nat Geo Wild
...
JHowell's Picks 2023 Week 2 (RX; HM)
JHowell's Picks 2023 Week 2
JHowell.net has posted projections for the second week of the 2023 season. Below are JHowell's ACC football game projections through the games of 9-9-23 (including future ACC teams), followed by some commentary of my own; let's see if his computer can pick the "dogs"...
Saturday, September 9, 2023
#6-Notre Dame (-7.5) @ #29-N.C. State (TP=49 Odds=.624)#10-Cincinnati (-1.5) @ #22-Pittsburgh (TP=45 Odds=.523)
#11-Oklahoma (-12) vs. #43-S.Methodist (TP=67 Odds=.642)
#21-U.S.C. (-19.5) vs. #89-Stanford (TP=62 Odds=.739)
#26-Texas A&M (-2.5) @ #60-Miami (FL) (TP=50 Odds=.540)
#27-Wake Forest (-15.5) vs. #86-Vanderbilt (TP=56 Odds=.712)
#31-Auburn (-9) @ #83-California (TP=55 Odds=.630)
#34-N. Carolina (-4.5) vs. #44-App. State (TP=55 Odds=.565)
#41-Florida St (-12) vs. #88-Southern Miss. (TP=48 Odds=.691)
#66-Purdue (-3) @ #85-Virginia Tech (TP=53 Odds=.546)
#68-Syracuse (-6) vs. #79-Western Michigan (TP=44 Odds=.608)
...
AP Poll 2023 Sep 5th (RX; HM)
AP Poll 2023 Sep 5th
It was a good week for the ACC...
The new AP Poll (after the games of Week 1) is out, and four ACC teams are in the Top 25...
| AP Top 25 | |
| RK | TEAM |
| 1 | Georgia |
| 2 | Michigan |
| 3 | Alabama |
| 4 | Florida State |
| 5 | Ohio State |
| 6 | USC |
| 7 | Penn State |
| 8 | Washington |
| 9 | Tennessee |
| 10 | Notre Dame |
| 11 | Texas |
| 12 | Utah |
| 13 | Oregon |
| 14 | LSU |
| 15 | Kansas State |
| 16 | Oregon State |
| 17 | North Carolina |
| 18 | Oklahoma |
| 19 | Wisconsin |
| 20 | Ole Miss |
| 21 | Duke |
| 22 | Colorado |
| 23 | Texas A&M |
| 24 | Tulane |
| 25 | Clemson |
| Others receiving votes: | |
| 26 | Iowa |
| 27 | UCLA |
| 28 | Arkansas |
| 29 | TCU |
| 30 | Kentucky |
| 31 | Pittsburgh |
| 32 | Miss. State |
| 33t | Miami |
| 33t | NC State |
| 35t | Wyoming |
| 35t | Troy |
| 35t | Fresno State |
| 35t | Minnesota |
| 35t | Auburn |
| 40t | Texas State |
| 40t | Iowa State |
| 42t | Texas Tech |
| 42t | UCF |
| 42t | Illinois |
| 42t | Washington St |
| 42t | James Madison |
| 42t | Houston |
| 42t | Louisville |
https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/duke/article278970529.html (N&O; Carter)
So, to recap the Labor Day weekend that was for the ACC: On Friday the conference sold what was left of its soul — not much, to be sure — to ESPN, chasing the equivalent of college athletics couch cushion change with the future additions of Cal, Stanford and SMU.
On Saturday, North Carolina, long known as college football’s sleepiest sleeping giant, awoke ever so slightly with an impressive victory in Charlotte against South Carolina. On Sunday, Florida State — the poorest, most disadvantaged school in the land, its supporters will have you believe — somehow overcame years (decades? centuries?) of poverty (“poverty”) to defeat LSU in Orlando. And then Monday, Duke may well have ended Clemson’s reign as Clemson As We’ve Known It.
It’s hard to know which of the weekend’s results were most surprising. We know, at least, what was least surprising — that being what happened Friday. For if there’s a dollar for any conference to chase these days, there’s no limit to the degradation a league’s commissioner and presidents and chancellors will embrace in pursuit of it.
What’s that? A little more money, you say? Sure, we’ll send our labor force — ahem, our student-athletes, we mean — on cross-country flights on the regular to appease ESPN. Why, yes, dear Television Gods, we’d love to prop up a zombie version of Pac-12-after-dark.
The ACC’s leadership knows adding Cal, Stanford and SMU makes no sense. That’s why it took almost a month of meetings, and more meetings, and more meetings on top of those meetings, for it to happen (and note: if you have to think about any major life decision that long without saying yes, then it should be clear it’s a no). And yet it happened, because it’s impossible for very wealthy people, and schools, to say no to even more money.
It’d be one thing if what happened Friday was followed by even the slightest bit of evidence of its necessity. It’d be one thing if, during college football’s opening weekend, we saw the proof of this poor, declining league — one in such dire shape it had no choice but to do something drastic, like aligning with schools that make zero sense in any way for a few more bucks.
But the exact opposite happened.
...
https://bleacherreport.com/articles...quarterbacks-in-college-football-after-week-1 (BR; Reuter)
Welcome to Bleacher Report's Top 25 college football quarterback rankings.
This will be a new weekly feature published each Tuesday morning throughout the 2023 season, with the goal of identifying the 25 best QBs in the country each week as the season unfolds.
The only thing that matters here is on-field production in 2023.
That means past performance, future expectations, physical tools and NFL upside have all been removed from the equation.
Each quarterback's individual production and quality of opponent will be considered each week, and players will rise and fall based on where they ranked the previous week, so it will be a fluid process week to week.
If your favorite team's quarterback is not currently on the list, fear not. If a guy is putting up numbers, he will find his way onto the list. On the flip side, a strong first week is only going to go so far if a player falls flat in Week 2 and fails to duplicate his early success.
With only 25 spots up for grabs and 133 quarterbacks to consider, an honorable mention slide featuring the "Next 25" who just missed the cut was also selected. Those are the guys with the best chance of jumping onto the list with a strong showing in Week 2.
Let the debate begin.
Honorable Mentions: Next 25
These 25 quarterbacks were also under consideration for a spot in the rankings but ultimately settled for an honorable mention following Week 1 action:
Joey Aguilar, Appalachian State
Luke Altmyer, Illinois
Brennan Armstrong, NC State
Bryson Barnes, Utah
Jason Bean, Kansas
Carson Beck, Georgia
Ashton Daniels, Stanford
Jayden Daniels, LSU
Jayden de Laura, Arizona
Ben Finley, California
Mitch Griffis, Wake Forest
Seth Henigan, Memphis
Will Howard, Kansas State
KJ Jefferson, Arkansas
Riley Leonard, Duke
Graham Mertz, Florida
John Rhys Plumlee, UCF
Jack Plummer, Louisville
Spencer Rattler, South Carolina
Will Rogers, Mississippi State
Garrett Shrader, Syracuse
Preston Stone, SMU
AJ Swann, Vanderbilt
Grant Wells, Virginia Tech
Cardell Williams, Tulsa
...
https://www.si.com/college/georgiatech/football/acc-football-week-two-predictions-for-every-acc-game (SI; Caudell)The ACC could not have hoped for a better week one of the 2023 season.
The ACC's top programs took on teams from the SEC and came away with victories in two of the biggest games of the season. Florida State pummeled LSU on national TV and North Carolina's defense looked like a much-improved unit from last year, totaling nine sacks against South Carolina.
It was a decent week for the picks. I was wrong on Florida State vs. LSU and I picked Boston College to beat Northern Illinois, but it was a 9-2 week overall.
So what is in store for the conference in week two? Let's pick every ACC game in week two.
Note: A preview and prediction for Georgia Tech vs South Carolina State will be coming later this week.
Thursday, Sept. 7th
1. Louisville vs. Murray State (7:30 p.m. ACC Network)Louisville scored a big comeback win over Georgia Tech in week one and will follow that up with a blowout win over Murray State.
Final score: Louisville 52, Murray State 7
Saturday, Sept. 9th
Florida State scored a big win in week one
Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat / USA TODAY NETWORK
2. Wake Forest (-10.5) vs. Vanderbilt (11:00 A.M. ACC Network)Wake Forest is looking for another victory over Vanderbilt and a 2-0 start to the season. The Demon Deacons offense looked fine in their week one win over Elon, but the defense could be tested vs Vanderbilt. Wide receiver Jahmal Banks has a big game and Wake starts 2-0.
Final Score: Wake Forest 38, Vanderbilt 24
3. NC State vs. Notre Dame (-7.5) (12:00 p.m. ABC)
This is one of the biggest games of the week in the ACC. Notre Dame comes in 2-0 and looks very good so far, although it has been against weak competition. NC State started slowly against UConn last week, but Dave Doeren's team found a way to get a win on the road to start the year.
The game is in Raleigh, which is a tough place to play and I think that is what might make things tough for Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish will be tested by this NC State defense, but I think this new-look Notre Dame offense and Sam Hartman will get a closer-than-expected win.
Final Score: Notre Dame 27, NC State 21
4. Virginia Tech (-3.5) vs. Purdue (12:00 p.m. ESPN2)
Virginia Tech started slow on Saturday night but got a pretty good win over Old Dominion, who has gotten the better of them in recent years. Purdue lost their season opener against Fresno State and the defense looked very shaky. I am not sure if I trust the Virginia Tech offense all the way, but the game is at home and Purdue looked bad enough on that side of the ball where I would feel comfortable picking a Virginia Tech win.
Final Score: Virginia Tech 24, Purdue 20
5. Boston College vs. Holy Cross (12:00 p.m. ACC Network Extra)
Boston College suffered an embarrassing loss in the opener to Northern Illinois and the hot seat is turning up on Jeff Hafley. Fortunately for the Eagles, they get Holy Cross at home this week in what should be a breezy victory.
Final Score: Boston College 38, Holy Cross 10
6. Virginia vs. James Madison (-7.5) (12:00 p.m. ESPNU)
Yes, you read that right. James Madison is a favorite on the road against Virginia this week. It was a tough first game for the Cavaliers, having to play Tennessee in Nashville, and the team did not look very good, especially on offense. This is going to be a huge game and one they do not want to lose, but it is hard to have faith they have the firepower to pull this off. James Madison is going to be ready to take on the Power Five program in the state and get a big win for their program. Saturday will also mark the first home game for UVA since the tragedy last season and I do think that will have them plenty motivated, but I don't think it will matter in the end.
Final Score: James Madison 30, UVA 23
7. Clemson vs. Charleston Southern (2:15 p.m. ACC Network)
The Tiger's offense needs to get right and in a hurry if they want to win the ACC Championship. They will be fine this week, but long term is uncertain.
Final Score: Clemson 45, Charleston Southern 7
8. Miami vs. Texas A&M (-4) (3:30 p.m. ABC)
This is another marquee game where the ACC could get a win against the SEC and one of its most talented teams. While both teams were massive disappointments in 2022, they looked much improved in week one, although it was against weak competition.
The matchup to watch will be Texas A&M's offense vs. Miami's defense. The Hurricanes suffocated Miami (OH) last week, while the Aggie's much-maligned offense looked solid in the first game with Bobby Petrino calling plays. The wide receivers for Texas A&M vs. the Miami secondary will be the position matchup to watch.
In the end, I think the more talented team finds a way to win and I think it is Texas A&M.
Final Score: Texas A&M 20, Miami 17
9. Syracuse (-23.5) vs. Western Michigan (3:30 p.m. ACC Network Extra)
Syracuse made it look easy on Saturday vs. Colgate and I think they will do the same on Saturday vs. Western Michigan. The offense for the Orange looked sharp last week and I think they continue that on Saturday.
...
https://clemsonwire.usatoday.com/lists/acc-football-power-rankings-after-week-1/ (udatoday.comi; Turri)
The 2023 college football season is in full swing, as each ACC team has officially participated in a game this season.
It was a wild week for the ACC, that saw some great matchups. Florida State proved that they are the real deal in their thrashing of LSU, while Duke upset Clemson in a 28-7 upset that no one saw coming.
The ACC is back, and it was an exciting week, with each team showing us some of what we can expect this season. With the crazy week of football, we are releasing our first batch of ACC rankings for the 2023 season. Here is how I’m breaking down the ACC after Week 1’s performances.
14 Virginia Cavaliers
Record: (0-1, 0-0 ACC)
Week 1: Loss, 49-13 vs. No. 12 Tennessee
Week 2: vs. James Madison; 12:00 p.m.
This was a tough Week 1 matchup for the Cavaliers, but they looked better than I expected they would. Things could have gone a lot worse here, and I saw some promise on this Virginia team.
13 Boston College Eagles
Record: (0-1, 0-0 ACC)
Week 1: Loss, 27-24 vs. Northern Illinois
Week 2: vs. Holy Cross; 12:00 p.m.
To be completely honest, I was fully in on NIU heading into this matchup. Boston College lost their star Zay Flowers, and I don’t expect much from them in 2023. This program needs to turn things around.
12 Virginia Tech Hokies
Record: (0-1, 0-0 ACC)
Week 1: Loss, 36-17 vs. Old Dominion
Week 2: vs. Purdue; 12:00 p.m.
Tech beat ODU this year, so that’s good! They looked better than last season, but this program should be far better.
11 Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Record: (1-0, 0-0 ACC)
Week 1:Win, 37-17 vs. Elon
Week 2: vs. Vanderbilt; 11:00 a.m.
New starting quarterback Mitch Griffith was good, but this performance from the Demon Deacons was uninspiring. Elon battled hard and kept things on the closer side before a fourth-quarter interception. Their O-Line looks like it is going to be an issue.
10 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Record: (0-1, 0-1 ACC)
Week 1: Loss, 39-34 vs. Louisville
Week 2: vs. South Carolina State; 1 p.m.
Brent Key looks like the guy the Yellow Jackets needed as head coach. This was a great performance from his team, but they failed to put together a complete game. I was impressed by how competitive they were.
9 Syracuse Orange
Record: (1-0, 0-0 ACC)
Week 1:Win, 65-0 vs. Colgate
Week 2:vs. Western Michigan; 3:30 p.m.
The Orange looked good in this win over Colgate, but it is Colgate. We need to see more from Dino Babers’ squad to better understand how good they are.
...
https://theacc.com/news/2023/9/5/week-1-acc-football-players-of-the-week.aspx (theacc.com)
The Atlantic Coast Conference Football Players of the Week have been recognized following their standout performances in last weekend’s games. The selections are determined by a vote of a select media panel. The following are this week’s honorees:
QUARTERBACK – Jordan Travis, Florida State, QB, West Palm Beach, Fla.
The Heisman Trophy candidate threw for 342 yards with a career-high four touchdown passes in FSU's 45-24 win over No. 5 LSU at the Camping World Kickoff game in Orlando, Florida. He tied his career high with five total touchdowns after adding a one-yard touchdown run, the 25th of his career. His 380 yards of total offense are the fifth-most in a game this season, while nationally, he is the only player with at least four touchdown passes and a touchdown run against a top-five team in the regular season over the past 10 seasons.
RUNNING BACK – British Brooks, North Carolina, RB, Gastonia, N.C.
After missing all of last season due to an injury, Brooks returned to the field in a big way in North Carolina’s 31-17 win over South Carolina at the Duke’s Mayo Classic in Charlotte, North Carolina. The running back rushed 15 times for 103 yards for the Tar Heels, notching the second 100-yard rushing game of his career.
RECEIVER – Keon Coleman, Florida State, WR, Opelousas, La.
Coleman caught nine passes for 122 yards and three touchdowns, including a 40-yard touchdown on his first catch as a Seminole in Florida State’s 45-24 win over No. 5 LSU. In the season opener, he recorded the first three-touchdown game for a Nole since 2017 and the first in an opener since 2013. The three touchdown grabs were the most in an FSU debut in school history, as the first two TD catches gave FSU a lead and then tied the game en route to the win.
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN – Bless Harris, Florida State, LT, New Orleans, La.
Ranked as FSU's top-graded offensive lineman in the 45-24 win over No. 5 LSU, Harris entered the game for an injured player at the end of the first quarter and played the rest of the way, logging 55 snaps. He was part of the FSU offensive line that did not allow a sack for just the 16th time over the last decade and the second time in the last two years against LSU. Behind Harris and the offensive line, quarterback Jordan Travis set a career-high with four touchdown passes and tied a career-high with five total touchdowns in the top-5 win.
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN – Kaimon Rucker, North Carolina, Jack, Hartwell, Ga.
Named the Walter Camp National FBS Defensive Player of the Week earlier this week, for games ending Sept. 2, Rucker recorded eight tackles (six solo), including 5.5 tackles-for-loss, and two quarterback sacks as North Carolina opened the 2023 season with a 31-17 victory over the Gamecocks in the Duke's Mayo Classic. Rucker led a Tar Heel defense that tallied nine sacks and limited South Carolina to minus-2 yards rushing for the game.
LINEBACKER – Payton Wilson, NC State, LB, Hillsborough, N.C.
Wilson led the Wolfpack with 10 tackles, including eight solo stops, in the season-opening road win at UConn. He added a tackle-for-loss and an interception in the fourth quarter that helped seal the victory. Overall, the NC State defense held the Huskies to 14 points and 273 total yards for the game.
DEFENSIVE BACK – Jeremiah Lewis, Duke, S, Lewisville, Texas
In Duke’s first win over an Associated Press top-10 opponent since 1989 with a 28-7 win over No. 9 Clemson on Labor Day, Lewis led the Blue Devils' defense with 11 tackles, one pass breakup and a fumble recovery that came with Clemson on the Duke seven-yard line midway through the third quarter. Overall the Duke defense held the Tigers to just one score in four red zone possessions and forced three turnovers in the second half.
SPECIALIST – Brock Travelstead, Louisville, K/P, Acworth, Ga.
In the Cardinals’ 39-34 come-from-behind win over Georgia Tech at the Aflac Kickoff Classic in Atlanta, Georgia, Travelstead became just the sixth Louisville kicker to make 4-of-4 field goal attempts in a game, joining Nate Smith, Art Carmody, Chris Philpott, Blanton Creque, and James Turner. He connected on field goals of 33, 30, 22, and 38 yards in the win, while also handling the punting chores, averaging 46.2 yards with a long of 48 yards.
ROOKIE – Ike Daniels, Syracuse, RB, Stafford, Va.
In his first collegiate game, the true freshman notched 78 yards of total offense off the bench, carrying the ball 11 times for 63 yards and hauling in a pair of passes for 15 yards in the 65-0 win over Colgate.
...
https://www.si.com/college/louisville/football/acc-power-rankings-2023-week-two (SI; McGavic)
Football is finally back! Week one of the 2023 college football season certainly delivered, and for the most part, the ACC had a successful start to the new season.
Teams from the league were a combined 8-2 against non-conference opponents in week one, and the two conference games on top right out of the gates both lived up to their billings.
It's only one week into the new season, and there's already a significant shakeup in the top half of the rankings following Duke's stunning upset over ninth-ranked Clemson. The middle of the pack and the bottom and the rankings also saw some slight shuffling as well.
So where do things currently stand in the conference following the first week of football? Check out our week two ACC power rankings below:
1. Florida State Seminoles
Record: 1-0, 0-0 ACCLast Week's Ranking: No. 1
Week 1 Result: W, 45-24 vs. LSU (Neutral)
It's hard to have a better season-opener than Florida State did. Not only did the No. 8 Seminoles take down the No. 5 team in the country, they did so in dominating fashion after scoring 31 unanswered points in the second half. Jordan Travis, who accounted for five touchdowns, very much has Heisman Trophy potential, and that 'Nole defense, who held LSU to 3-of-13 on third and fourth down, looks nasty.
2. North Carolina Tar Heels
Record: 1-0, 0-0 ACCLast Week's Ranking: No. 3
Week 1 Result: W, 31-17 vs. South Carolina (Neutral)
Few season-opening victories are sweeter than when you take down a rival. Surprisingly, North Carolina's win over South Carolina wasn't one where they simply leaned on Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Drake Maye and that offense. Sure, the No. 21 Tar Heels got a pair of touchdowns out of Maye and ran for 269 yards, but their defense - which was horrendous at times last season - got nine sacks and held the Gamecocks to -2 rushing yards.
3. Clemson Tigers
Record: 0-1, 0-1 ACCLast Week's Ranking: No. 2
Week 1 Result: L, 28-7 at Duke
So, uh... what happened to this revitalized Clemson offense we've heard about? Sure, the No. 9 Tigers did put up 422 yards under new offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, but they had just one scoring drive, committed three turnovers and were denied inside the ten-yard line *three* times. Quarterback Cade Klubnik didn't look super sharp at times with some of his decision making, either. At least the defense looked solid - at times.
4. Duke Blue Devils
Record: 1-0, 1-0 ACCLast Week's Ranking: No. 7
Week 1 Result: W, 28-7 vs. Clemson
It's insane to see how far this Duke team has come in so little time under Mike Elko. From 3-9 in 2021 to their first win against a top-10 opponent since 1989. Riley Leonard continues to show that he is one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the conference, and is a deadly weapon both through the air and on the ground. Plus, the Blue Devils rushing for 199 yards against that Clemson defensive front is no easy task.
5. NC State Wolfpack
Record: 1-0, 0-0 ACCLast Week's Ranking: No. 4
Week 1 Result: W, 24-14 at UConn
Sure, NC State did come out with a victory, but they didn't win this game as convincingly as many would have expected. Reunited with his old offensive coordinator, quarterback Brennan Armstrong only threw for 155 and no touchdowns. But did make up for it with a pair of rushing touchdowns, the Wolfpack ran for 209 yards, and that vaunted defense held the Huskies to only 273 yards of offense. Could be better, could be worse.
6. Louisville Cardinals
Record: 1-0, 1-0 ACCLast Week's Ranking: No. 5
Week 1 Result: W, 39-34 vs. Georgia Tech (Neutral)
Louisville certainly did not make this easy on themselves. The Cardinals, who have been a trendy pick to be the league's dark horse, went down 15 at halftime and had one of the worst second quarters imaginable (28 points and 282 yards allowed). But, thanks to a more poised effort from quarterback Jack Plummer and a near-shutout by the defense in the second half, the Cardinals were able to score 27 unanswered in Jeff Brohm's UofL debut.
7. Miami Hurricanes
Record: 1-0, 0-0 ACCLast Week's Ranking: No. 6
Week 1 Result: W, 38-3 vs. Miami (Ohio)
Will the real Miami please stand up? The Hurricanes took a good first step in bouncing back under second-year head coach Mario Cristobal. Former ACC Rookie of the Year quarterback Tyler Van Dyke looked accurate after going 17-of-22 for 201 and a score, the 'Canes ran for 250 and their talent-laden defense allowed the Redhawks to collect only 215 yards and a field goal. Time will tell how they fare once the competition gets harder.
8. Pitt Panthers
Record: 1-0, 0-0 ACCLast Week's Ranking: No. 8
Week 1 Result: W, 45-7 vs. Wofford
Pitt might have lost of ton of playmakers from last year's team, especially from the defensive side of the ball, but you wouldn't have been able to tell from this game. The offense - led by an efficient showing from transfer quarterback Phil Jurkovec (17-of-23 from 214 yards and one TD) and a steady ground game - scored the first 45 points of the game, and the defense - despite losing multiple players to the NFL - allowed only 126 total yards.
9. Syracuse Orange
Record: 1-0, 0-0 ACCLast Week's Ranking: No. 10
Week 1 Result: W, 65-0 vs. Colgate
There might not be a mercy rule in college football, but Syracuse certainly instituted one themselves, as they put up 65 points without scoring in the fourth quarter. Their quarterbacks (Garrett Shrader and Carlos Del Rio-Wilson) threw for a combined 409 yards and seven touchdowns, the Orange rushed for 271 yards led by a 107-yard effort from LeQuint Allen, and the defense only allowed 106 total yards. Nothing personal Colgate, it's just business.
...
https://www.tarheelblog.com/2023/9/...arolina-tar-heels-acc-power-rankings-week-one (tarheelblog.com; Ferenchick)
One full week of the college football season is now in the books. This past weekend saw North Carolina and every other ACC team open up their 2023 season. From a UNC perspective, it’s hard to have any complains with what they did against South Carolina. Elsewhere in the conference, there was some differing results.
Let’s check in on how things are looking in the ACC after Week One.
1. Florida State (1-0)
Last Week: beat LSU 45-24FSU came into this season as the highest ranked ACC team, and they more than looked the part in their opener. They scored 31 unanswered points after halftime as they looked like the team to beat in the conference this season
Next Week: Saturday vs. Southern Miss
2. North Carolina (1-0)
Last Week: beat South Carolina 31-17The Tar Heels came into this season with some questions, and the answers were pretty good, at least in their first game. UNC’s defense came up with nine sacks in their opener against South Carolina, looking solid for the first time in a long while. It remains to be seen how much was them and how much was the Gamecocks’ offensive line, but you couldn’t ask for a better start to the season.
Next Week: Saturday vs. Appalachian State
3. Duke (1-0, 1-0 ACC)
Last Week: beat Clemson 28-7This may be a little too high for just one win over Clemson, considering how the Tigers looked on Monday night. However, it was an pretty good effort on their part, coming on the back of a good year in Mike Elko’s first season as head coach.
Next Week: vs. Lafayette
4. Miami (1-0)
Last Week: beat Miami (OH) 38-3The other Miami is hardly the toughest test the Hurricanes will have this year, but they pretty much aced it.
Next Week: Saturday vs. Texas A&M
5. Pitt (1-0)
Last Week: beat Wofford 45-7It was a similar story for the Panthers, who cruised past FCS Wofford.
Next Week: Saturday vs. Cincinnati
6. NC State (1-0)
Last Week: beat UConn 24-14It wasn’t a dominant effort, but the Wolfpack did come away with a win on the road at UConn. We’ll know more about them after their game this coming weekend.
Next Week: Saturday vs. Notre Dame
7. Wake Forest (1-0)
Last Week: beat Elon 37-17Mitch Griffis threw for 329 yards and three touchdowns as Wake beat FCS Elon. The final margin isn’t the most impressive, but Elon got all of their points after halftime, which the Demon Deacons went into up 24-0.
Next Week: Saturday vs. Vanderbilt
8. Louisville (1-0)
Last Week: beat Georgia Tech 39-34The Jeff Brohm era got off to a winning start, as the Cardinals beats Georgia Tech. That being said, it required a comeback as Louisville trailed by 15 at halftime.
Next Week: Thursday vs. Murray State
9. Clemson (0-1, 0-1 ACC)
Last Week: lost to Duke 28-7For the Tigers’ sake, they better hope Duke is actually pretty good, because that was not a great performance. Like Duke on the flipside of that game, this maybe too low for them, as there was definitely some back luck there, and they’ll probably be better as the season goes along.
Next Week: Saturday vs. Charleston Southern
10. Virginia Tech (1-0)
Last Week: beat Old Dominion 36-17The Hokies didn’t put away Old Dominion until the fourth quarter, but that is an improvement considering that they lost to the Monarchs in 2022.
Next Week: Saturday vs. Purdue
11. Syracuse (1-0)
Last Week: beat Colgate 65-0The Orange had no issues in dispatching FCS opponent Colgate over the weekend, and do currently lead the ACC in point differential.
Next Week: Saturday vs. Western Michigan
...
Other
The Rosamond Gifford Zoo announces that two Amur tiger cubs, born in late April to mother Zeya, will be viewable to the public in their exhibit on the Wildlife Trail starting Tuesday, September 5, 2023.
https://www.syracuse.com/living/202...itions-at-syracuses-rosamond-gifford-zoo.html (PS; Croyle)
The Rosamond Gifford Zoo announced their two latest additions today.
Two Amur tiger clubs, born on the morning of April 29 to their mother Zeya, can be seen by the public starting today at their exhibit on the Zoo’s Wildlife Trail.
“It is quite a privilege to be able to see not one, but two of these rare tiger cubs at our zoo,” Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said at the cub’s debut. “The birth of these special, striped cubs is a big success for our zoo and community, and it’s all thanks to the diligence and expertise of the animal care team at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.”
The cubs - a male names Zuzaan, and a female named Soba (pronounced ‘Zova,’) – have spent the last five months with their mother in an off-exhibit den, receiving necessary vaccinations to provide them immunity to common disease and infections they might encounter in their exhibit.
...
https://www.syracuse.com/statefair/...indness-takeaways-from-the-2023-nys-fair.html (PS; Cazentre)
It started cool and finished hot.
That seems to sum up the 2023 New York State Fair, certainly from a weather point of view, and also for daily attendance, and perhaps even fairgoer satisfaction.
With the help of fair officials, vendors and syracuse.com staff who covered it, here are 6 takeaways on the 2023 version of the State Fair:
Attendance: The positive news is that the number of people through the gates was up this year from last year, and the best since before the Covid pandemic began.
Total attendance for the 13-day run of the 2023 was 932,699. But it didn’t match up with the pre-pandemic numbers. In the five years preceding 2020, more than 1 million people attended annually. From 2015-2019, average annual attendance was 1,159,105. The all time record was 1,329,275 fairgoers set in 2019.
And there’s one other marker: As is often the case, the state fair attendance fell behind that of the Erie County Fair, which is held just before the state fair in Hamburg near Buffalo. This year’s Erie County Fair drew 1,172,635 visitors, just short of the record 1,220,101 set in 2014.
State Fair Director Sean Hennessey said he’s happy with the attendance numbers, but repeated what he’s said often since talking over the fair in 2022.
“I’m ecstatic to have that volume of folks on the fairgrounds, building memories,” Hennessey said. ”.. The numbers are nice, but our goal is really to have a safe experience, a memorable experience, and a fun experience. I think we hit those mile markers quite well.”
...
