sutomcat
No recent Cali or Iggy awards; Mr Irrelevant
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Welcome to National Chocolate Day!
Today we celebrate and indulge in chocolate, the sweet treat that is made from the cocoa bean, which comes from the Theobroma cacao tree. The word "chocolate" itself comes from the Spanish, and it stems from the Aztec word xocolatl, which means "bitter water." The Aztecs pounded cacao beans and drank them without adding any sugar, and they thought that the beans came from the gods. Indeed, Theobroma means "food of the gods." Cocoa beans are about 50% "cocoa butter" and 50% "chocolate liquor." Hernando Cortés brought cocoa beans back to Spain, and a chocolate drink that included sugar became popular there right away. This seems to contradict the accounts that say chocolate wasn't introduced in Europe until 1550. The word "chocolate" first appeared in print, in England, in 1604.
During the eighteenth century, a chocolate drink became fashionable throughout Europe, and it first became manufactured in what would become the United States in 1765. The first chocolate factory opened in the United States in 1780, but hard chocolate candy was not yet made until the dawn of the nineteenth century. Hardened chocolate candy bars first started being sold on a large scale by the Cadbury Company of England in 1842, and "chocolate creams"—candies with sugar-cream centers—were first eaten by Americans in the 1860s.
SU News
Syracuse Orange quarterback Garrett Shrader (16) after his touchdown run in the game against Virginia Tech Oct. 23, 2021. Hannah Pajewski | Contributing photographer
How potent is Syracuse running game? With 4 to go, the Carrier Dome hasn’t seen anything like this (PS; $ Mink)
It was early in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s win at Virginia Tech when Garrett Shrader took a designed run inside the 5-yard line and Airon Servais came sprinting into the TV frame.
The play finished well beyond where the sixth-year offensive lineman set up at scrimmage, yet here he was running to the pile, literally yanking Shrader away from a couple of defenders, trying to drag him into the end zone.
“It’s all about playing to the whistle,” Servais said, “and maybe to the echo of the whistle.
“My guy Garrett was standing up there. He had two bodies on him and he wasn’t going down, and I wasn’t trying to let him go down either. He was stuck and needed some help, so I tried to see if I could get another extra yard or two out of him.”
Be it the effort or the chutzpah to call a quarterback run on 3rd-and-14 in the fourth quarter in what might have been four-down territory at that moment in the game, the play is a microcosm of what has changed up front and with Syracuse’s offense this season.
New assistant coach Mike Schmidt has wrung every ounce of effort out of a unit that has needed to use the seventh and eighth player on the bench to help block for what might be the most potent backfield in America.
Shrader is one of the nation’s most effective running quarterbacks, and Sean Tucker leads the country in rushing and all-purpose yards. They have spearheaded an attack that ranks eighth nationally with an average of 242 rushing yards per game. If that pace holds through the remainder of the season, the Orange’s current average would be the sixth-best mark in school history and its highest since 1979, the year before the Carrier Dome opened.
There’s even richer history within reach.
If the offense continues its pace averaging 5.66 yards per carry, it will exceed the 1959 national championship team’s school record of 5.3 yards per carry over the course of a season.
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Axe: Shrader finds exactly what he was looking for taking command of the SU offense (PS; $; Axe)
Just over a year ago, Garrett Shrader was asking for respect.
“Please respect my decision” were the last four words of 115 in a statement announcing his intention to transfer out of Mississippi State for an opportunity to play quarterback elsewhere.
Mike Leach had made him a wide receiver for the Bulldogs and that just wouldn’t do.
“This is not an easy decision, but I am a QB and it’s the skill set that got me here,” Shrader’s statement read.
Just over a year later, Shrader is showing Syracuse football that he’s got what they need at quarterback.
Since getting the call to start over Tommy DeVito two hours before kickoff against Liberty in Syracuse’s fourth game of the season, Shrader has taken command of the Orange offense with 1,362 yards (814 passing, 548 rushing) and 16 touchdowns (six passing, 10 rushing).
There is no doubt Shrader can run. His 6-foot-4, 230-pound frame is tough to bring down when he finds a seam, but billing the bearded quarterback as one dimensional would be a mistake.
Syracuse’s habit of keeping scores close isn’t just a ground operation.
Shrader’s passes may not find the mark with the accuracy of a Robin Hood arrow, to steal a line from Syracuse head coach Dino Babers, but his passing yards have improved steadily game-by-game.
Shrader had clutch passes in the fourth quarter against Florida State, Wake Forest and Clemson even though all three games ended in close losses.
He sacrificed his body to the football gods for a 62-yard touchdown to Trebor Pena against the Tigers. Syracuse’s reward for that was a 17-14 loss.
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SU football has never played this many consecutive close games: ‘We’re getting kind of tired of this’ (PS; $; Carlson)
Syracuse’s 24-hour rule is a popular one throughout football, an approach that gives a nod to human nature and permits players a full day to process emotions from the previous game.
Players can celebrate their successes. They can mope if they need. But one day later they must pack their feelings away and begin to prepare for the next one.
At Syracuse, the approach may never have been more necessary than it has this season, one that has already been among the most dramatic in school history and still has the potential for a stretch run with bowl eligibility hanging in the balance.
After a 41-36 win over Virginia Tech, the Orange has played five consecutive down-to-the-final-play games, an unmatched stretch of close games in Syracuse football history (132 years) that provides the team a weekly test in putting the previous game to rest.
No other season in school history has included a stretch of five consecutive games decided by seven points or less.
“It’s definitely tough,” senior defensive end Josh Black said. “You never want the game to come down to those situations. If it were going your way it would never be, ‘We need three points here, or we need this goal-line stop.’
“It’s a little frustrating at the end, thinking that we have another one. That’s what happened at Virginia Tech. Oh man, another one, just our luck. It was like, ‘Dang, we’re getting kind of tired of this.’
“But it’s nice to be able to win the game and still learn from all the things we did wrong.”
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Beat writers agree Syracuse will move above .500 with win over Boston College (DO; Staff)
Following three straight three-point losses, the Orange defeated Virginia Tech last weekend, bringing “happy faces” to player’s faces for the first time in a while, head coach Dino Babers said.
To kick-start the last stretch of the regular season, Syracuse (4-4, 1-3 Atlantic Coast) returns to the Carrier Dome for its homecoming game against Boston College (4-3, 0-3 ACC)
Saturday afternoon. The Orange are favored in this conference matchup, the first time in two years SU has been expected to win against an ACC team.
Here’s what our beat writers predict will happen on Saturday:
Roshan Fernandez (4-4)
Nearly bowling?
Syracuse 30, Boston College 17
Syracuse is two wins away from a bowl game but has difficult games left at NC State and against Pitt, both of which have been ranked teams this season. The Orange have a matchup with Louisville on the road to follow, and though the Cardinals are a mid-tier ACC team at the moment, six of SU’s last seven games against UofL have ended in losses of 22 points or more.
All that said, SU needs to win this game to keep its bowl chances alive (minimum of six wins). The Eagles have the ACC’s seventh-ranked rush defense and its best passing defense, but the Orange’s offense has proved its worth. Turn to Garrett Shrader’s and Sean Tucker’s legs, mix in a couple passing plays, get the handful of important defensive stops, and SU walks away with a win. Syracuse figured out the winning formula last week — once again, by the slimmest of margins — and now it simply needs to re-execute that.
Connor Smith (3-5)
Welcome home
Syracuse 28, Boston College 24
Syracuse’s last five games have been decided by five points or less. Boston College, like SU, has been mediocre this season — the two teams sit at the bottom of the ACC’s Atlantic Division. The Eagles haven’t won a conference game all year, while Shrader pulled out a miracle win for the Orange at Virginia Tech last Saturday.
BC has one of the top defenses in the ACC, and one of the league’s top rushers in Patrick Garwo III, who’s averaging just over 6 yards per carry. Saturday’s game will likely come down to the wire — again — but Tucker will outrun Garwo, and Shrader will find success again running the ball. Without much of an aerial threat offensively, SU will be able to stack the box on defense, and the front six, led by Cody Roscoe and Mikel Jones, will record enough tackles for loss for Syracuse to hang on for its fifth win of the season.
Anish Vasudevan (5-3)
Don’t keep it close
Syracuse 30, Boston College 13
Boston College is on a three-game losing streak, and unlike SU’s losing streak that ended against the Hokies, the Eagles’ matchups have not been close. Boston College has averaged 11.3 points per game during that stretch, making this one of the easiest challenges for Syracuse’s 3-3-5 defense. The Eagles average 4.3 yards per carry, which should allow the Orange’s “mob mentality” linebacker core to wreak havoc at the second level.
Offensively, Syracuse also outmatches Boston College, who has the 76th-best rushing defense in the country, allowing 155.7 yards per game. Shrader and Tucker, who have worked on getting the read option as close to perfection as possible, should have a cakewalk if Shader makes the right decisions.
There’s no reason why this game should come down to the last minute as the last five games have for SU this season. At homecoming, Syracuse should win with ease against a struggling Eagles team.
Boston College vs Syracuse Prediction, Game Preview (CFN; Fiutak)
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Venue: Carrier Dome, Syracuse, NY
How To Watch: ESPN3
Record: Boston College (4-3), Syracuse (4-4)
The offense was just fine over September when it was able to come up with a whole lot of third down conversions and – at least for the first three games – third down stops. Over the last three games – all losses – the O hasn’t been able to keep the chains moving, converting just 13-of-45 tries, 29%.
Overall, Syracuse’s defense hans’t been too bad on third downs, but it’s allowed teams to convert 40% or more in four of the last five games.
This might seem like a nitpicky thing, but when it comes to dealing with Syracuse, controlling the clock and the tempo matters because …
Even against Clemson – when it ran for 165 yards – it averaged 5.5 yards per carry and was effective. It ripped through Wake Forest for 354 yards, pointed on Virginia Tech for 314, and it’s getting massive seasons out of RB Sean Tucker and QB Garrett Shrader.
So how is Boston College doing against the run?
It was amazing to start the season, but it couldn’t stop Clemson. Right now, you and the people in the Starbucks drive-through line could hold the Tiger ground game to 104 yards, and Boston College allowed close to six yards per carry and 231 yards.
Last week, Louisville ran for 331 yards in its 28-14 win over BC.
What’s Going To Happen
Can Syracuse do what it does well, or can Boston College get its groove back and kickstart an offense that hit a brick wall?
A little of both, but Syracuse is playing like a team with the arrow pointing up – it’s playing well even in the losses – and Boston College is having too hard a time scoring.
Boston College vs Syracuse Prediction, Lines
Syracuse 26, Boston College 20
Line: Syracuse -6.5, o/u: 50
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2
Must See Rating: 3
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Bleav in Syracuse Episode 16: Boston College Preview (SI; podcast; The Bleav)
Bleav in Syracuse podcast episode 16 is out! Mike McAllister and Kyle Leff look ahead take a deep dive into the Orange's big win over Virginia Tech.
Apple Podcasts: LINK
Stitcher: LINK
iHeart Radio: LINK
Spotify: LINK
Syracuse Line Moves Even Higher For Saturday's Game (SI; Black)
The Boston College and Syracuse game line has continued to increase in favor of the Orange. The original line which was at -3 on SI , has ballooned to -6 over the past three days.
Boston College is currently 4-3, and riding a three game losing streak, falling to Louisvile, Clemson and NC State. The Eagles have struggled opening ACC play, averaging only 11 points per game, with question marks surrounding the play of the offensive line, and quarterback Dennis Grosel. The Eagles are also 4-3 against the spread, failing to cover against the Cardinals last week.
Syracuse is 7-1 against the spread this year, but haven't been a favorite since their matchup against Albany. The only time Syracuse did not cover against the spread was their 17-7 loss to Rutgers.
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Syracuse Football: 5 reasons why Boston College game is so CRITICAL (itlh; Abramo)
This weekend’s game vs. Boston College is the biggest football game for the Syracuse football team since 2019. And, in my opinion, it’s a game that the team absolutely needs to win.
Here are five key reasons why (plus, scroll down for my game prediction).
1. It’s a big chance to re-establish superiority in regional recruiting
Boston College is a regional rival. It’s a rival that, this pre-season, many (not me mind you, but many others) pegged to be an emerging power in the Atlantic Coast Conference and one that, if it did soar to the heights many expected, could potentially suck all of the air out the Northeast recruiting battle — leaving the Syracuse Orange picking at scraps.
However, the Eagles have largely reverted to the form that I expected. They sit at a perfectly mediocre 4-3, a winless 0-3 in the ACC. They are not a bad team, but they are very average. Frankly, this is a team that is probably on par with the Rutgers team (another regional rival) that we should have beaten earlier this season, but who we played when we really hadn’t figured ourselves out, especially on offense.
Entering this season, it was widely thought that BC was on the upswing, and that SU was at rock bottom. A win in the Dome this weekend could help lead to a significant, and far sooner than expected, momentum swing when it comes to regional recruiting.
To go bowling, Syracuse football must take down Boston College at home this Saturday.
2. The students will be in the Dome en masse…but possibly for the last time this season?
Otto’s Army has been an incredible asset to the Syracuse football program this season. The work of Jonathan Danilich and the rest of the Otto’s Army crew cannot be applauded enough. I wish there was such a unifying force rallying student participation when I was a student at Syracuse University (although, in fairness, it was the late 90’s, and it was much easier to fill the building when Donovan McNabb was playing in it). I fully expect Otto’s Army to be there in full force again this weekend, inevitably amped up following an exciting win on the road against ACC opponent Virginia Tech.
Unfortunately, while this isn’t the last home game of the season, it may be the high water mark for student support because the remaining home game against Pitt occurs during the Thanksgiving break, over the course of which many students typically leave campus for travel home. While I have no doubt that the students who do show up for that game will be extremely loud, the fact is, this week is the week that the student volume will likely be at its loudest, hopefully causing disarray in the Eagles offensive backfield.
3. Vegas is finally showing the Orange some respect
After weeks and weeks of Syracuse football being positioned by the sportsbooks as an underdog against ACC opposition (something which bothers others more than me, to be honest), finally, this week, Syracuse football opens as a betting-line favorite (at the time of this writing, they sit as 5.5 point favorites, according to WynnBET).
Syracuse football fans always complain that the sportsbooks don’t show enough respect to Syracuse Orange football. Well, the team is favored now, and the best way to ensure it will be pegged as the favorite in games more often moving forward is to deliver a win and continue the positive momentum.
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Notre Dame football: If Drew Pyne transfers, what are 5 possible schools? (slapthesign.com; Morrison)
At a glance, it doesn’t make sense.
However, there are two key reasons why Drew Pyne might want to go and play for Syracuse. The first is Dino Babers himself, and his offensive system. The second is the opportunity to play right away.
Stylistically, Pyne is a perfect for Babers’ offense. This is a fast-paced offense that requires a quarterback to make a quick decision and throw quick passes. It will require the occasional deep ball to keep the defense honest, and its best run by an athletic and mobile quarterback. This plays into Pyne’s skill set, as he can run well and easily make a pre-snap read.
Syracuse is also going to offer a lot of great playing time. Their current quarterback, Garrett Shrader isn’t bad, but no one would accuse him of being good either. He certainly runs well, but the passing game under Shrader struggles. Expect Syracuse to go looking for an upgrade here before too long.
So, in a lot of respects, Syracuse is a great fit for Pyne.
https://syracusefan.com/"https://ww...AwB0BUBgBcB&usg=AOvVaw25sa-JZNSS5-6n3irosrzN"
https://www.localsyr.com/orange-nation/bowl-games-pizza-boxes-the-heisman-dominate-the-conversation-as-syracuse-hosts-boston-college/ (localsyr.com; Columbia)
Football, like almost every sport, is a game of bounces. If a couple here and there do not go your way, the feeling heading into a big rivalry game is going to be different. Thanks to the heroics from Garrett Shrader and Damien Alford, Syracuse is feeling rather good about themselves heading into this week’s clash with Boston College.
And there is a good reason for that, the big goal of the 2021 season is still on the table.
Bowl Game Bound?
It is hard not to think about a bowl game for the Orange. SU sits two games away from the magic number of six wins needed to become eligible. Though the odds might be a coin flip.
And losing close games kind of became the norm the previous three weeks leading up to that thriller in Blacksburg. Syracuse lost three straight games by three points. Heading back to the Salt City this weekend confidence is riding high after SU figured out a way to close out a big game.
“We’ve been building confidence every week; even when we have been losing. We’ve been steadily building confidence in what we are doing. To see it pay off this (past) weekend was a great feeling. Especially to turn the tide in that win column and build momentum toward this week,” Shrader said.
But as recent memory points out, nothing is guaranteed when it comes to playing Boston College. That memory is even more valid when the Orange hosts the Eagles. Under Dino Babers, SU has not defeated BC when inside the dome. Their last win over Boston College at the friendly confines came in Scott Shafer’s swan song as Syracuse head coach in 2015; a 20-17 nail bitter.
“You can’t just scratch any of these last couple games off as automatic wins or anything of that nature. That is how you get distracted. Overall, we just have to focus on one week at a time. If we win this week, our bowl hopes are alive,” said senior defensive lineman Josh Black.
Pizza, Pizza
This part of Central New York is known for its Salt Potatoes. The delicacy is served throughout many a food stop in the 315. But for Boston College Head Coach Jeff Hafley, pizza will always be on the brain when visiting Syracuse.
Hafley was on the Pittsburgh coaching staff from 2006-2010 and recited a memory during his weekly press conference that might cause opposing coaches to think twice before coaching in the booth at the dome.
Tucker for Heisman
Notre Dame has Touchdown Jesus, but if you look at Josh Black’s twitter profile picture, that takes a new meaning. It suggests the reincarnation of the figure resides in the Syracuse backfield.
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WATCH: Keir Thomas, Jermaine Johnson talk preparation for Clemson’s offense (tomahawknation.com; Nevitt)
Florida State football held their second practice of Clemson game week this morning. The Seminoles will head to Death Valley on Saturday for a 3:30 PM kickoff against the Tigers. The ‘Noles will be riding a three-game win-streak into the rivalry game. After practice today, defensive linemen Keir Thomas and Jermaine Johnson each met with the media. Here’s some of what they had to say:
“Practice is intense. We understand what kind of game we’ve got on Saturday. What kind of team we’re going to face. Both of us haven’t had the seasons we wanted, but we definitely both want this win. Just getting ready for a dog fight.”
“I love it. I love going to someone else’s house and getting a win. That’s what we’re looking to do.”
“They run the quarterback a lot. We know we’re going to see that. Just getting ready for a physical game up front.”
“I think we’re getting close to eliminating all the mistakes that put us in that position. I’m excited about where we’re at as a team. And we’re just getting better every week... We understand the standard and we’re making each other live up to it.”
For Johnson’s full interview (Via FSU sports information), see below:
“That’s definitely one of the craziest places to play in. It’s a pretty cool experience. I like playing in big crowds.”
“Winning always feels good, winning building confidence. Defense, I know for a fact we feel confident going into this game and we just trying to keep it rolling.”
For Thomas’ full interview, see below:
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UNC Football vs. Notre Dame: X-Factor (tarheelblog.com;l Davis)
Let’s put it out in the universe: the North Carolina Tar Heels can beat Notre Dame.
Even with the ups and downs through seven games, the oddsmakers only give the Irish a 3.5-point advantage. The computer-generated models in Bristol, CT favor Notre Dame a bit more with a 66 percent likelihood of victory.
The Fighting Irish deserve credit for their 6-1 record. The team has found ways to win throughout the season. Yet, a deeper dive into the games shows a team that could have a very different record if not for late game heroics.
In the season opener against Florida State, the Seminoles roared back from a 18-point deficit in the fourth quarter to force overtime. A missed field goal by FSU doomed them in overtime, and ND made the most of their opportunity. A clutch pick-six by Toledo to close the first half gave the Rockets a halftime lead. Two late touchdowns returned the lead to Toledo late in the fourth quarter, but some grit by Notre Dame quarterback Jack Coan and his dislocated finger put the Irish ahead for a three-point win. Purdue had Notre Dame within four at the end of the third quarter, but the Irish eventually pulled out the 14-point win.
After dominating Wisconsin (Coan’s former team), Notre Dame had their only loss of the season against Cincinnati. The Bearcats came off a bye week and never trailed against the Irish. Their 17-point second quarter was enough to go the distance in their eventual 24-13 victory.
In their trip to Blacksburg, Notre Dame’s second half was back and forth. Facing an eight-point deficit with less than four minutes to play, the Irish dug deep. A touchdown and two-point conversion tied the game with 2:26 remaining. Their defense forced the Hokies to a three-and-out, and a methodical drive that led to a field goal with 17 seconds left sealed their three-point win.
In their 15-point victory last week over their West Coast rivals, the margin narrowed late in the fourth quarter. Consecutive touchdowns got Southern California to within eight of Notre Dame, but a late touchdown was too much for the Trojans to overcome.
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Louisville-NC State division game tops ACC's Week 9 schedule (AP; Beard)
Here are things to watch in the Atlantic Coast Conference in Week 9:
GAME OF THE WEEK
Louisville at North Carolina State. The one-point loss at Miami dropped the Wolfpack (5-2, 2-1 ACC) from the AP Top 25 but doesn’t change the fact that Dave Doeren’s team still controls its own destiny in the Atlantic Division. That was a point Doeren noted and then twice reiterated during his Monday news conference after a frustrating and mistake-filled performance against the Hurricanes.
N.C. State is unbeaten at home and has won two of the last three meetings with Scott Satterfield’s Cardinals (4-3, 2-2), who are trying to stay in the division race led by No. 13 Wake Forest (which hosts Duke on Saturday).
BEST MATCHUP
Virginia QB Brennan Armstrong against BYU’s pass defense. Armstrong is second in the Bowl Subdivision ranks by throwing for 402.5 yards per game, including a program-record 554 yards – most by an FBS player this year – at North Carolina. He’ll face a Cougars defense that has allowed five touchdown passes in eight games and also has eight interceptions in six games.
LONG SHOT
Florida State is a 9 1/2-point underdog on FanDuel in a trip to Clemson that stands out by the struggles each traditional league power have faced this year. FSU (3-4, 2-2) has won three straight since an 0-4 start, sneaking by Syracuse on a late field goal then winning at UNC and rolling past Massachusetts.
The six-time reigning league champion Tigers (4-3, 3-2) are sputtering offensively as they try to push their series win streak to six games. Last year’s meeting was called off at the last minute due to COVID-19 concerns, leading to a testy reaction from Tigers coach Dabo Swinney.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett has made a huge jump as a fifth-year senior entering the 17th-ranked Panthers’ home game against Miami. Notably, he’s doing more with fewer attempts this season, going from throwing 39.1 passes per game in 2019 and 36.9 last year to 34.2 this year. Yet he’s gone from averaging 262.2 yards passing for the past two seasons to 322.3 this year.
Additionally, he’s thrown for 21 touchdowns with one interception after throwing for 13 TDs and nine picks in each of the previous two seasons. That has Pickett rising boards as an NFL draft prospect and Heisman Trophy candidate for the Coastal Division leader.
IMPACT PLAYER
North Carolina receiver Josh Downs is having quite a first year as the Tar Heels’ go-to threat. Downs is fifth in FBS in receiving yards (119.6 per game), third in catches (8.6), and tied for fifth in TD catches (eight). He has hauled in at least one TD in every game and is averaging 35.4 yards on those scoring catches. The Tar Heels step out of ACC play this weekend at No. 11 Notre Dame.
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Football shootout: ACC teams lighting up league scoreboards :: WRALSportsFan.com (wralsportsfan.com; AP; Golen)
Atlantic Coast Conference teams are lighting up scoreboards lately, and Virginia coach Bronco Mendenhall isn’t exactly loving it.
The son of a defensive end who played safety in college and worked as a defensive coordinator before taking over the Cavaliers, Mendenhall said he would prefer a 13-6 victory to the 48-40 shootout his team won last weekend against Georgia Tech.
“In those rare occasions where we might win 7-3 or 7-0 and it’s a defensive touchdown that we score on — yeah, I’ll relish those moments,” Mendenhall said this week. “But in today’s world of college football, those are few and far between.”
Especially in the ACC.
Across the state from Charlottesville, where the Yellow Jackets and Cavaliers were combining for 88 points, Syracuse and Virginia Tech put 77 on the scoreboard Saturday. And that was just a few hours after Florida State scored 59 against UMass and No. 13 Wake Forest beat Army 70-56.
“That was crazy,” said Syracuse defensive lineman Cody Roscoe, who noticed the Wake Forest score. “Seventy is a lot of points, and Army put up about 50 or something. That was a crazy scoring game.”
Overall, ACC teams are scoring about five points more per game this year than in 2019, the last full season, while the FBS overall is down more than two points per game.
Pittsburgh is fourth in scoring with 45.3 points per game, and Wake Forest is fifth; Virginia and North Carolina are also in the top 20. Four ACC schools are averaging more than 36 points — in 2019, only Clemson did so; 11 have averaged more than 400 yards per game, compared with six in the last non-pandemic season.
The conference also has five of the top 10 touchdown scorers in the country, led by Virginia’s Brennan Armstrong, who has 28 (23 passing, five rushing). Armstrong leads the nation with 3,220 passing yards — one of a handful of ACC players atop the national leaderboards in offense.
Also No. 1 in the country: Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham, with 13 rushing touchdowns; Pittsburgh receiver Jordan Addison, with 10 TD catches; and Syracuse’s Sean Tucker, with 1,060 rushing yards.
Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett, who opted to return for another season when the NCAA granted everyone another year of eligibility because of the pandemic, is third in total touchdowns with 26, and Panthers defensive coordinator Randy Bates thinks that’s a clue as to why scoring is up.
“I really, truly believe that the COVID year, fifth-year guy has really benefited offenses,” he said. “For those guys, that extra year is like a rookie in the NFL-type guy."
Wake Forest, a school that sent Tim Duncan and Chris Paul to the NBA, put up a basketball score in beating Army. It was the second-highest scoring game involving an ACC team, trailing only Pitt’s 76-61 victory over Syracuse in 2016.
“Yeah, it was frustrating,” Army coach Jeff Monken said. “If I was a fan of football and just watching, that’s a fun offense to watch. I hate I had to watch it from our sideline.”
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ACC Football Staff Predictions: Week 9 (targheelblog.com; Hood)
You’re going to get a lot of advocates for each of the four seasons. Some love the renewal of spring, some appreciate the freedom of summer, others, for some reason, love the cold and snow of the winter. For my money, though, this time of year is the best.
Fall brings with it new sports seasons in football, basketball, hockey, and the end of baseball season. The heat of summer is replaced with milder weather, leaves change, and it feels like you want to try to squeeze every good moment remaining before the winter comes in and steals away the light. The problem with this, of course, is that when you’re a fan of football your weekends tend to be full with watching nearly four-hour contests.
Thus, when the bye week appears on the schedule, it’s no surprise that folks take advantage of the opening, and that’s true for your fellow Tar Heel Bloggers. Yours truly, for instance, headed over to the mountains to look at some leaves, dredge for gemstones, and explore an abandoned mine lit up with black lights at night. It’s worth a trip just to see it all lit up.
Other staff members took advantage to take trips across the country, go see family, catch up with the kids they had forgotten they had, or in the case of our bosses...get married.
Yes, help us congratulate our own Tanya Bondurant and Brandon Anderson who joined together as newlyweds in a ceremony on Sunday. In true Tar Heel fan fashion, they made sure to schedule the wedding for the off week so more people could attend (Editor’s note: I’m fairly sure the wedding was scheduled before the schedule was released, so the bye week timing was a happy coincidence). Here’s hoping for love, strength, and happiness for them both!
And no, I’m not getting a raise for that.
We all made picks before the off week, though, and a funny thing happened to the standings:
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Links, news and rumors, 2021-10-28 (RX; HM)
I won't spoil it for you, but I will say this: these awards make a little more sense than this week's ACC players of the week did...
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All Sports Discussion explains what makes the Wake Forest offense so potent - and what Duke must do to try to slow it down - in "Duke must mesh its game to overcome Hartman's masterful mesh plays"
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From CBS Sports: Southern Miss, Old Dominion join Sun Belt conference with Marshall, FCS power expected to follow
The latest domino in the realignment bonanza has fallen, and the future of Conference USA is severely in doubt. Old Dominion announced Wednesday that it has accepted an invitation to join the Sun Belt Conference with the move coming no later than July 1, 2023. The Monarchs join Southern Miss, which announced its move to the Sun Belt on Tuesday...
The addition might not be the final move in Sun Belt realignment. CBS Sports' Dennis Dodd reported last week that, in addition to Southern Miss and Old Dominion, the Sun Belt could also look to add Marshall from Conference USA, along with potentially adding FCS power James Madison as a transitional member. Adding JMU, another Virginia school, would be immensely attractive to ODU.
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National Chocolate Day: 15 unique gift ideas for chocolate lovers (PS; Axelson)
Chocolate is one of the most popular gifts to give on any number of occasions, from Christmas to Valentine’s Day to Halloween, but did you know that October 28 is a whole day dedicated only to celebrating chocolate?
National Chocolate Day (this year on Thursday) is just sitting there reminding us how great chocolate is. You won’t find the usual batch of freebies or deals at restaurants and chains, but it’s a perfectly good excuse to celebrate one of the best things ever discovered by humans.
Historically, humans have loved chocolate longer than most modern societies have existed, with records showing cacao cultivation dating back three millennia, according to National Day Calendar. The chocolate lover in your life is the inheritor of a great legacy of chocoholism, so check out this list below of 15 unique gifts you can get them as the holidays approach.
Chocolate gifts (screenshot)
Ghirardelli Chocolate - Ghirardelli is offering 20% off sitewide for National Chocolate Day. That’s big savings on some of their most luxurious gift boxes, like the Caramel Indulgence Chocolate Gift Basket set, now just $87.96. Find more on Ghirardelli »
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Today we celebrate and indulge in chocolate, the sweet treat that is made from the cocoa bean, which comes from the Theobroma cacao tree. The word "chocolate" itself comes from the Spanish, and it stems from the Aztec word xocolatl, which means "bitter water." The Aztecs pounded cacao beans and drank them without adding any sugar, and they thought that the beans came from the gods. Indeed, Theobroma means "food of the gods." Cocoa beans are about 50% "cocoa butter" and 50% "chocolate liquor." Hernando Cortés brought cocoa beans back to Spain, and a chocolate drink that included sugar became popular there right away. This seems to contradict the accounts that say chocolate wasn't introduced in Europe until 1550. The word "chocolate" first appeared in print, in England, in 1604.
During the eighteenth century, a chocolate drink became fashionable throughout Europe, and it first became manufactured in what would become the United States in 1765. The first chocolate factory opened in the United States in 1780, but hard chocolate candy was not yet made until the dawn of the nineteenth century. Hardened chocolate candy bars first started being sold on a large scale by the Cadbury Company of England in 1842, and "chocolate creams"—candies with sugar-cream centers—were first eaten by Americans in the 1860s.
SU News
Syracuse Orange quarterback Garrett Shrader (16) after his touchdown run in the game against Virginia Tech Oct. 23, 2021. Hannah Pajewski | Contributing photographer
How potent is Syracuse running game? With 4 to go, the Carrier Dome hasn’t seen anything like this (PS; $ Mink)
It was early in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s win at Virginia Tech when Garrett Shrader took a designed run inside the 5-yard line and Airon Servais came sprinting into the TV frame.
The play finished well beyond where the sixth-year offensive lineman set up at scrimmage, yet here he was running to the pile, literally yanking Shrader away from a couple of defenders, trying to drag him into the end zone.
“It’s all about playing to the whistle,” Servais said, “and maybe to the echo of the whistle.
“My guy Garrett was standing up there. He had two bodies on him and he wasn’t going down, and I wasn’t trying to let him go down either. He was stuck and needed some help, so I tried to see if I could get another extra yard or two out of him.”
Be it the effort or the chutzpah to call a quarterback run on 3rd-and-14 in the fourth quarter in what might have been four-down territory at that moment in the game, the play is a microcosm of what has changed up front and with Syracuse’s offense this season.
New assistant coach Mike Schmidt has wrung every ounce of effort out of a unit that has needed to use the seventh and eighth player on the bench to help block for what might be the most potent backfield in America.
Shrader is one of the nation’s most effective running quarterbacks, and Sean Tucker leads the country in rushing and all-purpose yards. They have spearheaded an attack that ranks eighth nationally with an average of 242 rushing yards per game. If that pace holds through the remainder of the season, the Orange’s current average would be the sixth-best mark in school history and its highest since 1979, the year before the Carrier Dome opened.
There’s even richer history within reach.
If the offense continues its pace averaging 5.66 yards per carry, it will exceed the 1959 national championship team’s school record of 5.3 yards per carry over the course of a season.
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Axe: Shrader finds exactly what he was looking for taking command of the SU offense (PS; $; Axe)
Just over a year ago, Garrett Shrader was asking for respect.
“Please respect my decision” were the last four words of 115 in a statement announcing his intention to transfer out of Mississippi State for an opportunity to play quarterback elsewhere.
Mike Leach had made him a wide receiver for the Bulldogs and that just wouldn’t do.
“This is not an easy decision, but I am a QB and it’s the skill set that got me here,” Shrader’s statement read.
Just over a year later, Shrader is showing Syracuse football that he’s got what they need at quarterback.
Since getting the call to start over Tommy DeVito two hours before kickoff against Liberty in Syracuse’s fourth game of the season, Shrader has taken command of the Orange offense with 1,362 yards (814 passing, 548 rushing) and 16 touchdowns (six passing, 10 rushing).
There is no doubt Shrader can run. His 6-foot-4, 230-pound frame is tough to bring down when he finds a seam, but billing the bearded quarterback as one dimensional would be a mistake.
Syracuse’s habit of keeping scores close isn’t just a ground operation.
Shrader’s passes may not find the mark with the accuracy of a Robin Hood arrow, to steal a line from Syracuse head coach Dino Babers, but his passing yards have improved steadily game-by-game.
Shrader had clutch passes in the fourth quarter against Florida State, Wake Forest and Clemson even though all three games ended in close losses.
He sacrificed his body to the football gods for a 62-yard touchdown to Trebor Pena against the Tigers. Syracuse’s reward for that was a 17-14 loss.
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SU football has never played this many consecutive close games: ‘We’re getting kind of tired of this’ (PS; $; Carlson)
Syracuse’s 24-hour rule is a popular one throughout football, an approach that gives a nod to human nature and permits players a full day to process emotions from the previous game.
Players can celebrate their successes. They can mope if they need. But one day later they must pack their feelings away and begin to prepare for the next one.
At Syracuse, the approach may never have been more necessary than it has this season, one that has already been among the most dramatic in school history and still has the potential for a stretch run with bowl eligibility hanging in the balance.
After a 41-36 win over Virginia Tech, the Orange has played five consecutive down-to-the-final-play games, an unmatched stretch of close games in Syracuse football history (132 years) that provides the team a weekly test in putting the previous game to rest.
No other season in school history has included a stretch of five consecutive games decided by seven points or less.
“It’s definitely tough,” senior defensive end Josh Black said. “You never want the game to come down to those situations. If it were going your way it would never be, ‘We need three points here, or we need this goal-line stop.’
“It’s a little frustrating at the end, thinking that we have another one. That’s what happened at Virginia Tech. Oh man, another one, just our luck. It was like, ‘Dang, we’re getting kind of tired of this.’
“But it’s nice to be able to win the game and still learn from all the things we did wrong.”
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Beat writers agree Syracuse will move above .500 with win over Boston College (DO; Staff)
Following three straight three-point losses, the Orange defeated Virginia Tech last weekend, bringing “happy faces” to player’s faces for the first time in a while, head coach Dino Babers said.
To kick-start the last stretch of the regular season, Syracuse (4-4, 1-3 Atlantic Coast) returns to the Carrier Dome for its homecoming game against Boston College (4-3, 0-3 ACC)
Saturday afternoon. The Orange are favored in this conference matchup, the first time in two years SU has been expected to win against an ACC team.
Here’s what our beat writers predict will happen on Saturday:
Roshan Fernandez (4-4)
Nearly bowling?
Syracuse 30, Boston College 17
Syracuse is two wins away from a bowl game but has difficult games left at NC State and against Pitt, both of which have been ranked teams this season. The Orange have a matchup with Louisville on the road to follow, and though the Cardinals are a mid-tier ACC team at the moment, six of SU’s last seven games against UofL have ended in losses of 22 points or more.
All that said, SU needs to win this game to keep its bowl chances alive (minimum of six wins). The Eagles have the ACC’s seventh-ranked rush defense and its best passing defense, but the Orange’s offense has proved its worth. Turn to Garrett Shrader’s and Sean Tucker’s legs, mix in a couple passing plays, get the handful of important defensive stops, and SU walks away with a win. Syracuse figured out the winning formula last week — once again, by the slimmest of margins — and now it simply needs to re-execute that.
Connor Smith (3-5)
Welcome home
Syracuse 28, Boston College 24
Syracuse’s last five games have been decided by five points or less. Boston College, like SU, has been mediocre this season — the two teams sit at the bottom of the ACC’s Atlantic Division. The Eagles haven’t won a conference game all year, while Shrader pulled out a miracle win for the Orange at Virginia Tech last Saturday.
BC has one of the top defenses in the ACC, and one of the league’s top rushers in Patrick Garwo III, who’s averaging just over 6 yards per carry. Saturday’s game will likely come down to the wire — again — but Tucker will outrun Garwo, and Shrader will find success again running the ball. Without much of an aerial threat offensively, SU will be able to stack the box on defense, and the front six, led by Cody Roscoe and Mikel Jones, will record enough tackles for loss for Syracuse to hang on for its fifth win of the season.
Anish Vasudevan (5-3)
Don’t keep it close
Syracuse 30, Boston College 13
Boston College is on a three-game losing streak, and unlike SU’s losing streak that ended against the Hokies, the Eagles’ matchups have not been close. Boston College has averaged 11.3 points per game during that stretch, making this one of the easiest challenges for Syracuse’s 3-3-5 defense. The Eagles average 4.3 yards per carry, which should allow the Orange’s “mob mentality” linebacker core to wreak havoc at the second level.
Offensively, Syracuse also outmatches Boston College, who has the 76th-best rushing defense in the country, allowing 155.7 yards per game. Shrader and Tucker, who have worked on getting the read option as close to perfection as possible, should have a cakewalk if Shader makes the right decisions.
There’s no reason why this game should come down to the last minute as the last five games have for SU this season. At homecoming, Syracuse should win with ease against a struggling Eagles team.
Boston College vs Syracuse Prediction, Game Preview (CFN; Fiutak)
Boston College vs Syracuse How To Watch
Date: Saturday, October 30Game Time: 3:30 ET
Venue: Carrier Dome, Syracuse, NY
How To Watch: ESPN3
Record: Boston College (4-3), Syracuse (4-4)
Boston College vs Syracuse Game Preview
Why Boston College Will Win
The Eagles have to take back control of their season by taking back control of their third down chances.The offense was just fine over September when it was able to come up with a whole lot of third down conversions and – at least for the first three games – third down stops. Over the last three games – all losses – the O hasn’t been able to keep the chains moving, converting just 13-of-45 tries, 29%.
Overall, Syracuse’s defense hans’t been too bad on third downs, but it’s allowed teams to convert 40% or more in four of the last five games.
This might seem like a nitpicky thing, but when it comes to dealing with Syracuse, controlling the clock and the tempo matters because …
Why Syracuse Will Win
Syracuse is killing it on the ground.Even against Clemson – when it ran for 165 yards – it averaged 5.5 yards per carry and was effective. It ripped through Wake Forest for 354 yards, pointed on Virginia Tech for 314, and it’s getting massive seasons out of RB Sean Tucker and QB Garrett Shrader.
So how is Boston College doing against the run?
It was amazing to start the season, but it couldn’t stop Clemson. Right now, you and the people in the Starbucks drive-through line could hold the Tiger ground game to 104 yards, and Boston College allowed close to six yards per carry and 231 yards.
Last week, Louisville ran for 331 yards in its 28-14 win over BC.
What’s Going To Happen
Can Syracuse do what it does well, or can Boston College get its groove back and kickstart an offense that hit a brick wall?
A little of both, but Syracuse is playing like a team with the arrow pointing up – it’s playing well even in the losses – and Boston College is having too hard a time scoring.
Boston College vs Syracuse Prediction, Lines
Syracuse 26, Boston College 20
Line: Syracuse -6.5, o/u: 50
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2
Must See Rating: 3
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Bleav in Syracuse Episode 16: Boston College Preview (SI; podcast; The Bleav)
Bleav in Syracuse podcast episode 16 is out! Mike McAllister and Kyle Leff look ahead take a deep dive into the Orange's big win over Virginia Tech.
Apple Podcasts: LINK
Stitcher: LINK
iHeart Radio: LINK
Spotify: LINK
Syracuse Line Moves Even Higher For Saturday's Game (SI; Black)
The Boston College and Syracuse game line has continued to increase in favor of the Orange. The original line which was at -3 on SI , has ballooned to -6 over the past three days.
Boston College is currently 4-3, and riding a three game losing streak, falling to Louisvile, Clemson and NC State. The Eagles have struggled opening ACC play, averaging only 11 points per game, with question marks surrounding the play of the offensive line, and quarterback Dennis Grosel. The Eagles are also 4-3 against the spread, failing to cover against the Cardinals last week.
Syracuse is 7-1 against the spread this year, but haven't been a favorite since their matchup against Albany. The only time Syracuse did not cover against the spread was their 17-7 loss to Rutgers.
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Syracuse Football: 5 reasons why Boston College game is so CRITICAL (itlh; Abramo)
This weekend’s game vs. Boston College is the biggest football game for the Syracuse football team since 2019. And, in my opinion, it’s a game that the team absolutely needs to win.
Here are five key reasons why (plus, scroll down for my game prediction).
1. It’s a big chance to re-establish superiority in regional recruiting
Boston College is a regional rival. It’s a rival that, this pre-season, many (not me mind you, but many others) pegged to be an emerging power in the Atlantic Coast Conference and one that, if it did soar to the heights many expected, could potentially suck all of the air out the Northeast recruiting battle — leaving the Syracuse Orange picking at scraps.
However, the Eagles have largely reverted to the form that I expected. They sit at a perfectly mediocre 4-3, a winless 0-3 in the ACC. They are not a bad team, but they are very average. Frankly, this is a team that is probably on par with the Rutgers team (another regional rival) that we should have beaten earlier this season, but who we played when we really hadn’t figured ourselves out, especially on offense.
Entering this season, it was widely thought that BC was on the upswing, and that SU was at rock bottom. A win in the Dome this weekend could help lead to a significant, and far sooner than expected, momentum swing when it comes to regional recruiting.
To go bowling, Syracuse football must take down Boston College at home this Saturday.
2. The students will be in the Dome en masse…but possibly for the last time this season?
Otto’s Army has been an incredible asset to the Syracuse football program this season. The work of Jonathan Danilich and the rest of the Otto’s Army crew cannot be applauded enough. I wish there was such a unifying force rallying student participation when I was a student at Syracuse University (although, in fairness, it was the late 90’s, and it was much easier to fill the building when Donovan McNabb was playing in it). I fully expect Otto’s Army to be there in full force again this weekend, inevitably amped up following an exciting win on the road against ACC opponent Virginia Tech.
Unfortunately, while this isn’t the last home game of the season, it may be the high water mark for student support because the remaining home game against Pitt occurs during the Thanksgiving break, over the course of which many students typically leave campus for travel home. While I have no doubt that the students who do show up for that game will be extremely loud, the fact is, this week is the week that the student volume will likely be at its loudest, hopefully causing disarray in the Eagles offensive backfield.
3. Vegas is finally showing the Orange some respect
After weeks and weeks of Syracuse football being positioned by the sportsbooks as an underdog against ACC opposition (something which bothers others more than me, to be honest), finally, this week, Syracuse football opens as a betting-line favorite (at the time of this writing, they sit as 5.5 point favorites, according to WynnBET).
Syracuse football fans always complain that the sportsbooks don’t show enough respect to Syracuse Orange football. Well, the team is favored now, and the best way to ensure it will be pegged as the favorite in games more often moving forward is to deliver a win and continue the positive momentum.
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Notre Dame football: If Drew Pyne transfers, what are 5 possible schools? (slapthesign.com; Morrison)
Notre Dame football: If Drew Pyne transfers, what are 5 possible landing spots?
Syracuse
Going to Syracuse might seem like an odd choice. Head coach Dino Babers is only 28-40 at Syracuse, with one winning season in 2018. They’re also in upstate New York, where winters are brutal, the football program is overshadowed by basketball at times, and you’re not likely to win anything substantive.At a glance, it doesn’t make sense.
However, there are two key reasons why Drew Pyne might want to go and play for Syracuse. The first is Dino Babers himself, and his offensive system. The second is the opportunity to play right away.
Stylistically, Pyne is a perfect for Babers’ offense. This is a fast-paced offense that requires a quarterback to make a quick decision and throw quick passes. It will require the occasional deep ball to keep the defense honest, and its best run by an athletic and mobile quarterback. This plays into Pyne’s skill set, as he can run well and easily make a pre-snap read.
Syracuse is also going to offer a lot of great playing time. Their current quarterback, Garrett Shrader isn’t bad, but no one would accuse him of being good either. He certainly runs well, but the passing game under Shrader struggles. Expect Syracuse to go looking for an upgrade here before too long.
So, in a lot of respects, Syracuse is a great fit for Pyne.
https://syracusefan.com/"https://ww...AwB0BUBgBcB&usg=AOvVaw25sa-JZNSS5-6n3irosrzN"
https://www.localsyr.com/orange-nation/bowl-games-pizza-boxes-the-heisman-dominate-the-conversation-as-syracuse-hosts-boston-college/ (localsyr.com; Columbia)
Football, like almost every sport, is a game of bounces. If a couple here and there do not go your way, the feeling heading into a big rivalry game is going to be different. Thanks to the heroics from Garrett Shrader and Damien Alford, Syracuse is feeling rather good about themselves heading into this week’s clash with Boston College.
And there is a good reason for that, the big goal of the 2021 season is still on the table.
Bowl Game Bound?
It is hard not to think about a bowl game for the Orange. SU sits two games away from the magic number of six wins needed to become eligible. Though the odds might be a coin flip.
“We have five weeks left, because of a bye, and then it’s gone. And what you do is going to matter (to) whether you get an opportunity (to play) 13. They have to rebound, they have to come back, and I think it is a lot easier, obviously, when you win than it is when you lose,” Dino Babers said during his weekly press conference Monday.
And losing close games kind of became the norm the previous three weeks leading up to that thriller in Blacksburg. Syracuse lost three straight games by three points. Heading back to the Salt City this weekend confidence is riding high after SU figured out a way to close out a big game.
“We’ve been building confidence every week; even when we have been losing. We’ve been steadily building confidence in what we are doing. To see it pay off this (past) weekend was a great feeling. Especially to turn the tide in that win column and build momentum toward this week,” Shrader said.
But as recent memory points out, nothing is guaranteed when it comes to playing Boston College. That memory is even more valid when the Orange hosts the Eagles. Under Dino Babers, SU has not defeated BC when inside the dome. Their last win over Boston College at the friendly confines came in Scott Shafer’s swan song as Syracuse head coach in 2015; a 20-17 nail bitter.
“You can’t just scratch any of these last couple games off as automatic wins or anything of that nature. That is how you get distracted. Overall, we just have to focus on one week at a time. If we win this week, our bowl hopes are alive,” said senior defensive lineman Josh Black.
Pizza, Pizza
This part of Central New York is known for its Salt Potatoes. The delicacy is served throughout many a food stop in the 315. But for Boston College Head Coach Jeff Hafley, pizza will always be on the brain when visiting Syracuse.
Hafley was on the Pittsburgh coaching staff from 2006-2010 and recited a memory during his weekly press conference that might cause opposing coaches to think twice before coaching in the booth at the dome.
Not much is known about how factual or embellished this story is, but it is hilarious. It also might be against the rules, but like I said… hilarious.
Tucker for Heisman
Notre Dame has Touchdown Jesus, but if you look at Josh Black’s twitter profile picture, that takes a new meaning. It suggests the reincarnation of the figure resides in the Syracuse backfield.
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WATCH: Keir Thomas, Jermaine Johnson talk preparation for Clemson’s offense (tomahawknation.com; Nevitt)
Florida State football held their second practice of Clemson game week this morning. The Seminoles will head to Death Valley on Saturday for a 3:30 PM kickoff against the Tigers. The ‘Noles will be riding a three-game win-streak into the rivalry game. After practice today, defensive linemen Keir Thomas and Jermaine Johnson each met with the media. Here’s some of what they had to say:
Jermaine Johnson
“I’ve always had self confidence. Really the main goal was to be the best teammate I can and give the program what they were looking for.”“Practice is intense. We understand what kind of game we’ve got on Saturday. What kind of team we’re going to face. Both of us haven’t had the seasons we wanted, but we definitely both want this win. Just getting ready for a dog fight.”
“I love it. I love going to someone else’s house and getting a win. That’s what we’re looking to do.”
“They run the quarterback a lot. We know we’re going to see that. Just getting ready for a physical game up front.”
“I think we’re getting close to eliminating all the mistakes that put us in that position. I’m excited about where we’re at as a team. And we’re just getting better every week... We understand the standard and we’re making each other live up to it.”
For Johnson’s full interview (Via FSU sports information), see below:
Keir Thomas
“I’m excited. Another opportunity to try to knock them off. Very excited about the opportunity with the guys I’m going to war with.”“That’s definitely one of the craziest places to play in. It’s a pretty cool experience. I like playing in big crowds.”
“Winning always feels good, winning building confidence. Defense, I know for a fact we feel confident going into this game and we just trying to keep it rolling.”
For Thomas’ full interview, see below:
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UNC Football vs. Notre Dame: X-Factor (tarheelblog.com;l Davis)
Let’s put it out in the universe: the North Carolina Tar Heels can beat Notre Dame.
Even with the ups and downs through seven games, the oddsmakers only give the Irish a 3.5-point advantage. The computer-generated models in Bristol, CT favor Notre Dame a bit more with a 66 percent likelihood of victory.
The Fighting Irish deserve credit for their 6-1 record. The team has found ways to win throughout the season. Yet, a deeper dive into the games shows a team that could have a very different record if not for late game heroics.
In the season opener against Florida State, the Seminoles roared back from a 18-point deficit in the fourth quarter to force overtime. A missed field goal by FSU doomed them in overtime, and ND made the most of their opportunity. A clutch pick-six by Toledo to close the first half gave the Rockets a halftime lead. Two late touchdowns returned the lead to Toledo late in the fourth quarter, but some grit by Notre Dame quarterback Jack Coan and his dislocated finger put the Irish ahead for a three-point win. Purdue had Notre Dame within four at the end of the third quarter, but the Irish eventually pulled out the 14-point win.
After dominating Wisconsin (Coan’s former team), Notre Dame had their only loss of the season against Cincinnati. The Bearcats came off a bye week and never trailed against the Irish. Their 17-point second quarter was enough to go the distance in their eventual 24-13 victory.
In their trip to Blacksburg, Notre Dame’s second half was back and forth. Facing an eight-point deficit with less than four minutes to play, the Irish dug deep. A touchdown and two-point conversion tied the game with 2:26 remaining. Their defense forced the Hokies to a three-and-out, and a methodical drive that led to a field goal with 17 seconds left sealed their three-point win.
In their 15-point victory last week over their West Coast rivals, the margin narrowed late in the fourth quarter. Consecutive touchdowns got Southern California to within eight of Notre Dame, but a late touchdown was too much for the Trojans to overcome.
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Louisville-NC State division game tops ACC's Week 9 schedule (AP; Beard)
Here are things to watch in the Atlantic Coast Conference in Week 9:
GAME OF THE WEEK
Louisville at North Carolina State. The one-point loss at Miami dropped the Wolfpack (5-2, 2-1 ACC) from the AP Top 25 but doesn’t change the fact that Dave Doeren’s team still controls its own destiny in the Atlantic Division. That was a point Doeren noted and then twice reiterated during his Monday news conference after a frustrating and mistake-filled performance against the Hurricanes.
N.C. State is unbeaten at home and has won two of the last three meetings with Scott Satterfield’s Cardinals (4-3, 2-2), who are trying to stay in the division race led by No. 13 Wake Forest (which hosts Duke on Saturday).
BEST MATCHUP
Virginia QB Brennan Armstrong against BYU’s pass defense. Armstrong is second in the Bowl Subdivision ranks by throwing for 402.5 yards per game, including a program-record 554 yards – most by an FBS player this year – at North Carolina. He’ll face a Cougars defense that has allowed five touchdown passes in eight games and also has eight interceptions in six games.
LONG SHOT
Florida State is a 9 1/2-point underdog on FanDuel in a trip to Clemson that stands out by the struggles each traditional league power have faced this year. FSU (3-4, 2-2) has won three straight since an 0-4 start, sneaking by Syracuse on a late field goal then winning at UNC and rolling past Massachusetts.
The six-time reigning league champion Tigers (4-3, 3-2) are sputtering offensively as they try to push their series win streak to six games. Last year’s meeting was called off at the last minute due to COVID-19 concerns, leading to a testy reaction from Tigers coach Dabo Swinney.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett has made a huge jump as a fifth-year senior entering the 17th-ranked Panthers’ home game against Miami. Notably, he’s doing more with fewer attempts this season, going from throwing 39.1 passes per game in 2019 and 36.9 last year to 34.2 this year. Yet he’s gone from averaging 262.2 yards passing for the past two seasons to 322.3 this year.
Additionally, he’s thrown for 21 touchdowns with one interception after throwing for 13 TDs and nine picks in each of the previous two seasons. That has Pickett rising boards as an NFL draft prospect and Heisman Trophy candidate for the Coastal Division leader.
IMPACT PLAYER
North Carolina receiver Josh Downs is having quite a first year as the Tar Heels’ go-to threat. Downs is fifth in FBS in receiving yards (119.6 per game), third in catches (8.6), and tied for fifth in TD catches (eight). He has hauled in at least one TD in every game and is averaging 35.4 yards on those scoring catches. The Tar Heels step out of ACC play this weekend at No. 11 Notre Dame.
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Football shootout: ACC teams lighting up league scoreboards :: WRALSportsFan.com (wralsportsfan.com; AP; Golen)
Atlantic Coast Conference teams are lighting up scoreboards lately, and Virginia coach Bronco Mendenhall isn’t exactly loving it.
The son of a defensive end who played safety in college and worked as a defensive coordinator before taking over the Cavaliers, Mendenhall said he would prefer a 13-6 victory to the 48-40 shootout his team won last weekend against Georgia Tech.
“In those rare occasions where we might win 7-3 or 7-0 and it’s a defensive touchdown that we score on — yeah, I’ll relish those moments,” Mendenhall said this week. “But in today’s world of college football, those are few and far between.”
Especially in the ACC.
Across the state from Charlottesville, where the Yellow Jackets and Cavaliers were combining for 88 points, Syracuse and Virginia Tech put 77 on the scoreboard Saturday. And that was just a few hours after Florida State scored 59 against UMass and No. 13 Wake Forest beat Army 70-56.
“That was crazy,” said Syracuse defensive lineman Cody Roscoe, who noticed the Wake Forest score. “Seventy is a lot of points, and Army put up about 50 or something. That was a crazy scoring game.”
Overall, ACC teams are scoring about five points more per game this year than in 2019, the last full season, while the FBS overall is down more than two points per game.
Pittsburgh is fourth in scoring with 45.3 points per game, and Wake Forest is fifth; Virginia and North Carolina are also in the top 20. Four ACC schools are averaging more than 36 points — in 2019, only Clemson did so; 11 have averaged more than 400 yards per game, compared with six in the last non-pandemic season.
The conference also has five of the top 10 touchdown scorers in the country, led by Virginia’s Brennan Armstrong, who has 28 (23 passing, five rushing). Armstrong leads the nation with 3,220 passing yards — one of a handful of ACC players atop the national leaderboards in offense.
Also No. 1 in the country: Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham, with 13 rushing touchdowns; Pittsburgh receiver Jordan Addison, with 10 TD catches; and Syracuse’s Sean Tucker, with 1,060 rushing yards.
Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett, who opted to return for another season when the NCAA granted everyone another year of eligibility because of the pandemic, is third in total touchdowns with 26, and Panthers defensive coordinator Randy Bates thinks that’s a clue as to why scoring is up.
“I really, truly believe that the COVID year, fifth-year guy has really benefited offenses,” he said. “For those guys, that extra year is like a rookie in the NFL-type guy."
Wake Forest, a school that sent Tim Duncan and Chris Paul to the NBA, put up a basketball score in beating Army. It was the second-highest scoring game involving an ACC team, trailing only Pitt’s 76-61 victory over Syracuse in 2016.
“Yeah, it was frustrating,” Army coach Jeff Monken said. “If I was a fan of football and just watching, that’s a fun offense to watch. I hate I had to watch it from our sideline.”
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ACC Football Staff Predictions: Week 9 (targheelblog.com; Hood)
You’re going to get a lot of advocates for each of the four seasons. Some love the renewal of spring, some appreciate the freedom of summer, others, for some reason, love the cold and snow of the winter. For my money, though, this time of year is the best.
Fall brings with it new sports seasons in football, basketball, hockey, and the end of baseball season. The heat of summer is replaced with milder weather, leaves change, and it feels like you want to try to squeeze every good moment remaining before the winter comes in and steals away the light. The problem with this, of course, is that when you’re a fan of football your weekends tend to be full with watching nearly four-hour contests.
Thus, when the bye week appears on the schedule, it’s no surprise that folks take advantage of the opening, and that’s true for your fellow Tar Heel Bloggers. Yours truly, for instance, headed over to the mountains to look at some leaves, dredge for gemstones, and explore an abandoned mine lit up with black lights at night. It’s worth a trip just to see it all lit up.
Other staff members took advantage to take trips across the country, go see family, catch up with the kids they had forgotten they had, or in the case of our bosses...get married.
Yes, help us congratulate our own Tanya Bondurant and Brandon Anderson who joined together as newlyweds in a ceremony on Sunday. In true Tar Heel fan fashion, they made sure to schedule the wedding for the off week so more people could attend (Editor’s note: I’m fairly sure the wedding was scheduled before the schedule was released, so the bye week timing was a happy coincidence). Here’s hoping for love, strength, and happiness for them both!
And no, I’m not getting a raise for that.
We all made picks before the off week, though, and a funny thing happened to the standings:
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Links, news and rumors, 2021-10-28 (RX; HM)
Links, news and rumors, 2021-10-28
I'll start with the Week 8 ACC Award Winners from SouthernPigskin.I won't spoil it for you, but I will say this: these awards make a little more sense than this week's ACC players of the week did...
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All Sports Discussion explains what makes the Wake Forest offense so potent - and what Duke must do to try to slow it down - in "Duke must mesh its game to overcome Hartman's masterful mesh plays"
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From CBS Sports: Southern Miss, Old Dominion join Sun Belt conference with Marshall, FCS power expected to follow
The latest domino in the realignment bonanza has fallen, and the future of Conference USA is severely in doubt. Old Dominion announced Wednesday that it has accepted an invitation to join the Sun Belt Conference with the move coming no later than July 1, 2023. The Monarchs join Southern Miss, which announced its move to the Sun Belt on Tuesday...
The addition might not be the final move in Sun Belt realignment. CBS Sports' Dennis Dodd reported last week that, in addition to Southern Miss and Old Dominion, the Sun Belt could also look to add Marshall from Conference USA, along with potentially adding FCS power James Madison as a transitional member. Adding JMU, another Virginia school, would be immensely attractive to ODU.
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Other
National Chocolate Day: 15 unique gift ideas for chocolate lovers (PS; Axelson)
Chocolate is one of the most popular gifts to give on any number of occasions, from Christmas to Valentine’s Day to Halloween, but did you know that October 28 is a whole day dedicated only to celebrating chocolate?
National Chocolate Day (this year on Thursday) is just sitting there reminding us how great chocolate is. You won’t find the usual batch of freebies or deals at restaurants and chains, but it’s a perfectly good excuse to celebrate one of the best things ever discovered by humans.
Historically, humans have loved chocolate longer than most modern societies have existed, with records showing cacao cultivation dating back three millennia, according to National Day Calendar. The chocolate lover in your life is the inheritor of a great legacy of chocoholism, so check out this list below of 15 unique gifts you can get them as the holidays approach.
Chocolate gifts (screenshot)
Ghirardelli Chocolate - Ghirardelli is offering 20% off sitewide for National Chocolate Day. That’s big savings on some of their most luxurious gift boxes, like the Caramel Indulgence Chocolate Gift Basket set, now just $87.96. Find more on Ghirardelli »
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