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Message: [QUOTE="sutomcat, post: 4301994, member: 27"] [B][COLOR=rgb(250, 197, 28)][FONT=verdana][SIZE=7][IMG]https://cdn.cheapism.com/images/Screen_Shot_2022-07-12_at_3.09.27.2e16d0ba.fill-1440x605.png[/IMG]Welcome to National French Fry Day![/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B] [I][FONT=verdana][SIZE=3]French fries are a staple of fast food restaurants and diners, often being paired with hamburgers and cheeseburgers. A simple food consisting of potatoes—and maybe some salt—they are one of the most popular side dishes in the world. They are celebrated today by being made at home or eaten at restaurants. French fries were most likely invented in Belgium, not France, but potatoes are native to South America. In 1537, Spanish explorer Jiménez de Quesada found them in a village in Colombia. They were soon brought to Spain, and became known as "truffles." They were small and bitter at the time, but better versions were soon cultivated. There was some resistance to potatoes in Europe, but they eventually caught on.[/SIZE][/FONT][/I] [B][FONT=verdana][COLOR=rgb(243, 121, 52)][SIZE=7]SU News[/SIZE][/COLOR][/FONT] [URL='https://www.si.com/college/syracuse/recruiting/ike-daniels-releases-top-two-sets-commitment-date']Ike Daniels Releases Top Two, Sets Commitment Date[/URL] (SI; McAllister)[/B] [I]Class of 2023 Stafford (VA) Mountain View running back Ike Daniels released a top two of Syracuse and Hawaii on Tuesday. Daniels also set a commitment date for July 22nd. Daniels officially visited Syracuse the weekend of June 24th and Hawaii the weekend of June 10th. "It was great," Daniels said after his Syracuse visit. "I loved the visit. We were able to see where the hosts were living, where we'd be staying if we were to commit there. It was fun meeting the coaches and being able to hang out with all of the coaches. Able to see the whole campus and football facilities." Daniels, who accumulated 1,500 total yards and 18 total touchdowns as a junior, spent a lot of time with the Syracuse players and coaching staff on the visit. "DeVaughn Cooper," Daniels said. "It was fun hanging out with him. We went to the lake. We were able to do some fun stuff. He said that Syracuse felt like home to him. This is like his third college he went to and this last year it felt like home compared to the other colleges he went to. He was saying how good the offensive system is and how he fits in. ...[/I] [B][URL="https://www.syracuse.com/orangefootball/2022/07/orange-football-three-star-prospect-ike-daniel-sets-commitment-date.html"]Orange football three-star prospect Ike Daniel sets commitment date[/URL] (PS; Leiker)[/B] [I] One of the last remaining uncommitted prospects to have visited Syracuse in June has set a commitment date. Three-star running back Ike Daniels announced Monday that he will commit to a school on July 22. Daniels is choosing between Syracuse, which he visited June 24, and Hawaii, which he visited June 10. He also had offers from Arizona State, South Carolina and Virginia Tech among others. Daniels attends Mountain View High School in Stafford, Virginia. His team went 11-2 last season, losing in the quarterfinal round of the Virginia Class 5 state playoff to the eventual champion. [/I] [I] The Orange have earned commitments from four prospects following their official visits so far this summer. Daniels made his visit alongside QB commit LaNorris Sellers and defensive lineman commit Rashard Perry. Wide receiver Bryce Cohoon and running back Muwaffaq Parkman also joined Syracuse’s 2023 class after being on that trip. Eric King, a three-star offensive lineman who also visited June 24, committed to Temple on June 27. Syracuse’s class of 2023 currently has seven members. The Orange are in the top six for three-star offensive tackle Naquil Betrand, but he has not announced a commitment date.[/I] [B][URL='https://virginiatech.sportswar.com/subscription/2022/01/18/running-back-prospect-ike-daniels-back-at-virginia-tech/']Running Back Prospect Ike Daniels Back at Virginia Tech[/URL] (virginiatech.sportswar.com; $; Stamm)[/B] [I][URL='https://virginiatech.sportswar.com/player/Ike-Daniels-5996/']Ike Daniels[/URL] Running Back, Class of 2023 Mountain View High School, Stafford, VA 5-10, 185 As junior days get underway this month, Mountain View (Va.) 2023 four-star running back Ike Daniels has one down and at least two more to go. This past weekend, Daniels, ’s No. 24 running back nationally and the No. 18 running back in the 247 Composite rankings for the class, was at Virginia Tech’s first junior day of 2022. It was by estimate, his fourth time on campus and gave him plenty to digest. But Daniels also believes he’ll need some time to figure out his top list, followed by where he’ll attend and play college football. “I look for a good relationship with the individual position coaches, the staff and the programs they have there,” he said. “I look at the football aspect, their style and everything. I just want a good team that will use my skillset in the right spots.” Prior to this past weekend, Daniels last visited for a junior day last summer. This time, he said he spoke with the new coaching staff and toured the facilities and campus a bit. “It was awesome,” Daniels said. “I like the atmosphere. It was nice and the coaching staff was good. I got to see some of the unfinished buildings being built, so the campus is coming together with the buildings.” Special teams coordinator and running backs coach Stu Holt has been the Hokies’ primary contact, and during his stay, Daniels said they had more in-depth discussions. “I feel like he knows what he’s doing,” Daniels said. “He’s a good coach. I like how they represent themselves. That was the first time having juniors there, and they did everything pretty good. It was all well put together.” Daniels said his first trip to Blacksburg was for the spring game in his eighth grade year. And each time he’s returned since, he feels like he’s gotten a better feel for the campus and its surroundings. “They’re a great college,” Daniels said. “I like them a lot. It’s a nice town, not too big if you’re trying to go somewhere big. It’s family-oriented, really close. The town and Virginia Tech are together for everything. The town really supports it.” This weekend, Daniels said he’ll be at South Carolina’s junior day. He said he hopes to follow up on what he experienced during his last trip there, for the Gamecocks’ season-opener against Eastern Illinois. “I like South Carolina a lot,” Daniels said. “I like the coaching staff, Coach (Shane) Beamer. I like the running backs coach and have a good relationship with him. I’ve been down there two or three times already. I love that place, the fans. I’ve been to a game, so it has lots of energy.” ...[/I] [B][URL='https://athlonsports.com/college-football/college-football-2022-all-america-team']2022 Preseason All-America Team[/URL] (athlonsports.com; Lassan)[/B] [I]The 2022 [URL='https://athlonsports.com/college-football']college football[/URL] season is slated to start in late August and it’s time to honor the best of the best for the upcoming year. The SEC leads the way with 29 selections on the 2022 Athlon Sports' All-America Team with the Big Ten up next with 26. The Pac-12 has 20 selections, while the ACC and Big 12 check in with 16 apiece. Ohio State has the most overall players selected (nine), with Alabama (eight) up next. Athlon Sports released its 2022 all-conference teams earlier this offseason, and now the focus shifts to the All-America team. Whether it’s quarterback, defensive end or a spot on special teams, picking the best of the best is no easy task. [B][I]An important note on the All-America teams: These selections are based on how players will perform in 2022. Career statistics and previous awards matter in player evaluation, but choosing players for the 2022 All-America team and all-conference teams is largely based on predicting and projecting the upcoming year.[/I][/B][/I] [HEADING=1][I]College Football 2022 All-America Team[/I][/HEADING] [HEADING=1][I]First-Team Offense[/I][/HEADING] [I][B]QB[/B] Bryce Young, Alabama [B]RB[/B] Bijan Robinson, Texas [B]RB[/B] Sean Tucker, Syracuse [B]All-Purpose [/B]Deuce Vaughn, Kansas State [B]WR[/B] Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State [B]WR[/B] Jordan Addison, USC [B]TE[/B] Brock Bowers, Georgia [B]C [/B]John Michael Schmitz, Minnesota [B]OL[/B] Peter Skoronski, Northwestern [B]OL[/B] Connor Galvin, Baylor [B]OL[/B] Dawand Jones, Ohio State [B]OL[/B] Andrew Vorhees, USC[/I] [HEADING=1][I]First-Team Defense[/I][/HEADING] [I][B]DL[/B] Jalen Carter, Georgia [B]DL[/B] Bryan Bresee, Clemson [B]DL[/B] Will McDonald IV, Iowa State [B]DL[/B] Calijah Kancey, Pitt [B]LB[/B] Will Anderson Jr., Alabama [B]LB[/B] Noah Sewell, Oregon [B]LB[/B] Jack Campbell, Iowa [B]CB[/B] Riley Moss, Iowa [B]CB[/B] Kelee Ringo, Georgia [B]S[/B] Jordan Battle, Alabama [B]S[/B] Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M[/I] [HEADING=1][I]First-Team Specialists[/I][/HEADING] [I][B]K[/B] Harrison Mevis, Missouri [B]P[/B] Adam Korsak, Rutgers [B]KR[/B] Brian Battie, USF [B]PR[/B] Ainias Smith, Texas A&M[/I] [HEADING=1][I]Second-Team Offense[/I][/HEADING] [I][B]QB[/B] C.J. Stroud, Ohio State [B]RB[/B] Braelon Allen, Wisconsin [B]RB[/B] TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State [B]All-Purpose [/B]Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama [B]WR[/B] Kayshon Boutte, LSU [B]WR[/B] Xavier Worthy, Texas [B]WR[/B] Josh Downs, North Carolina [B]TE[/B] Michael Mayer, Notre Dame [B]C[/B] Jarrett Patterson, Notre Dame [B]OL[/B] Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State [B]OL[/B] Caleb Chandler, Louisville [B]OL[/B] Jordan McFadden, Clemson [B]OL[/B] Nick Broeker, Ole Miss[/I] [HEADING=1][I]Second-Team Defense[/I][/HEADING] [I][B]DL[/B] Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame [B]DL[/B] Zach Harrison, Ohio State [B]DL[/B] Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State [B]DL[/B] Myles Murphy, Clemson [B]LB[/B] Nolan Smith, Georgia [B]LB[/B] Payton Wilson, NC State [B]LB[/B] Trenton Simpson, Clemson [B]CB[/B] Clark Phillips III, Utah [B]CB[/B] Cam Smith, South Carolina [B]S[/B] Brandon Joseph, Notre Dame [B]S[/B] Jalen Catalon, Arkansas[/I] [HEADING=1][I]Second-Team Specialists[/I][/HEADING] [I][B]K[/B] Jake Moody, Michigan [B]P[/B] Tory Taylor, Iowa [B]KR[/B] Malik Knowles, Kansas State [B]PR[/B] Jayden Reed, Michigan State[/I] [HEADING=1][I]Third-Team Offense[/I][/HEADING] [I][B]QB[/B] Caleb Williams, USC [B]RB[/B] Zach Charbonnet, UCLA [B]RB[/B] Tavion Thomas, Utah [B]All-Purpose [/B]Travis Dye, USC [B]WR[/B] Cedric Tillman, Tennessee [B]WR[/B] A.T. Perry, Wake Forest [B]WR[/B] Nathaniel Dell, Houston [B]TE[/B] Brant Kuithe, Utah [B]C[/B] Olusegun Oluwatimi, Michigan [B]OL[/B] Braeden Daniels, Utah [B]OL[/B] Layden Robinson, Texas A&M [B]OL [/B]Jaxson Kirkland, Washington [B]OL[/B] Clark Barrington, BYU[/I] [HEADING=1][I]Third-Team Defense [/I][/HEADING] [I][B]DL[/B] Derick Hall, Auburn [B]DL[/B] Tyler Davis, Clemson [B]DL[/B] Dante Stills, West Virginia [B]DL[/B] Collin Oliver, Oklahoma State [B]LB[/B] Carlton Martial, Troy [B]LB[/B] Andre Carter II, Army [B]LB[/B] Drake Thomas, NC State [B]LB[/B] Nick Herbig, Wisconsin [B]CB[/B] Eli Ricks, Alabama [B]CB[/B] Denzel Burke, Ohio State [B]S[/B] Andrew Mukuba, Clemson [B]S[/B] Ji'Ayir Brown, Penn State[/I] [HEADING=1][I]Third-Team Specialists[/I][/HEADING] [I][B]K[/B] Jonah Dalmas, Boise State [B]P[/B] Nik Constantinou, Texas A&M [B]KR[/B] Bryan Massey, SMU [B]PR[/B] Jaylin Lane, Middle Tennessee[/I] [HEADING=1][I]Fourth-Team Offense[/I][/HEADING] [I][B]QB[/B] Grayson McCall, Coastal Carolina [B]RB[/B] Tank Bigsby, Auburn [B]RB[/B] Devon Achane, Texas A&M [B]RB[/B] Chris Rodriguez, Kentucky [B]RB[/B] Lew Nichols III, Central Michigan [B]All-Purpose[/B] Blake Corum, Michigan [B]WR[/B] Quentin Johnston, TCU [B]WR[/B] Jayden Reed, Michigan State [B]WR[/B] Jermaine Burton, Alabama [B]WR[/B] Jalen Cropper, Fresno State [B]TE[/B] Sam LaPorta, Iowa [B]C[/B] Jacob Gall, Baylor [B]OL[/B] Emil Ekiyor, Alabama [B]OL[/B] Zach Frazier, West Virginia [B]OL[/B] Zion Nelson, Miami [B]OL[/B] Cooper Beebe, Kansas State [B]OL[/B] T.J. Bass, Oregon[/I] [HEADING=1][I]Fourth-Team Defense[/I][/HEADING] [I][B]DL[/B] Brandon Dorlus, Oregon [B]DL[/B] Siaki Ika, Baylor [B]DL[/B] Tuli Tuipulotu, USC [B]LB[/B] Mikel Jones, Syracuse [B]LB[/B] Zion Tupuola-Fetui, Washington [B]LB[/B] Henry To'oTo'o, Alabama [B]LB[/B] Bumper Pool, Arkansas [B]LB[/B] BJ Ojulari, LSU [B]CB[/B] Darrell Luter, South Alabama [B]CB[/B] Joey Porter Jr., Penn State [B]CB[/B] Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, TCU [B]S[/B] Jammie Robinson, Florida State [B]S[/B] Christopher Smith, Georgia [B]S[/B] Ronnie Hickman, Ohio State [B][SIZE=6]Fourth-Team Specialists[/SIZE] K[/B] Noah Ruggles, Ohio State [B]P[/B] Michael Turk, Oklahoma [B]KR[/B] Charlie Jones, Purdue [B]PR[/B] D.J. Taylor, Arizona State [/I] [IMG]https://cdn-0.orangefizz.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/shrader-1-1024x576.jpg[/IMG] [B][URL='https://orangefizz.net/2022/07/part-i-syracuse-football-is-successful-in-2022-if-shrader-takes-the-next-step/']Part I: Syracuse Football is Successful in 2022 If… Shrader Takes the Next Step – Orange Fizz – Daily Syracuse Recruiting News & Team Coverage[/URL] (orangefizz.net; Frank)[/B] [I]There are a lot of reasons why Syracuse football can be successful in 2022 and be better than their 5-7 record in 2021. This is just part one of a four-part series detailing what could make the Orange a better football team, and allow them to have more success this season than last. So, let’s start on a micro level, and look at a couple of key facets of the SU offense and how if they are better than last season, it can make a huge difference in the standings. Offenses rely on their quarterbacks, and last season SU started with one guy, and then switched to another. The move turned out to be the correct one, and Shrader made an immediate impact and kept SU close in a lot of games last season. Specifically, FSU, Wake Forest, and Clemson all come to mind in games that likely would have been bigger margins if not for Shrader’s heroics. If Shrader takes the next step, specifically with his arm, and continues to use his legs effectively without dangerously putting his body on the line, he can be a very successful quarterback. With a new QB coach and offensive coordinator, it is feasible that could be the tutelage Shrader needs to take the step from run-first quarterback to the true dual-threat guy we all saw in the Orange’s dramatic road win at Virginia Tech last season. If Shrader can do that, then it opens things up dramatically for Sean Tucker. The third-year running back is already one of the best in the nation, but because teams were able to key in on him because of Shrader’s deficiencies, he was not as successful as maybe he even could have been, despite still breaking SU’s all-time single-season rushing record. ...[/I] [B][URL='https://www.nunesmagician.com/2022/7/12/23203008/get-to-know-your-syracuse-orange-man-29-wr-trebor-pena']Get to Know Your Orange Man: #29, WR Trebor Pena[/URL] (TNIAAM; Wall)[/B] [I][B]Name: [/B]Trebor Pena [B]Position: [/B]Wide Receiver [B]Year: [/B]Freshman [B]Height: [/B]6’0” [B]Weight: [/B]176 lbs [B]Hometown: [/B]Ocean Township, N.J. [B]High School: [/B]Ocean Township [B]2021 stats: [/B]Pena was the key kick returner for the [URL='https://www.nunesmagician.com/']Syracuse Orange[/URL]. He returned 17 kickoffs for 421 yards and 17 punts for 131 yards. He only had two receptions last year but one was a 62-yard touchdown against Clemson. [B]2022 projections: [/B]Pena’s shown big-play ability in his first two seasons. With a new offense in place could we see a bigger effort to get him the ball in space? He’ll still be returning kicks but it will be interesting to see if Robert Anae gets creative in finding new ways to put the ball in Pena’s hands. [B]How’d he get here?: [/B]Pena flipped his commitment from Temple to Syracuse and chose the ACC over the AAC. [B]What’d recruiting sites say?: [/B]Three stars! [B]Money quote:[/B] Some people would panic at the[URL='https://www.si.com/college/syracuse/football/the-art-of-returning-trebor-pena'] idea of trying to return kicks[/URL] but not Pena.[/I] [I][B]Instagram: [/B][URL='https://www.instagram.com/_tpenaa/'][B]@_tpenaa[/B][/URL] ...[/I] [B][URL='https://www.nunesmagician.com/2022/7/12/23204423/get-to-know-your-syracuse-orange-man-29-dl-josh-hough']Get to Know Your Orange Man: #29, DL Josh Hough[/URL] (TNIAAM; Ostrowski)[/B] [I]Up next on our [URL='https://www.nunesmagician.com/']Syracuse Orange[/URL] roster preview is someone who flipped from offense to defense in spring camp: [B]Name: [/B]Josh Hough [B]Position:[/B] Running Back [B]Year: [/B]Redshirt Freshman [B]Height: [/B]6’3” [B]Weight: [/B]255 lbs. [B]Hometown: [/B]Beaver Falls, PA [B]High School: [/B]Beaver Falls [B]2021 stats: [/B]Did not play [B]2022 projections:[/B] After sustaining a season-ending injury in training camp last year, Hough finds himself starting from scratch on the other side of the ball. With the running back room starting to get crowded, Hough moved to the most needed position on the team: defensive line. Though he won’t start, his explosive speed could elevate him quickly. He played some defensive end and outside linebacker in high school, so this isn’t a totally new experience for Josh. [B]How’d he get here?:[/B] Turned down offers from nearby Pitt and Duquesne, as well as Buffalo, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Kentucky, and elsewhere. [B]What’d recruiting sites say?:[/B] Three stars across the board [B]Money quote:[/B] The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette named Hough as [URL='https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/high-school-football/2020/12/12/Post-Gazette-Player-of-the-Year-Beaver-Falls-Josh-Hough/stories/202012110130'][B]their player of the year[/B][/URL], a title normally given to a player in the Steel City. Beaver is about 40 miles north of it.[/I] [I][B]Twitter: [/B][URL='https://twitter.com/joshhough5?lang=en'][B]@JoshHough5[/B][/URL] [B]Tweet of Wonder:[/B] We salute this generosity[/I] [I]...[/I] [B][URL='https://www.uhnd.com/football/2022/07/12/22-notre-dame-game-rankings-10-irish-battle-orangemen-in-rare-trip-to-syracuse/']’22 Notre Dame Game Rankings #10: Irish Battle Orangemen in Rare Trip to Syracuse[/URL] (unhd.com; Sullivan)[/B] [I]The Notre Dame Fighting Irish will close out the month of October ([URL='https://www.uhnd.com/football/schedule/year/2022/']full 2022 Notre Dame football schedule[/URL]) with a road matchup against the Syracuse Orangemen. This year’s clash will mark only the third time ever, and first since 2003, that the game has actually been played in Syracuse. The past three Irish road trips to face the Orangemen have either taken place at the Meadowlands or Yankee Stadium. Syracuse head coach Dino Babers is in his seventh year at the school and is coming off his third 5-7 season in the past four campaigns. Babers made some adjustments on his staff, adding a pair of new offensive coaches who hope to fashion an upgrade on that side of the ball and get out of the current rut.[/I] [HEADING=1][I]Syracuse Offense: Up-Front Concerns Remain[/I][/HEADING] [I]One of the key performers of the Orangemen offense is quarterback Garrett Shaffer, who threw for 1,445 yards and nine touchdowns last season after transferring from Mississippi State. If he goes down or struggles, either Florida transfer Carlos Del Rio-Wilson, Justin Lamson or Michigan transfer Dan Villari could take over. The top performer on the Syracuse offense is running back Sean Tucker, who rushed for 1,496 yards and 12 touchdowns and also caught 20 passes. Another year like that and he could be NFL-bound, but he’ll need help from fullback Chris Elmore or reserve runners Juwaun Price and LaQuint Allen. Courtney Jackson is a possession receiver who’s the top returning wideout for Syracuse after catching 37 passes last season. Damien Alford offers the Orangemen a deep threat option, though he only had 13 receptions in 2021, two less than Anthony Queeley. Also, Michigan State transfer C.J. Hayes didn’t get much action with the Spartans but does offer a big target. How well the offensive line performs over the course of the season could ultimately serve as the real litmus test for the offense. This area has struggled to give Syracuse signal-callers enough time to throw in recent years, with left tackle Matthew Bergeron the only lineman who can confidently enter camp as a starter, Dakota Davis is expected to share the left side with Bergeron, while Carlos Vettorello is poised to handle things at center. Rounding out the likely starting group on the right side are guard Christopher Bleich and tackle Darius Tisdale. ...[/I] [B][URL='https://theclemsoninsider.com/2022/07/12/know-the-foe-syracuse-entering-pivotal-season-under-babers/']Know The Foe: Syracuse entering pivotal season under Babers[/URL] (theclemsoninsider.com; Potter)[/B] [I]Since its brief breakthrough four years ago, Syracuse hasn’t come close to repeating that success. The Orange won 10 games in 2018, but that’s the outlier to this point in the Dino Babers era. Since then, Syracuse has just 11 wins to its name as part of three consecutive losing seasons. The Orange have gone seven of the last eight seasons losing more games than they’ve won, making the 2022 season, which includes a trip to Clemson on Oct. 22, a pivotal one for Babers and his future at the helm of Syracuse’s program. [B]Offense[/B] The running game was one of the ACC’s best last season. The passing game? Not so much. Garrett Shrader came over from Mississippi State to take the reins of Syracuse’s offense, but the fleet-footed quarterback was far more dangerous as a runner than a thrower. His 65.1 rushing yards per game ranked ninth in the ACC, but he completed a league-worst 52.8% of his passes. Shrader is back, and so is his top receiver, Courtney Jackson, who caught just 37 passes last fall. The ingredients are there to still have one of the league’s top rushing attacks. Sean Tucker returns as one of the top running back prospects for next year’s NFL Draft after leading the ACC with more than 1,550 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns a season ago. The Orange also have all but one starting offensive linemen returning. But the biggest question is can Shrader and his group of largely unproven receivers, under new guidance from first-year coordinator Robert Anae, consistently help the running game and keep defenses from simply stacking the box? If not, other quarterbacks on the roster could get a hard look, including Michigan transfer Dan Villari. [B]Defense[/B] With gobs of experience and production back, Syracuse’s defense has the makings of a unit that should be able to keep the Orange in most games they play. Syracuse returns its top four tacklers and its entire back eight intact. The strength of the group may be the second level headlined by Mikel Jones, who racked up 110 tackles and 13 tackles for loss at his middle linebacker spot last season. Fellow ‘backers Stefon Thompson and Marlowe Max combined for nearly 140 tackles. The Orange might also have the ACC’s best pair of cover corners heading into the new season. Duce Chestnut (team-high three interceptions, eight pass breakups) and Garrett Williams (52 tackles, 10 pass breakups), a pair of freshmen All-Americans, look like next-level talents, and Justin Barron (42 tackles, three pass breakups) is another promising rising sophomore at safety. Up front, Syracuse will have to replace the production of edge defender Cody Roscoe (8.5 sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss last season), but a defense that ranked in the top 20 nationally a season ago has enough key cogs back that it should once again be the Orange’s strength this fall. [B]Special teams[/B] Syracuse got a major boost when Andre Szmyt decided to come back for another season. Already the school recordholder for career points for a kicker and field-goal percentage, Szmyt’s return gives the Orange one of the country’s top placekicker. Punter James Williams is also back, and Jackson (18.3 yards per punt return) is a dangerous weapon in the return game.[/I] [HEADING=2][I]Orange at a glance[/I][/HEADING] [I][B]Head coach:[/B] Dino Babers (seventh season) [B]2021 results:[/B] 5-7, 2-6 ACC (t-6th in Atlantic Division) [B]Last meeting:[/B] Lost to Clemson, 17-14, in 2021 [B]Key departures:[/B] DL Cody Roscoe, LB Geoff Cantin-Arku [B]Key returners:[/B] QB Garrett Shrader, RB Sean Tucker, WR Courtney Jackson, WR Damien Alford, DL Caleb Okechukwu, LB Mikel Jones, LB Stefon Thompson, LB Marlowe Wax, DB Deuce Chestnut, DB Garrett Williams, K Andre Szmyt [B]Key additions:[/B] QB Dan Villari, WR D’Marcus Adams, DB Alijah Clark[/I] [B][URL='https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/2022/07/12/acc-looked-at-expanding-with-west-virginia-in-2021-report/']ACC Looked at Expanding With West Virginia in 2021: Report[/URL] (heartlandcollegesports.com; Clinton)[/B] [I]ACC Looked at Expanding With West Virginia in 2021: Report With the West Virginia Mountaineers located in the middle of ACC country, there will always be rumors that they are an expansion target for the Atlantic Coast Conference. Well, it appears that those were more than just rumors last summer in the wake of the Oklahoma and Texas’ move to the SEC. Ever since the summer of 2021, the ACC had “strategy conversations” and one such conversations was centered around adding West Virginia, or even USC, to its membership.[/I] [I]“We looked at everybody,” [URL='https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/34217498/inside-stunning-usc-ucla-move-big-ten-chaos-followed']a source told ESPN[/URL]. “What do you do? I don’t think coast to coast was an appetite that the presidents wanted. I think that perspective would have changed if they had known.” Now, with the Big Ten adding USC and UCLA, whose closest conference opponent will be Nebraska some 1,500 miles away, it appears that going coast-to-coast is not a concern any more, at least not for Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren. Recently ESPN has been working with the ACC and remaining Pac-12 members on creating some sort of partnership between the two conferences, allowing them to co-exist within a media rights deal. Will the distance between them continue to make the deal a difficult one to strike, or will the ACC turn its eyes back to prospects closer to home, like the Mountaineers? It will certainly be something to monitor closely. ...[/I] [B][URL='https://newsadvance.com/sports/college/teel-who-drew-most-difficult-hand-in-accs-revised-football-schedule/article_97eef630-a922-5cb3-9dba-bfe5ea381cce.html']Teel: Who drew most difficult hand in ACC's revised football schedule?[/URL] (newsadvance.com; Teel)[/B] [I]At the risk of violating current sportswriter code, some ACC football observations unrelated to conference realignment: Two days prior to Southern California and UCLA’s move to the Big Ten commandeered the headlines, the league unveiled its new football scheduling model, relegating the Atlantic and Coastal divisions to the mothballs. The format is ideal for a 14-team conference, tripling the frequency of matchups such as Virginia Tech-Clemson and Virginia-Wake Forest. Starting in 2023, you’ll play three rivals annually and the remaining 10 twice every four years. Contrast that to the current divisional structure, in which you face seven opponents annually and the remaining six twice every 12 seasons. But as expected, the assigning of each team’s three annual rivals was imperfect. The labyrinth to balancing fairness, tradition and television appeal was always going to end in roadblocks. That reality aside, please excuse those of us lamenting the demise of annual Virginia Tech-Miami and N.C. State-Wake Forest clashes. The Hokies and Hurricanes have met in each of the last 30 seasons, the second-longest continuous series for both programs. Tech has played Virginia every year since 1970, while Miami has encountered Florida State each season since 1969. Moreover, Tech-Miami often matters. The 0-2 Hokies’ 1995 upset of the Hurricanes in Week 3 ignited their run to the Big East title and Sugar Bowl. Frank Beamer has often called that victory the most important of his Hall of Fame coaching career. Six seasons later, No. 1 Miami survived a late 2-point conversion attempt by Tech to win the regular-season finale at Lane Stadium 26-24. ’Twas the only game decided by a single-digit margin for the eventual undefeated national champs. The Hokies authored the only top-five conquest in their history with a 2003 rout of the No. 2 Hurricanes and a year later clinched their first ACC title in the 2004 regular-season finale at Miami. And how’s this for competitive? The Hokies went 6-6 versus the Hurricanes as Big East members and are 9-9 against them in the ACC, 6-6 all-time when both are ranked. Yet rather than protecting Tech-Miami’s annual status, the new model, approved by a majority of conference athletic directors, designates Virginia, Pittsburgh and Wake Forest as the Hokies’ yearly rivals. The Hurricanes’ are Florida State, Boston College and Louisville. But for all of its history, Tech-Miami is an infant compared to N.C. State-Wake Forest. ... ... Now here are the aggregate ACC records since 2014 for each team’s three annual opponents. [B]GEORGIA TECH:[/B] 117-77 (Clemson, Louisville and Wake Forest) [B]FLORIDA STATE:[/B] 116-80 (Clemson, Miami and Syracuse) [B]N.C. STATE:[/B] 111-86 (Clemson, Duke and North Carolina) [B]VIRGINIA:[/B] 102-96 (Louisville, North Carolina and Virginia Tech) [B]SYRACUSE:[/B] 100-96 (Boston College, Florida State and Pitt) [B]BOSTON COLLEGE:[/B] 98-99 (Miami, Pitt and Syracuse) [B]CLEMSON:[/B] 96-99 (Florida State, Georgia Tech and N.C. State) [B]LOUISVILLE:[/B] 95-100 (Georgia Tech, Miami and UVA) [B]VIRGINIA TECH:[/B] 94-100 (Pitt, Virginia and Wake Forest) [B]DUKE:[/B] 95-102 (North Carolina, N.C. State and Wake Forest) [B]MIAMI:[/B] 93-103 (Boston College, Florida State and Louisville) [B]WAKE FOREST:[/B] 83-114 (Duke, Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech) [B]NORTH CAROLINA:[/B] 82-116 (Duke, N.C. State and UVA) [B]PITTSBURGH:[/B] 79-119 (North Carolina, Syracuse and Virginia Tech) ...[/I] [B][URL='https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/john-wildhack-said-what-about-syracuses-conference-fate/id1496421572?i=1000569641237']‎Locked On Syracuse - Daily Podcast On Syracuse Orange Football & Basketball: John Wildhack Said What About Syracuse's Conference Fate? on Apple Podcasts[/URL] (apple.com; podcast; Locked on Syracuse)[/B] [I]Syracuse Athletic Director John Wildhack is staying loyal to the ACC amidst the nationwide conference realignment wave, at least publicly. Matt Bonaparte and Brad Klein discuss Wildhack's next move, and his recent comments on where the Orange stand.[/I] [B][URL='https://www.si.com/college/fsu/football/report-acc-has-had-conversations-in-regards-to-adding-new-team-to-conference']Report: ACC has 'had conversations' in regards to adding new team to conference[/URL] (SI; Lewis)[/B] [I]College football conference realignment has ramped up over the last few weeks. Ever since it was announced that USC and UCLA would join the Big Ten in 2025, news has been jumping around at a frenzied pace. Last week, [URL='https://www.si.com/college/fsu/football/sources-florida-state-exploring-leaving-acc-for-new-conference']NoleGameday learned that Florida State had been in contact with the Big Ten and SEC[/URL] since last summer over discussions to possibly change conferences. It won't be an easy process with a buyout fee and Grant of Rights agreement staring the Seminoles in the face. However, it is possible considering the circumstances. The ACC isn't resting on its laurels ahead of multiple reports that the SEC and Big Ten could look to poach the conference of its top programs. [URL='https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/smu-mustangs/2022/07/07/the-pitch-and-the-path-why-smu-is-internally-optimistic-about-this-round-of-realignment/']According to The Dallas Morning News[/URL], the conference has 'had conversations' with Southern Methodist University. “SMU has had conversations with leaders in the Big 12, the ACC and the Pac-12 recently, sources with knowledge of the situation told The Dallas Morning News,” an inside report from the paper read. “Bigger decisions, such as Notre Dame’s future and the direction of each of the three aforementioned conferences, still need to be figured out before SMU could potentially make a move, but there’s internal optimism the dust could eventually settle in SMU’s favor. ‘You have to feel good about where we’re at,’ an SMU official said.” This would be an interesting move in the wake of the SEC and Big Ten expanding. However, other conferences such as the Big 12 or Pac-12 may make more sense for SMU's future. The Mustangs could utilize their Texas roots to join a Big 12 that includes other programs from the state like Baylor, TCU, Texas Tech, and Houston (2024). Depending on how many schools defect from the Pac-12, there might be an opening out west as well. ...[/I] [B][URL='https://accfootballrx.blogspot.com/2022/07/does-sec-want-true-p2.html']Does the SEC want a true P2?[/URL] (RX; HM)[/B] [HEADING=2][I]Does the SEC want a true P2?[/I][/HEADING] [I]What are SEC leaders saying about realignment and super conferences?[/I] [I]From SaturdayDownSouth: [URL='https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-football/sds-sources-sec-wants-to-end-expansion-race-stay-at-16-teams/']SEC wants to end expansion race, stay at 16 teams[/URL] Comments from "sources":[/I] [I]As the author points out, even adding Notre Dame to the Big Ten won't worry the SEC that much. Highlights from the article:[/I] [I]Note that the author says if the Big Ten moved to 20 teams; the SEC is currently sitting at 16 teams, so presumably even if the Big Ten gets to 18 it won't trigger the SEC - but being 4 teams behind might. Also, if the Big Ten tries to encroach on what the SEC considers its territory by poaching ACC schools, that also might be enough to trigger further SEC expansion. ...[/I] [B][MEDIA=youtube]hnrEosw0Brs[/MEDIA] (youtube; podcast; Locked on BC)[/B] [I]It looks like the conference realignment merry go round is about to slow down and possibly stop. And for now the ACC looks like they should be ok. After all the hysteria, and commotion, the ACC schools most likely will be staying put, and there is strong rationale on why they aren't going anywhere. We talk about David Hale of ESPN's latest tweet string, and look at the Grant of Rights, and how ironclad it is.[/I] [B][URL='https://collegefootballnews.com/2022/07/college-conference-expansion-realignment-scenarios-what-each-league-should-do-what-will-happen']College Conference Expansion, Realignment Scenarios. What Each League Should Do, What Will Happen?[/URL] (CFN; Fiutak)[/B] [I]Really? You want to make sense of all the expansion and realignment in college sports? Good luck with that. Even the most connected of college football insiders are trying to put together the shredded papers to create a clear picture as all the rumors, reports, and tidbits fly around. So read this at your own risk – there’s a solid chance this all blows up five minutes from now. I’m prepared for everything below to soon look totally ridiculous because nothing appears to be off the table. The Big 12 getting Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF was obvious, but seriously, Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC? Last summer that seemed insane, and then it hit like a ton of bricks. That was nothing compared to the failure of imagination – and the shock – of USC and UCLA to the Big Ten. And how about the Sun Belt being the most proactive league of the bunch with Marshall, Old Dominion, and Southern Miss being snagged from Conference USA? So be warned, while everything below is rooted in reality to some extent … nah. It’s all changing by the moment. With all that said, what’s going on in realignment? What are the best and worst case scenarios for all the conference expansion options, what’s a crazy idea that might work for each one, and what’s about to happen – maybe? Let’s do this. [B][SIZE=6]ACC Expansion[/SIZE] What’s Going On?[/B] Nothing at the moment, but the rumors are flying. The SEC is supposedly interested, and the Big Ten isn’t saying anything – but would LOVE North Carolina. Even so, everything appears to be fine … for now. [B]Best Case Scenario:[/B] The ACC vastly improves its long-term media deal, ends its friends with benefits relationship with Notre Dame and puts a ring on it, and gives some thought to West Virginia joining the fun. [B]Worst Case Scenario:[/B] ESPN – or some crafty lawyer – figures out how to blow up the horrible grant of rights deal that locks the schools into their football media deal until 2036, and the SEC and Big Ten have have an epic battle to see who can get North Carolina, and Clemson, Florida State, and Miami. ...[/I] [B][URL='https://saturdayblitz.com/2022/07/12/wake-forest-couldnt-ready-acc-rumors/']Wake Forest couldn’t be more ready for these ACC rumors[/URL] (saturdayblitz.com; Lloyd)[/B] [I][B]The Wake Forest Demon Deacons have surely heard these recent ACC rumors, but they shouldn’t be sweating them at all.[/B] The timeline of Wake Forest Athletics is one of rather limited excellence. Its football program has the lowest all-time winning percentage in the Power 5, its basketball program has only made the Final Four once, and the university has been widely regarded as a “golfing school.” In other words, the Demon Deacons are not exactly the first group to come to mind when thinking of a powerhouse in the world of collegiate sports. And that isn’t exactly a comforting realization for them to face when hearing some of the latest rumors surrounding the ACC. The Atlantic Coast Conference (of which Wake Forest is a charter member) has recently been the subject of some speculations involving these ongoing conference realignments. One of the said speculations has actually gone as far as to discuss four of its powers, including Florida State and Clemson, potentially joining the SEC. Now rumors such as the one mentioned above are just that: rumors, and [URL='https://fansided.com/2022/07/07/clemson-florida-state-unc-rumors-sec-acc/']nothing more[/URL]. With that said, none of them should be taken even remotely seriously when considering where the Power 5 leagues officially stand today. ...[/I] [B][URL='https://accfootballrx.blogspot.com/2022/07/links-news-and-rumors-2022-july-13th.html']Links, News and Rumors 2022 July 13th[/URL] (RX; HM)[/B] [HEADING=2][I]Links, News and Rumors 2022 July 13th[/I][/HEADING] [I]From JohnCanzano.com: [URL='https://www.johncanzano.com/p/canzano-espn-plays-kingmaker-as-pac']ESPN Plays Kingmaker[/URL] (but will it benefit the ACC?)[/I] [I]Is ESPN about to give the ACC the old "Big XII treatment" (i.e. pay them enough to keep the band together, even though they don't have to)? ...[/I] [B][URL='https://accfootballrx.blogspot.com/2022/07/2021-revenues-knight-commission.html']2021 Revenues - Knight Commission[/URL] (RX; HM)[/B] [HEADING=2][I]2021 Revenues - Knight Commission[/I][/HEADING] [I]The [B]Knight Commission[/B] is generally considered much more reliable when it comes to reporting revenues than, say, Equity in Athletics. For this reason, CSNBBS user "GreatDane96" posted this data in the thread "[URL='https://csnbbs.com/thread-950316-post-18317533.html#pid18317533']Latest School Revenues 07/01/2020 - 06/30/2021[/URL]"; here are the top 42 schools, from the 2021 season, according to the Knight Commission (with ACC schools highlighted): 1. Alabama - $180M, with $98M coming from media rights and conference distributions 2. [B]Notre Dame[/B] - not publicly available however, unofficially made $170M in revenue, with an unknown figure from media rights. Reports range in the $15M-$20M range. 3. Georgia - $169M, with $82M in media rights and conference distributions 4. TAMU - $162M, with $81M coming from media rights and conference distributions 5. Texas - $153M, with $35M coming from media rights and conference distributions 6. Oklahoma - $144M, with $43M in media rights and conference distributions 7. Florida - $139M, with $85M in media rights and conference distributions 8. South Carolina - $135M, with $76M in media rights and conference distributions 9.Tennessee - $133M, with $77M in media rights and conference distributions 10. Arkansas - $132M, with $78M in media rights and conference distributions 11. [B]Florida State[/B] - $130M, with $38M in media rights and conference distributions 12. Ole Miss - $127M, with $88M in media rights and conference distributions 13. Auburn - $124M, with $80M in media rights and conference distributions 14. [B]Clemson[/B] - $123M, with $37M in media rights and conference distributions 15. LSU - $122M, with $79M in media rights and conference distributions 16. Kentucky - $121M, with $97M coming from media rights and conference distributions 17. USC - not publicly available but unofficially made $119M in revenue with no clear figure on how much of that comes from media rights and conference distributions. 18T. Oregon - $118M, with $22M in media rights and conference distributions 18T. Arizona State - $118M, with $21M coming from media rights and conference distributions 20. Miss State - $113M, with $81M coming from media rights and conference distributions 21. Missouri - $110M, with $76M coming from media rights and conference distributions 22T. Ohio State - $107M, with $55M coming from media rights and conference distributions 22T. Wisconsin - $107M, with $47M in media rights and conference distributions 24. Penn State - $106M, with $43M in media rights and conference distributions 25. [B]Virginia[/B] - $105M, with $34M coming from media rights and conference distributions 26T. Arizona - $102M, with $19M coming from media rights and conference distributions 26T. [B]North Carolina[/B] - $102M, with $39M coming from media rights and conference distributions 28T. Michigan - $101M, with $46M coming from media rights and conference distributions 28T. [B]Louisville[/B] - $101M, with $35M coming from media rights and conference distributions ...[/I] [B][URL='https://chapelboro.com/sports/unc-football-to-host-two-open-practices-in-kenan-stadium']UNC Football To Host Two Open Practices in Kenan Stadium - Chapelboro.com[/URL] (chapelboro.com; Koh)[/B] [I]Fans will get an exclusive first look at the Tar Heels before the 2022 season kicks off. The UNC football program announced it would host two open practices in Kenan Stadium in late July and early August, with the second open practice exclusively for students.[/I] [I]The first open practice will take place on Saturday, July 30, from 10 a.m. to noon. The football program said “kid-friendly music and interactive games” will be available inside gate 2, with concessions and UNC merchandise available. Head coach Mack Brown will address the crowd during the practice, which will conclude with players tossing signed mini-footballs into the stands. The second, students-only practice will take place as part of the UNC Week of Welcome on Saturday, August 13. These will be the first opportunities for fans and students to see the 2022 Tar Heels in an official capacity since the team’s annual [URL='https://chapelboro.com/sports/josh-downs-scores-qb-carousel-spins-on-during-unc-football-spring-game']Spring Game[/URL] back in April. Brown has stayed mum on the question of starting quarterback for Week 1 against Florida A&M, and these practices could give a clue into which way he’s leaning. The Tar Heels [URL='https://chapelboro.com/sports/unc-football-to-open-2022-season-against-florida-am']will host the Rattlers[/URL] in Kenan Stadium the night of Saturday, August 27, just two weeks after the final open practice. ...[/I] [B][URL='https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/sec/2022/07/12/sec-football-expansion-20-teams-conference-realignment/10035857002/']What would a 20-team future look like for SEC football? Here's one idea.[/URL] (usatoday.com; Toppmeyer)[/B] [I]The 1991 [URL='https://www.usatoday.com/sports/ncaaf/']college football[/URL] standings illustrate conference realignment's longstanding presence. Five of the 10 conferences from 1991 are either defunct or no longer compete in the FBS. That season, no conference featured more than 10 teams. By 2025, the Big Ten and SEC each will have at least 16 members, while other conferences fight for survival. Conference growth and evolution are simply part of college football. So, [URL='https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/SEC/2022/07/06/sec-football-expansion-realignment-clemson-florida-state-north-carolina-big-ten/7811281001/']whether the SEC will expand further[/URL] seems less a question of if and more a matter of when, and with whom? Here’s one idea:[/I] [HEADING=1][I]Which schools make sense for SEC expansion?[/I][/HEADING] [I]The SEC’s past additions of Arkansas, South Carolina, Missouri, Texas A&M, Oklahoma and Texas expanded the conference’s footprint into neighboring states. Other than Missouri, those schools fit the conference’s Southern brand. The SEC’s expansion approach stands in contrast to the Big Ten, which targeted schools from coast to coast. What schools fit the SEC’s profile? Clemson and Florida State are big brands within the SEC footprint that would mesh with the culture. They’d add value, too. Other than Notre Dame and teams currently in or joining the Big Ten or SEC, [URL='https://twitter.com/Andy_Staples/status/1545504705283035139/photo/1']no one attracts a television audience better than Clemson and FSU[/URL]. Additionally, North Carolina and Virginia Tech would fit the SEC’s past preference to grow the footprint into neighboring states. ...[/I] [B][URL='https://247sports.com/LongFormArticle/College-football-rankings-Devin-Leary-Tyler-Van-Dyke-lead-ACC-quarterbacks-ahead-of-2022-season-189976692/']College football rankings: Devin Leary, Tyler Van Dyke lead ACC quarterbacks ahead of 2022 season[/URL] (247sports.com; Crawford)[/B] [I]College football rankings are rapidly coming to the surface this summer, and next in our individual position groups installment is quarterbacks — narrowing our focus to the ACC's elite group of signal callers. Given the [URL='https://247sports.com/LongFormArticle/College-football-rankings-Phil-Steele-reveals-preseason-top-40-poll-189921650/']ACC's stance inside numerous preseason top 25s entering the 2022 season[/URL], this league has several programs capable of making a run to the New Year's Six, and potentially cracking the College Football Playoff, thanks to strength at the position. This is a revised [URL='https://247sports.com/LongFormArticle/ACC-football-Ranking-projected-starting-quarterbacks-in-2022-183285285/']look at the ACC pecking order under center[/URL] as we approach the start of fall camp based on what we're hearing from boots on the ground. A heavy emphasis in our updated player rankings is based around how these quarterbacks are projected to be rated at the end of the season. There are several undecided quarterback competitions in the ACC near the bottom of the league, so at this point, picking the starter is an educated guess. Here's a look at ACC projected starting quarterback rankings from worst to first entering the 2022 season.[/I] [HEADING=1][I]14. RILEY LEONARD (DUKE)[/I][/HEADING] [I][B]2021 statistics[/B]: 37 of 62, 381 yards, one touchdown, on interception [B]2022 outlook[/B]: Duke's last difference-maker at the quarterback spot was Daniel Jones, future first-round pick of the New York Giants, a franchise that's still waiting for him to come around as a pro. This season, the Blue Devils hope [B][URL='https://247sports.com/Player/Riley-Leonard-46101566']Riley Leonard[/URL][/B] can affect the game in a positive way so expectations came be met — if not, surpassed — under first-year coach [B][URL='https://247sports.com/Coach/Mike-Elko-1055']Mike Elko[/URL][/B]. Fellow sophomore Jordan Moore is going to get a crack at reps, too, so this is a quarterback room to keep a close eye on during fall camp.[/I] [HEADING=1][I]13. JEFF SIMS (GEORGIA TECH)[/I][/HEADING] [I][B]2021 statistics[/B]: 113 of 188, 1,468 yards, 12 touchdowns, seven interceptions; 372 yards rushing, four touchdowns. [B]2022 outlook[/B]: Jeff Sims is Georgia Tech's starting quarterback this season, but will he be pressed for playing time by transfers Zach Gibson (Akron) and former Clemson signal caller Taisun Phommachanh? Possibly. When healthy, Sims has been the Yellow Jackets' starter each of the past two seasons with varying levels of success. Chris Weinke is Georgia Tech's new quarterbacks coach, which could improve his development, and no Jordan Yates breathing down his neck should help.[/I] [HEADING=1][I]12. GRANT WELLS (VIRGINIA TECH)[/I][/HEADING] [I][B]2021 statistics[/B]: 294 of 444, 3,535 yards, 16 touchdowns, 13 interceptions [B]2022 outlook[/B]: Grant Wells, a transfer from Marshall, is battling South Carolina transfer Jason Brown for the starting job this fall and we're giving the edge to Wells with the Hokies. A two-year starter for the Thundering Herd, Wells led the Herd to a 7-6 record and an appearance in the New Orleans Bowl last season. In 2020, he led Marshall to a Conference USA East Division title and was named the league's Freshman of the Year and was a first team All-Conference USA selection. That season, he completed 165 of 270 passes (61.1%) for 2,091 yards with 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions.[/I] [HEADING=1][I]11. DRAKE MAYE (NORTH CAROLINA)[/I][/HEADING] [I][B]2021 statistics[/B]: 7 of 10, 89 yards, one touchdown [B]2022 outlook[/B]: After watching three-year starter [B][URL='https://247sports.com/Player/Sam-Howell-91707']Sam Howell[/URL][/B] leave for the NFL, the Tar Heels are incredibly green in their quarterback room with [B][URL='https://247sports.com/Player/Drake-Maye-46054754']Drake Maye[/URL][/B] being the likely starter this season. He played in two games as a freshman last fall with minimal. The North Carolina coaching staff is going to depend on him a great deal and the Tar Heels have talent around him, including All-SEC receiver [B][URL='https://247sports.com/Player/Josh-Downs-94354']Josh Downs[/URL][/B], a potential first-rounder in 2023.[/I] [HEADING=1][I]10. GARRETT SHRADER (SYRACUSE)[/I][/HEADING] [I][B]2021 statistics[/B]: 123 of 234, 1,445 yards, nine touchdowns, four interceptions; 781 yards rushing, 14 touchdowns. [B]2022 outlook[/B]: This former Mississippi State transfer gave the Orange much-needed athleticism at quarterback last fall, combining with running back Sean Tucker to lead the ACC's most productive rushing attack. Shrader took over the starting job in Week 4 last season and went on to rack up 781 yards on the ground as well as 14 touchdowns — both good for second in school history among quarterbacks. Shrader's combination of power and shiftiness helped move the chains and was a natural complement to Tucker, an All-American ballcarrier. ...[/I] [B][URL='https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/columns/gene-frenette/2022/07/12/college-football-realignment-could-mean-shaky-future-fsu-miami/10032793002/']Frenette | College Football Limbo: Precarious future awaits FSU, Miami outside SEC/Big Ten[/URL] (jacksonville.com; Frenette)[/B] [I]With each passing day, college football inches closer toward its most alarmingly uncertain future in history because big-brand programs are engrossed by the twin motivations of greed and self-preservation. Any concept of team or league membership loyalty is as extinct as the T formation. That is, unless you need a tag-team escort to jump ship and accompany you on the path to gridiron survival. Conference realignment — whether it’s the SEC poaching Texas and Oklahoma last year from the Big 12, or the [URL='https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/34173688/source-usc-ucla-considering-move-pac-12-big-ten']recent Big Ten counterpunch of pilfering USC and UCLA from the Pac-12[/URL] — is becoming a runaway train with no clarity on what college football looks like when the big dominos stop falling. One popular consensus is the SEC and Big Ten will eventually form 20-team conglomerates who conduct their own national championship. As for what might remain of teams from other Power 5 leagues, that is also an ongoing mystery. Maybe they fight for the leftover TV crumbs, perhaps playing as some sort of junior varsity/FCS configuration in a separate playoff system. For now, the imaginations of every athletic director in the ACC, Big 12 and Pac-12 are running wild with endless possibilities, many of them gloomy. Will the Big 12 try to sell Pac-12 members Colorado, Utah or both Arizona schools on joining? Does the Big Ten wait on Notre Dame to finally abandon its independence before chasing after Oregon, Washington, North Carolina or Virginia? What can the ACC do to remain viable, assuming that [URL='https://www.jacksonville.com/sports/fsu-seminoles/']Florida State[/URL], Miami and Clemson don’t abandon ship? Nobody has any idea where this jigsaw puzzle is headed, leaving many to wonder if they’ll emerge in a better place financially than the precarious spot all schools outside the SEC and Big Ten are now feeling. ...[/I] [B][URL]https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/college/article263387313.html[/URL] (charlotteobserver.com; Pope IV)[/B] [I]Studying quarterbacks and breaking down film comes naturally to N.C. State linebacker Drake Thomas. Being in front of the camera, sans helmet and shoulder pads, is admittedly outside of his comfort zone. But it was hard to tell when he and quarterback Devin Leary were on screen recently, appearing in a series of commercials for Bobbitt Construction in Raleigh. “It takes a little time to get adjusted,” Thomas said. “I’d say the first time it was awkward. I’m not an actor obviously, but we went back to do some more videos and I was definitely a lot more comfortable. It was more natural.” In three seasons, Thomas has made 192 tackles and was a first-team all-ACC performer in 2021. Last season Leary broke N.C. State’s single-season record for passing touchdowns (35), while throwing just five interceptions. Their success on the field thrust them into the spotlight, and when Bobbitt Construction reached out to them about appearing on camera, they were ready. “We’ve never shot a video or acted before, so it’s new to us,” Leary said. “But it’s funny to see Drake hop into a skit, like, this dude is our starting linebacker and he’s doing a construction video.” ...[/I] [B][URL="https://sports.yahoo.com/explaining-accs-grant-rights-roadblock-100134802.html"]Explaining ACC's grant-of-rights roadblock and what it means for Clemson football[/URL] (yahoo.com; Keepfer)[/B] [I]Amid the myriad projections, predictions and rumors concerning [URL='https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/sports/college/clemson/2022/07/07/clemson-football-sec-realignment-2022-acc-disbands/7825142001/']Clemson’s possible departure from the ACC[/URL] is one major potential roadblock – namely, the ACC’s grant-of-rights agreement. Clemson and the league’s other 14 teams [URL='https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/17102933/acc-espn-agree-20-year-rights-deal-lead-2019-launch-acc-network']extended their grant of rights in 2016 [/URL]through 2036. The new deal, which coincided with the creation of the ACC Network, includes stipulations that would keep all of a school’s TV revenue in the conference even if that school decides to leave the league. That financial concern could be enough to keep Clemson from jumping the ACC ship to the rich waters of the SEC. Also, breaking the ACC grant of rights deal would require a sizeable exit fee of $120 million, according to [URL='https://twitter.com/aadelsonESPN/status/1545437217849475073']ESPN's Andrea Adelson[/URL]. “I think it’s a definite sticking point,” said ESPN commentator Roy Philpott. “The fact of the matter is you’re looking at an exit fee that is in excess of $100 million at this second.” Speculation has run rampant recently that Clemson, which has been a member of the ACC since the league’s founding in 1953, is strongly considering a move to the football-dominated SEC. The announcement a couple of weeks ago that Southern Cal and UCLA would be leaving the Pac-12 to join the Big Ten only added fuel to the realignment fire. “It felt like when USC and UCLA left that it would start an avalanche of movement,” Philpott said. “But that hasn’t happened yet, and the ACC with its grant of rights has the teams locked in for a long period of time, so you wonder how much of a factor that could be. ...[/I] [B][URL="https://www.on3.com/news/espn-insider-reveals-whats-next-for-the-acc-why-it-needs-to-make-predatory-play/"]ESPN insider reveals what's next for the ACC, why it needs to make 'predatory play'[/URL] (on3.com; Gillenwater) [/B] [I]The part the ACC has played in conference realignment so far is which programs would be interested in leaving. However, what if was the other way around? Could the ACC become aggressors and start looking for new programs of their own? That’s the direction that ESPN College Football Senior Writer [URL='https://twitter.com/PeteThamel?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor']Pete Thamel[/URL] believes is the most prosperous for the conference. Thamel [URL='https://www.espn.com/radio/play/_/id/34228546']discussed[/URL] the scenario on Monday on ESPN’s Paul Finebaum Show. He says different TV deal projections have not come back positive thus far for the ACC. While there’s no suspicion that the conference is out looking for new members, Thamel wonders if it’s time for the conference to go on the offensive. “Obviously the ACC, if it wants to do something here, would have to poach. They’re running the numbers on what some sort of ACC/Pac-12 arrangement could look like. The numbers my sources have told me are going to be pretty underwhelming,” said Thamel. “The thought is does the ACC go and make a big, predatory play? That would obviously shake things up significantly. I don’t think there’s like a yearning or urgency to do that.” [B][URL='https://www.on3.com/teams/clemson-tigers/']Clemson[/URL][/B], [B][URL='https://www.on3.com/teams/florida-state-seminoles/']Florida State[/URL][/B], [B][URL='https://www.on3.com/teams/miami-hurricanes/']Miami[/URL][/B] and [B][URL='https://www.on3.com/college/north-carolina-tar-heels/']North Carolina[/URL][/B] are all ACC teams that have beem mentioned as schools who could be on their way out. That’s not to mention programs like [B][URL='https://www.on3.com/college/duke-blue-devils/']Duke[/URL][/B], [B][URL='https://www.on3.com/college/virginia-cavaliers/']Virginia[/URL][/B], and [B][URL='https://www.on3.com/college/virginia-tech-hokies/']Virginia Tech[/URL][/B] that could follow them out the door. With that said, the main focus has solely been on the ACC preventing teams from leaving. The ACC currently has had [B][URL='https://www.on3.com/teams/notre-dame-fighting-irish/']Notre Dame[/URL][/B] locked in as a partial member since 2012. What if they’re the conference who could bring the Irish into the fold? That’s not to mention multiple other east coast schools they could consider. If their goal is to make themselves a player in the realignment arms race, Thamel says that’s their only avenue to staying in it at all. “If revenue and trying to catch up in some semblance to the Power 2 is what the ACC focuses on doing, that’s the surest, most likely way to more revenue streams,” said Thamel. The ACC’s future remains just as cloudy as the Pac-12 and Big 12’s. The SEC and Big Ten separated themselves from the rest of the Power 5, leaving those three to fend for themselves against super conference dominance. While there’s no indication of what they’ll do yet, Thamel at least tossed out this option for the ACC to try to live to see another college football Saturday. ...[/I] [B][URL="https://accfootballrx.blogspot.com/2022/07/how-realignment-got-started.html"]How Realignment Got Started[/URL] (RX; HM)[/B] [HEADING=2][I]How Realignment Got Started[/I][/HEADING] [I][IMG alt="P5 as of 2014"]https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4Hu2oKc30nnsrn1G8ndm9Q1XxFgtSVcZMT_8gI05OvnwwmBBhR0oJLUIkAx87BZsHGiYu7GB0vJip059cAS5iW6cNGq8SKGzGH5QBe2AIa-pCYd2PtX3OGbVmhbwHGlzqXGGPeI94Q4AjpPysnuZYjl6sqS9vYlnsRIIkUf58zhDPDb51pMWdo42zw/w320-h200/AniConf2014.gif[/IMG] I had planned to write about something else, but I grew annoyed at the misinformation being spewed by certain media outlets when it comes to who started conference realignment. They seem to want to blame the ACC for dismantling the Big East, when in fact that was a reaction to what other conferences had already done. Let me explain... [B]"The ACC started realignment when they poached Syracuse and Pitt from the Big East"[/B] Syracuse and Pitt accepted invitations to join the ACC in September of 2011 [[URL='https://www.syracuse.com/sports/2013/06/syracuse_acc_sports_change_con.html']reference[/URL]]. However, that was in response to a wave of realignment that had already started. On month earlier - August of 2011 - Texas A&M announced they would be leaving the Big XII for the SEC [[URL='https://web.archive.org/web/20111116203844/http://www.tamu.edu/athletics/conferenceChange.html']source[/URL]]. But that wasn't the first team to be "poached" from the Big XII by any means... In June of 2010 - a full year earlier - Nebraska accepted an invitation to join the Big Ten [[URL='https://unlhistory.unl.edu/exhibits/show/move-to-big-10/to-big-10']reference[/URL]]. Shortly after that, Colorado announced that they were also leaving the Big XII to pursue membership in the Pac 10 (soon to be 12) conference [[URL='https://www.espn.com/college-sports/news/story?id=5271438']source[/URL]]. Some will say [B]"Well, realignment really got started when the ACC poached Miami, Virginia Tech, and Boston College from the Big East"[/B]. The Canes and Hokies both accepted invitations in June 2003; BC's invitation became official in October of that same year. ...[/I] [B][URL="https://accfootballrx.blogspot.com/2022/07/bgb-top-2022-cfb-defenses.html"]BGB: Top 2022 CFB Defenses[/URL] (RX; HM)[/B] [HEADING=2][I][B]BGB: Top 2022 CFB Defenses[/B][/I][/HEADING] [I]If BigGameBoomer is correct, the final version of the ACC Atlantic should be a slobber-knocker![/I] [I]Quarterbacks beware - the ACC is becoming a "no fly" zone in 2022! ...[/I] [B][URL="https://accfootballrx.blogspot.com/2022/07/guest-rx-acc-needs-to-be-aggressor-to.html"]GUEST Rx: The ACC needs to be the aggressor to avoid irrelevancy[/URL] (RX; HM)[/B] [HEADING=2][I]GUEST Rx: The ACC needs to be the aggressor to avoid irrelevancy[/I][/HEADING] [CENTER][/CENTER] [TABLE] [TR] [TD][CENTER][I]GUEST ARTICLE[/I][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [I]Previous guest writer "Lee Nobody" is at it again with a plan for saving, not just the ACC, but possibly college football itself...[/I] [I]...[/I] [B][URL="https://accfootballrx.blogspot.com/2022/07/losing-records-against-vanderbilt.html"]Losing Records against Vanderbilt[/URL] (RX; HM)[/B] Losing Records against Vanderbilt [I]If a team can't beat Vanderbilt consistently in football, do they deserve to sit at the big boy's table?[/I] [I]Uh-oh! Look at all these ACC teams[/I] [I]Admittedly most of these are pretty small sample sizes and may have been played a long, long time ago, but what about UVA? The Cavs have played the Commodores 18 times - the most recent in 1975 - and Virginia only managed to win 5 of them? Come on! Before we get too worked up, there are some more P5 teams on this list, a couple of whom are heavy hitters:[/I] [I]Even in the SEC itself, Auburn is barely above .500 all-time, sitting at 20-18 versus the Commodores. ...[/I] [B][URL="https://thespun.com/college-football/paul-finebaum-believes-1-major-conference-is-in-danger"]Paul Finebaum Believes 1 Major Conference Is 'In Danger'[/URL] (thespun.com; Arend)[/B] Paul should retire. He needs to understand the GOR if he wants to pretend to know something. [I]If you're not the Big Ten or SEC these days, you're in trouble. Longtime college football analyst Paul Finebaum thinks one conference, in particular, is in danger: the ACC. Top ACC programs - like Clemson, Florida State and Miami - is well aware the ACC isn't as strong as the SEC or Big Ten. It's plausible all three are trying to find a way out. The tipping point here will be Notre Dame, though. If the Fighting Irish join the Big Ten, the SEC is going to probably make a run after top ACC schools. “The ACC has no chance of competing with the Big Ten or SEC without Notre Dame,” Finebaum said, via [URL='https://247sports.com/Article/Paul-Finebaum-Notre-Dames-potential-Big-Ten-SEC-interest-puts-ACC-in-danger-189998196/']247Sports[/URL]. "I think Clemson wants out of the ACC badly and so does Florida State ... this is all predicated on Notre Dame, by the way. I think things are going to happen. There's way too much activity going on. I think the chips are going to fall all over the place here." This will all rest on Notre Dame, though. The entire college football world is awaiting ND's decision. Until then, schools are going to remain in limbo. [/I] [I]Is the ACC really in danger?[/I] [B][COLOR=rgb(243, 121, 52)][FONT=verdana][SIZE=7]Other[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B] [IMG]https://www.syracuse.com/resizer/XYndDDZKqwY-50rDWf2NEeUprpg=/500x0/smart/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/advancelocal/SHYA4GTSCRDGHMOFFCZGLGGONU.jpg[/IMG] [I][SIZE=3]The TB Smash Burger at Persimmons restaurant at Timber Banks in Baldwinsville. (Charlie Miller | [EMAIL]cmiller@syracuse.com[/EMAIL])[/SIZE][/I] [B][URL="https://www.syracuse.com/food/2022/07/first-look-new-restaurant-at-baldwinsville-golf-course-introduces-cny-to-country-club-fusion.html"]First Look: New restaurant at Baldwinsville golf course introduces CNY to ‘country club fusion’[/URL] (PS; $; Miller)[/B] [I]Think of Persimmons, the new restaurant at Timber Banks Golf Club, as “country club fusion.” That’s a current-day way of saying it’s not stuffy, uptight or boring. This restaurant that stretches along the 445-yard 18th fairway serves expressive food and drinks by servers who enjoy what they’re doing. And because it’s a public(ish) club, we can all feast in these modern inside-and-out dining rooms. “This is a mixture of the best things we all have learned along the way,” said Adam Kimball, the executive chef here. “That’s certainly how I created the menu. It’s been great.” Ellie Huff, the restaurant manager, has worked in the hospitality industry since her first job at Doug’s Fish Fry when she was 15. She later ran a bistro in Oregon and eventually returned to manage the Sherwood Inn in Skaneateles and then run the five hotels there. Timber Banks hired her to manage Persimmons in May, just as construction of the new restaurant was wrapping up. Ellie’s goal was to put together a team of energetic servers who wanted to work here and put the Covid-19 pandemic behind them. “The pandemic was a hard time, and we had all worked so hard those years,” she said. “This is a new beginning for a lot of people. I get excited coming to work each day, and I sold that vision when interviewing prospective employees.” At a time when so many restaurants are plagued by a worker shortage, Ellie had Persimmons fully staffed by the soft opening in early June. They started small, serving only golfing members of the club for a couple weeks. Two weeks ago, the restaurant opened to the public and can now operate at full capacity, which can be 200-plus diners at once. Amy Preble, the general manager of the Timber Banks complex, has known Adam since he was a chef at the Krebs in Skaneateles and lured him here. Adam grew up nearby and went to culinary school after graduating from Cicero-North Syracuse High School in 2003. He has run kitchens in Florida and Michigan before returning to New York. ...[/I] [/QUOTE]

Verification: What is a Syracuse fan's favorite color?