sutomcat
No recent Cali or Iggy awards; Mr Irrelevant
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Welcome to Ghost in the Machine Day!
Is your mind within your body? Does it exist in your brain or is it separate from it? These are a few of the questions we ponder today on Ghost in the Machine Day. "Ghost in the machine" is a philosophical phrase having to do with the relationship between the mind and body. It critiques the idea that the mind is a distinct entity from the body, by saying that such an idea is like believing there is a "ghost in the machine." Gilbert Ryle came up with the phrase and first used it in his 1949 book, The Concept of Mind. In it, he called René Descartes' belief of mind-body dualism the "ghost in the machine." Others besides Descartes also believed there is a mind that is separate from the body, and that it can live on after the body dies. Ryle's belief contrasted with this: he believed consciousness and the mind are dependent on the brain and are not apart from it.
SU News
Wyatt Bowman commits to Syracuse football (247sports.com; McAllister)
Class of 2025 Rockville (MD) Georgetown Prep tight end Wyatt Bowman has committed to Syracuse football, he tells 247Sports. Bowman, listed at 6-5, 210 pounds, was on campus for an official visit this past weekend. He was previously committed to North Carolina as a five star lacrosse recruit. He will only play football at Syracuse.
The Orange has been involved with Bowman for some time and was able to convince him to switch sports and teams. He was offered in early April and is committed approximately two months later with the official visit sealing the deal for both sides. Bowman is the second player in as many days to commit to Syracuse following a big official visit weekend. Offensive lineman Skylar Harvey, who is also from the state of Maryland, announced his commitment on Monday. They are the latest commitments in what has been active six-plus months for Syracuse football recruiting ever since Fran Brown took over as head coach. Bowman is not currently rated by 247Sports.
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Elite lacrosse prospect who committed to UNC flips to SU football (PS; $; Carlson)
Wyatt Bowman, an elite lacrosse recruit, has verbally committed to the Orange football team, reversing a pledge to play men’s lacrosse at North Carolina.
Verbal commitments are not binding until a player has signed a National Letter of Intent in December.
Bowman is a tight end prospect in football who, according to the website 247Sports, had scholarship offers from UMass, Delaware and Towson. He plays both sports for Georgetown Preparatory School in Bethesda, Maryland. The school regularly produces Division I prospects in both sports.
Bowman told Syracuse.com via text message he had committed to the Syracuse football program. He said he was coming to Syracuse on a football scholarship and that he’d start his career playing only football for the Orange.
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TNIAAM
Syracuse football’s newest commit in Class of 2025 is a big-bodied offensive lineman from Baltimore (PS; $; Carlson)
Skylar Harvey, an offensive line prospect in the Class of 2025 who already weighs more than 300 pounds, committed to the Syracuse football program on Monday.
Harvey lists himself on social media at 6-foot-7 and 335 pounds. He says he plays both offensive tackle and offensive guard. He announced his verbal commitment on social media.
Commitments are not binding until after a player signs a National Letter of Intent.
Harvey is not currently ranked by 247 Sports. The recruiting website lists him as being offered by Pittsburgh, Boston College, Virginia Tech as well as some schools outside the Power-Four.
He is ranked as a three-star recruit by On3.com, which ranks him as the No. 60 offensive tackle prospect in the country and the No. 20 player in the State of Maryland.
He was one of a number of players who participated in Syracuse’s second weekend of official visits last weekend.
Harvey continues the Orange emphasis on amassing big bodies on the offensive line in its Class of 2025. He is the third offensive lineman committed in Syracuse’s Class of 2025 who already weighs more than 300 pounds and is the fourth offensive lineman in the group. All of them are at least 6-foot-6.
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Syracuse football: Class of 2025 OL Skylar Harvey commits to the Orange (TNIAAM; Ostrowski)
Just when you think Fran Brown is slowing down on the recruiting trail, the Syracuse Orange will keep adding to their future.
It happened again on Monday when Syklar Harvey, a 6’6”, 350 lbs. offensive tackle from Archbishop Curley High School in Baltimore, committed to SU:
Harvey is a three-star prospect in the Class of 2025. The On3 Composite rankings list him as the #97 interior OL in the class and the #38 prospect in the state of Maryland.
Brown’s staff extended an offer to Harvey in April, and he was one of nine guys to take an official visit to campus this past weekend. Virginia Tech, Pitt, BC, UConn, Temple, JMU, and others also had offers out. Skylar visited Penn State, Maryland, and Rutgers as well.
With the verbal commitment, Syracuse now has 20 in the Class of 2025. Harvey is the fourth offensive lineman in the group, along with Byron Washington, Kardiear Shepherd, and Matthew Hawn.
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SU lands 2025 Offensive Lineman Skylar Harvey (orangefizz.net;
While the 2024 college football season is only a couple of months away, Fran Brown and his staff are also focusing on the future.
Monday they landed some additional help at the offensive line, where the Orange have struggled in recent years. Maryland native Skylar Harvey, a 2025 high school grad, committed to Syracuse yesterday. Harvey, who is listed at 6-7, 350 on Hudl, has played as both an offensive tackle and offensive guard at Archbishop Curley High School in Baltimore.
The rising high school senior had a quick turnaround, visiting the SU campus this past weekend and then committing the same week.
The 247Sports Composite three-star had 11 Division One offers, and was a hot pick among ACC schools. Boston College, Pitt and Virginia Tech all offered Harvey, who took both unofficial and official visits to Blacksburg. The Hokies were listed as a favorite for Harvey per 247 as recent as last month.
Harvey is the third offensive tackle commit in the 2025 class, joining fellow three stars Byron Washington and Kardiear Shepherd. While it may be a crowded positional group if the Orange add more commits and transfer, if there’s one area the Orange want depth in, it’s the o-line.
Last season, the Orange saw Joe More, Kalan Ellis and David Wohlabaugh Jr., all offensive linemen, go down with injury. Syracuse had a depleted group heading into its most important stretch of ACC games in October and fell flat. By the end of the season, SU was tied for 87th in the nation in sacks allowed.
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Will Syracuse’s new offensive and defensive line live up to the hype? (orangefizz.net; Shalam)
Head coach Fran Brown has completely turned around Syracuse football heading into next year. There’s one position in particular on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball standing out from the rest though, the lineman. Brown has transformed the Orange’s line on both sides of the ball by bringing in new recruits from all over the country. So, will these recruits be effective for a team that ranked outside the top 50 for sacks allowed and sacks given? Let’s look into who could make a difference next season for SU on the line.
DL-Fadil Diggs
This name should be a surprise to nobody. Arguably the biggest pickup of the season behind quarterback Kyle McCord, Diggs comes from Texas A&M with a plethora of experience. The 6-foot-5 260-pound tackle started 33 games in three seasons with the Aggies and recorded eight sacks with three forced fumbles. The New Jersey native was a leader in his time at A&M, being a two-time captain of the team. All of that experience compounded with his impactful play will make an immediate difference for SU’s defense this season. Diggs has already shown signs of success at Syracuse in the spring game. That hot start, along with the fact that he helped the Aggies rank fifth in tackles for loss in the nation last season, is promising with the season just three months away.
OT-Joshua Miller
Miller is another guy like Diggs who comes from a big SEC school that is looking to make a difference at Syracuse. The 6-foot-4 300-pound tackle out of Georgia redshirted this past season but was ranked a three-star in the transfer portal by 247 Sports. While we haven’t been able to see Miller in action just yet, he was the #14 prospect in Virginia coming out of school. There are lots of question marks surrounding the O-lineman as he still hasn’t played a down of college football, but he has plenty of potential coming from an elite UGA program.
OT-Codie Hornsby
Hornsby is a rising junior out of Grambling State, and stands at 6-foot-3, 315 pounds. In his senior season of high school, the Texas native led his team to a district championship recording 40 pancakes. Hornsby is rated as a three-star transfer by 247 sports and is another guy who could be extremely effective on the line with his frame. The offensive lineman had interest from Georgia, Oregon, NC State, Washington, Boston College, Baylor, Notre Dame and Vanderbilt. All of these guys along with new recruits that Brown is bringing in are setting up SU to be dominant on both sides of the ball this season.
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TNIAAM Reacts: how are you feeling about next season Syracuse fans? (TNIAAM; Thele & Wall; survey)
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Syracuse Orange fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
This week we keep it short and sweet with two questions for Syracuse fans. Adrian Autry is bringing in four new transfers for next season to go with the incoming class of Donnie Freeman and Elijah Moore. With two open scholarships what else would you like to see the staff add over the summer?
Syracuse Football season will be here before we know it and the Orange will have their first bye the
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(youtube; podcast; Locked on Syracuse)
Syracuse Football's Wide Receiver room looks different than last season. The Orange brought in three transfers: Jackson Meeks, Zeed Haynes, and Justus Ross-Simmons - all of which could play substantial roles for Fran Brown next season. The Cuse also brought in four high school recruits: Ta'Ron Haile, Emanuel Ross, Jaylan Hornsby, and Malachi James.Jackson Holzer breaks down the new Cuse Football 2024 Receivers
Syracuse Football's 2024 Defensive Back Room is Deeper & More Experienced (youtube; podcast; Locked on Syracuse)
Syracuse Football's 2024 defensive backs are deeper and more experienced. Fran Brown brought in four transfers: Darian "Duce" Chestnut, Devin Grant, Clarence Lewis, and Marcus Washington. The Orange also retained 2023 starters: Alijah Clark, Justin Barron, and Jayden Bellamy.Jackson Holzer discusses the Cuse Football defensive backs for next season on this edition of the Locked On Syracuse Podcast.
Syracuse football 2024 opponent preview: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (TNIAAM; Ostrowski)
The 2024 Syracuse Orange football season is rapidly approaching, so it’s time to take a deep dive into the competition SU will face this fall. With the Week 1 matchup against Ohio behind them, Fran Brown and his troops move onto ACC play, first matching up against the team that got his predecessor let go...
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
School: Georgia Institute of TechnologyNickname: Yellow Jackets
Mascots: Buzz; The Ramblin’ Wreck
#BRAND Slogans: #StingEm, #TogetherWeSwarm
Alternate #BRAND Slogan Suggestions: #WreckedByTech, #SwervedTheCoupe or “Stadium Entrances Built Ford Tough”
Recommended Blog: From the Rumble Seat
Conference: ACC
History vs. Syracuse: GT holds a 3-1 series lead over SU, with victories at Bobby Dodd in 2013 and 2023, and another as the “home” team at the Meadowlands in 2001. As alluded to earlier, last year’s 31-22 defeat cost former SU head coach Dino Babers his job and led to Brown being brought in as his replacement. The only Orange win was the first under the new Dome roof in 2020 - thankfully, there will be fans in attendance for this one.
Coach: Brent Key, second season. After being appointed interim HC four games into the 2022 season, Key guided the Yellow Jackets to a 4-4 finish, including wins over ranked Pitt and UNC teams. That was enough for GT to keep him around, and it paid off with a bowl trip in his first full year on the headset. Previously, Key spent one season at Western Carolina (FCS), 11 with UCF, and three on the Alabama staff. He returned to his alma mater as the OL coach in 2019.
2023 Record: 7-6 (5-3)
Recapping Last Season:
Georgia Tech had as back-and-forth of a season as you could imagine: L, W, L, W, L, W, L, W, W, L, W, L. It started with a tight loss to Louisville at Mercedes-Benz Stadium before GT easily won the FCS matchup in Week 2. Defeats ranged from ranked Ole Miss to a buy game against Bowling Green, but there were plenty of high points too, including major upsets over Miami and UNC and a bowl-clinching win against SU. Despite inconsistencies, the important thing is the Yellow Jackets punched a ticket to the Gasparilla Bowl in Tampa and took down UCF 30-17.
The third-best offense in the ACC had a balanced attack. Texas A&M transfer Haynes King won the starting QB job and never looked back, throwing for 2,842 yards, rushing for 737 more, and scoring 37 total touchdowns to 16 interceptions. Sophomore Jamal Haynes was right behind LeQuint Allen nationally with 1,059 rushing yards. Their efforts resulted in GT keeping to their roots and leading the conference in rushing yards. Wideouts Eric Singleton Jr. and Malik Rutherford also formed a dependable duo, combining for 94 catches and over 1,200 receiving yards. I had said in the 2023 preview that this offense would take some time to gel and, candidly, it seems I was wrong.
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Syracuse Football with the brand new Pendulum Weight Room! More content coming soon on this project (youtube; video; Pendulum Strength)
Syracuse Football with the brand new Pendulum Weight Room! More content coming soon on this project
New Jersey four-star OL who Syracuse football pursued chooses Rutgers in surprise decision (PS; $; Leiker)
A four-star offensive lineman from New Jersey who Syracuse football had pursued announced his commitment Tuesday afternoon in a live ceremony.
Jaelyne Matthews verbally committed to Rutgers, which he had not publicly been considering in the final stages of his commitment. He told a Rivals reporter days before his commitment he was choosing between Georgia, Miami and Tennessee.
In late February, Matthews announced he would make an official visit to Syracuse from May 31-June 2. He ultimately did not make that visit, instead visiting with the Scarlet Knights that weekend, his social media shows.
Matthews (6-foot-5, 305 pounds) plays for Toms River North in Toms River, New Jersey.
Syracuse currently has 20 players verbally pledged to its 2025 class.
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'Cuse Athletics and Micron Team up for STEM of Sports Academy - Syracuse University Athletics (cuse.com)
Announcing the Syracuse University Athletics /Micron STEM of Sports Academy for high school students!
A partnership between Syracuse Athletics and Micron Technology, the one-day STEM of Sports Academy is designed to ignite and cultivate student interest and engagement in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) concepts through the lens of sports. The academy will facilitate an enthusiasm for STEM content blended with the experience of sports in an environment that is engaging, fun and applicable. The STEM of Sports curriculum, which is designed for all interest levels, will use sports as the real-life catalyst to engage rising 9th and 10th grade participants. Students need not be athletic nor excel in science to participate, as the overarching goal is to provide a meaningful learning experience applicable to all who enjoy sports and are intrigued by STEM.
"This Syracuse University and Micron initiative will bring STEM to life through the lens of sports," said Syracuse University Associate Athletics Director for Diversity, Culture and Climate Salatha Willis. "The academy is intended to help captivate young minds, foster curiosity, and ignite a passion for science and technology. By blending hands-on STEM activities with the excitement of athletics, young student scholars will have the opportunity to discover the joy of learning while exploring the endless possibilities of STEM, hopefully sparking future opportunities to learn and grow."
The STEM of Sport Academy will leverage sports as a real-life catalyst to engage participants in hands-on STEM activities, encouraging curiosity and exploration. The academy will offer two co-ed sessions and one session exclusively for female students. The one day sessions will be held at the Lally Athletics Complex. Registration for the academy will be coordinated through local school districts, with Syracuse University Athletics partnering directly with select districts to facilitate enrollment.
"Whether we talk about the evolution of the helmets worn in football, hockey or lacrosse, or the memory in the tablets utilized by coaches at Syracuse University—STEM and sports are intertwined to ensure student athletes are successful on the field, and safe during competition," said Robert Simmons, Director of Micron Gives North America at Micron Technology. "Micron's collaboration with Syracuse University Athletics Department and the College of Engineering and Computer Science gives me great confidence that young people who join us for the STEM of Sports Academy will not only enhance their understanding of STEM but also make connections to semiconductor careers of the future, and Micron's commitment to Central New York."
The curriculum for the STEM of Sport Academy was developed by Cindy Smith, Assistant Teaching Professor for the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Syracuse University. Her innovative approach ensures that students not only grasp STEM concepts but also see their real-world applications in the context of sports, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for both disciplines.
Smith brings a wealth of expertise in Sports Engineering to the development of the STEM of Sport Academy curriculum. With a deep understanding of the intersection between sports and technology, Professor Smith is dedicated to making STEM accessible and engaging for young minds by leveraging their passion for sports as a gateway to learning.
"This initiative makes STEM more accessible to young minds by tapping into their passion for sports," Smith said.
The College of Engineering and Computer Science is recognized nationally for excellence in teaching and research, balancing its commitment to excellence in education, in engineering, and computer science with the leadership role it plays in exploring emerging and innovative technologies.
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For inquiries and registration details, contact Salatha Willis.
ACC News
ACC football teams ranked by value in conference realignment (C-J; Turri)
The Big Ten and SEC feel like a lock to continue conference realignment, with the ACC being a part of it feeling more and more like a real possibility.
We recently discussed the topic, naming the best fit for every ACC football team in conference realignment. The ACC isn’t filled with teams that the Big Ten or SEC are clamoring for, but there are some top-heavy top-tier programs and a few more that you may be surprised by. It’s a solid conference, not elite, but not nearly as poor as many make it out to be. There is a lot of potential across the conference, and realistically, a move to either conference is more likely to benefit than not.
That said, we moved on to assessing the value of each team in the ACC, ranking them based on what we believe to be their overall value in conference realignment as a football program. Other sports aren’t taken into consideration heavily here; the priority is football program value on a scale from 1 to 10. Here’s where we landed.
Clemson Tigers
Value: 10Why they’re ranked where they are: Honestly, it was a toss-up between Clemson and Florida State here. If you were to tell me you have Florida State No. 1, I wouldn’t blame you. This comes down to Dabo Swinney for me. While he isn’t necessarily wooing everyone right now, what he’s done with the program speaks for itself. Clemson is a top-tier asset.
Florida State Seminoles
Value: 10Why they’re ranked where they are: Florida State has a quality program that is among the best in the country. With Mike Norvell at the helm, excellent recruiting, and a great history, the Seminoles are the full package. They’re a no-brainer 10.
Miami Hurricanes
Value: 9Why they’re ranked where they are: Miami has many outstanding qualities; they just haven’t had outstanding on-field success for a while. Regardless, this program has been at the top before and has ridiculous potential.
Virginia Tech Hokies
Value: 7Why they’re ranked where they are: Virginia Tech has had some rough years of late, but the program itself still remains a great one. While they have been on a downward slope, this program feels like it’s a strong head coach away from being back into the Top 25. I’m not saying Brent Pry can’t be that guy, and if starting quarterback Kyron Drones looks as good as he did last season, they’ll be sneaky good this year.
Louisville Cardinals
Value: 7Why they’re ranked where they are: Louisville recruits well and looks to be on the rise with Jeff Brohm as their head coach. They made a solid run to the ACC Championship last season and look to finish the job in 2024 and earn that bid to the College Football Playoff to elevate the program.
North Carolina Tar Heels
Value: 7Why they’re ranked where they are: The Tar Heels are a huge name in general, even if it’s not entirely because of football. It’s still a solid program that, with Mack Brown, recruits well. I could see them being more of a draw than some expect.
NC State Wolfpack
Value: 6Why they’re ranked where they are: NC State is a tough assessment for me. Definitely, a solid program that has an excellent coach in Dave Doeren. The big difference between NC State and the two next teams is their long-term recruiting juice.
Pittsburgh Panthers
Value: 6Why they’re ranked where they are: History is a huge part of this value ranking. Pitt has had solid years over the past decade, but they’re clearly not the program they once were.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Value: 6Why they’re ranked where they are: Georgia Tech is an interesting case, for history purposes like others. They have a historic program but haven’t been near what they once were. You could make the case for lower here, but the Yellow Jackets have the history to make them a draw.
Virginia Cavaliers
Value: 6Why they’re ranked where they are: Virginia has a better program than the record over the past decade has shown. There’s value here, especially if they were to join a conference like the Big Ten or SEC.
Boston College Eagles
Value: 6Why they’re ranked where they are: Boston College will improve with Bill O’Brien as head coach from recruiting alone. Don’t expect much this year, but expectations should be higher down the line. They are going to be on the rise.
Duke Blue Devils
Value: 5Why they’re ranked where they are: Duke is a program that I see on the rise. If they expand their stadium and put some money into the program, they could be a surprise in the Big Ten, the conference I’d see them landing in.
Syracuse Orange
Value: 5Why they’re ranked where they are: History is a big part of the draw for many programs, with Syracuse being one with a tremendous history. While it’s been years since they’ve been relevant, the program could turn things around with the right coach.
Stanford Cardinal
Value: 4Why they’re ranked where they are: Stanford has money and some recruiting juice. They aren’t a huge draw, but we’ve seen them be great and produce some excellent talent.
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https://athlonsports.com/college-fo...akout-prediction-2024-college-football-season (athlonsports.com; Bricker)
Carl Reed Jr. and Gerald "Smoke" Dixon of 247Sports sat down on Monday to discuss some breakout candidates for the 2024 season.
Players like Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Jackson Arnold and LSU Tigers wide receiver Kyren Lacy were mentioned. Another one of their breakout candidates hailed from the ACC.
The Virginia Tech Hokies are looking to build on last season's bowl win over the Tulane Green Wave. It helps when you have a player like Kyron Drones at QB.
Drones played in 13 games for Virginia Tech last season, with 11 starts under center. He had 2,085 yards passing with 22 total touchdowns.
According to Reed, Drones has been compared to Jalen Hurts. However, the NFL scouts say that Drones may be a better passer than the Philadelphia Eagles QB.
"A lot of pro personnel have been raving about this kid, Kyron Drones, quarterback at Virginia Tech. 6'2, 234 a big, strong guy. NFL comparison has been Jalen Hurts, but a better passer. With him, Virginia Tech can take the next step as a team this year. This guy has NFL all over him, trains a lot with Shedeur Sanders, they have the same quarterback trainer."
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ACC football mailbag: Is Pat Narduzzi on the hot seat? Is Virginia Tech for real? (nytimes.com,; Raynor & Navarro)
We are only a few months from the start of preseason camp. It’s time to talk some ACC football!
Here is part one of our mailbag. The second part will run next week. Thanks, as always, for the questions.
How far is Pitt from its next head coaching change? — P.H.
It’s hard to imagine Pat Narduzzi — second all-time in wins at Pitt, three years removed from winning an ACC title and making nearly $6 million per season through 2030 — getting shoved out the door anytime soon.
But the Panthers were 3-9 last season and lost some solid defensive players to the transfer portal. It could be another tough year for Pitt. Only Clemson is bringing back fewer combined starts among ACC teams.
But before we write off Narduzzi and start planning his departure, you have to take into account how bad the offense and quarterback play was last season. The Panthers went from averaging a league-best 41.4 points per game in 2021 to a league-worst 20.2 per game just two years later.
New offensive coordinator Kade Bell, a 31-year-old innovator and son of former Florida Gators quarterback Kerwin Bell, led an offense that averaged 37.2 points per game last season at Western Carolina.
If either redshirt junior Nate Yarnell or Alabama transfer Eli Holstein is just average, the Panthers should still be good enough on defense to win at least six games and be a bowl contender. And that’s what Pitt is most seasons, right? — Navarro
Which schools were the best and worst at using the transfer portal? — Noah H.
I provided a list of my portal winners and losers back in January, and the topic is probably worth another story after the spring window. The core criteria, though, haven’t changed.
I asked myself two questions: Were the players who departed significant losses (or were they pushed out the door)? Two, did the coach really upgrade his roster or simply replace what was lost with equal or lesser talent?
Even after some roster turnover in the spring window, I’d still consider Florida State, Louisville, Miami, NC State, SMU, Syracuse and Virginia as portal winners. They all upgraded their teams from last year. Miami did the best job of any ACC program in the spring window, bolstering its roster with help on the defensive line and at running back and receiver.
Upon reflection, I’d slide Boston College, Cal and Virginia Tech up from the “broke even” ranks to winners. I liked some of the former blue-chippers the Bears added from LSU, Oklahoma, Wisconsin and Ohio State in the spring. I liked the additions the Hokies made with Collin Schlee (UCLA) at quarterback and former Alabama top-100 recruit Khurtiss Perry on the defensive line.
In the broke even category, I’d list Duke, Georgia Tech, Pittsburgh and North Carolina.
I bumped the Yellow Jackets up because they picked up a much-needed edge rusher in Romello Height (USC) and added more depth in the secondary. Duke’s Manny Diaz brought in UCLA starting left tackle Bruno Fina and several offensive linemen from the FCS ranks. The Blue Devils also added a couple of intriguing defensive players.
Clemson, Stanford and Wake Forest remained in the loser’s category.
The Tigers lost a 31-game starter at safety in Andrew Mukuba (Texas) and a No. 2 receiver in Beaux Collins (Notre Dame) and didn’t add anyone. Stanford lost nine-game starter Lance Keneley (Arizona) on the edge and replaced him with Clay Patterson, a productive lineman from Yale. — Navarro
What are some of the under-the-radar ACC storylines (excluding Clemson and FSU for obvious reasons) that fans should know about? — Isaiah N.
I love this question.
Haynes King at Georgia Tech immediately comes to mind as someone who might be one of the more underrated quarterbacks nationally — not just in the ACC. As a redshirt sophomore in 2023, King was just one of two Power 5 players with at least 2,800 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, 700 rushing yards and 10 rushing TDs. The other? Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels from LSU. King flew under the radar in 2023 behind FSU’s Jordan Travis and North Carolina’s Drake Maye, but he very well could be the league’s best QB in 2024.
Syracuse linebacker Marlowe Wax is another one to keep an eye on. He’s the ACC’s leading returning tackler and enters 2024 with the second-most career tackles among active players, according to PFF. We’ve talked a lot about Syracuse’s offense with quarterback Kyle McCord and recruiting under coach Fran Brown, but Wax, who earned second-team All-ACC honors a season ago, should be one of the best defensive players in the conference.
Last but not least, I’m curious to follow Noah Rogers at NC State. Rogers was a top-100 prospect in the Class of 2023 who considered NC State during the recruiting process before he picked Ohio State. A North Carolina native, Rogers has since transferred home and signed with the Wolfpack. What will be his role after not playing at Ohio State last season? And how will he factor into an offense that returns star receiver Kevin “KC” Concepcion as NC State ushers in the Grayson McCall era at quarterback? — Raynor
Is the Virginia Tech hype legitimate or overblown? — James G.
I wouldn’t rank the Hokies in the preseason top 25 as our Stuart Mandel recently did. They’re coming off a 7-6 season with only two wins against FBS teams that finished with winning records. But I also wouldn’t be afraid to take the over on BetMGM’s 7.5 win total because of what they’ve got coming back.
Rutgers (Sept. 21), at Miami (Sept. 27), Georgia Tech (Oct. 26), at Syracuse (Nov. 2) and Clemson (Nov. 9) are the toughest games on paper to me, and three of them will be played at Lane Stadium.
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Penn State football: Top 10 QB target now predicted to ACC powerhouse (basicbluesnation.com; Thomas)
One of the top quarterbacks in the 2026 recruiting cycle is already being predicted to come off the board. On Saturday, 247Sports’ Tom Loy logged a crystal ball for Brady Hart to land at Clemson after the Florida quarterback received an offer from the Tigers only hours beforehand. Penn State football hosted the top 10 passer this spring. The Nittany Lions are believed to be primed for a renewed push for Hart as the dominos in the 2026 quarterback class begin to fall.
Brady Hart predicted to Clemson hours after picking up offer
The Nittany Lions’ perceived plans at quarterback in the 2026
recruiting cycle may have suffered another blow Saturday, as Cocoa’s Brady Hart is now believed to be trending towards a commitment to the Clemson Tigers.
Hart visited Clemson for the first time last Wednesday for the 2024 Dabo Swinney Football Camp. The rising junior evidently impressed the camp’s namesake, picking up an offer from Swinney and the Tigers on Saturday evening.
Almost instantaneously with Hart’s public announcement of the offer, 247Sports national recruiting analyst Tom Loy entered a crystal ball for the quarterback to eventually commit to Clemson. Loy logged his prediction with medium confidence.
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Reacting to preseason FPI release: Which teams are undervalued? Overvalued? (ESPN)
ESPN has released its 2024 Football Power Index (FPI) ratings and projections, and our college football reporters are here to break them down.
The ratings, for the uninitiated, include forecasts for every team's record, its chances of winning a conference title and of course, its probability to make the expanded 12-team playoff and win the national championship.
The FPI is a power rating that tracks each team's strength relative to an average FBS squad. Teams are rated on offense, defense and special teams, with the values representing points per game.
You can read Neil Paine's takeaways here and get our staff's analysis below.
FPI
A look at the FPI in June ahead of the 2024 season:| RNK | TEAM | CONFERENCE | FPI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Georgia | SEC | 26.8 |
| 2. | Oregon | Big Ten | 24.5 |
| 3. | Texas | SEC | 22.9 |
| 4. | Ohio State | Big Ten | 22.2 |
| 5. | Alabama | SEC | 21.9 |
| 6. | Penn State | Big Ten | 19.8 |
| 7. | Notre Dame | Independent | 19 |
| 8. | Oklahoma | SEC | 17.2 |
| 9. | Tennessee | SEC | 16.6 |
| 10. | Missouri | SEC | 15.4 |
| 11. | Florida State | ACC | 15.1 |
| 12. | Michigan | Big Ten | 14.9 |
| 13. | LSU | SEC | 14.6 |
| 14. | Texas A&M | SEC | 13.6 |
| 15. | Clemson | ACC | 12.2 |
| 16. | Ole Miss | SEC | 12 |
| 17. | Kansas | Big 12 | 11.2 |
| 18. | USC | Big Ten | 11.1 |
| 19. | Auburn | SEC | 10.1 |
| 20. | Florida | SEC | 10.1 |
| 21. | Louisville | ACC | 10 |
| 22. | Kansas State | Big 12 | 10 |
| 23. | Miami | ACC | 9.6 |
| 24. | Arizona | Big 12 | 9.2 |
| 25. | SMU | ACC | 9 |
| 26. | Oklahoma State | Big 12 | 7.6 |
| 27. | Utah | Big 12 | 7.5 |
| 28. | NC State | ACC | 7.5 |
| 29. | Texas Tech | Big 12 | 7.1 |
| 30. | TCU | Big 12 | 7.1 |
| 31. | Washington | Big Ten | 6.7 |
| 32. | UCF | Big 12 | 6.2 |
| 33. | South Carolina | SEC | 6.2 |
| 34. | Kentucky | SEC | 6.2 |
| 35. | West Virginia | Big 12 | 6 |
| 36. | Colorado | Big 12 | 6 |
| 37. | Iowa | Big Ten | 5.6 |
| 38. | Oregon State | Pac-12 | 5.3 |
| 39. | Wisconsin | Big Ten | 5 |
| 40. | UCLA | Big Ten | 4.9 |
| 41. | Nebraska | Big Ten | 4.8 |
| 42. | North Carolina | ACC | 4.7 |
| 43. | California | ACC | 4.7 |
| 44. | Arkansas | SEC | 4.5 |
| 45. | Rutgers | Big Ten | 4.1 |
| 46. | Maryland | Big Ten | 4.1 |
| 47. | Iowa State | Big 12 | 3.8 |
| 48. | Boise State | Mountain West | 3.7 |
| 49. | Mississippi State | SEC | 3.4 |
| 50. | Virginia Tech | ACC | 3 |
| 51. | James Madison | Sun Belt | 2.6 |
| 52. | Duke | ACC | 2.3 |
| 53. | Pittsburgh | ACC | 2.2 |
| 54. | Georgia Tech | ACC | 2.1 |
| 55. | Baylor | Big 12 | 1.9 |
| 56. | UTSA | AAC | 1.6 |
| 57. | Northwestern | Big Ten | 1.3 |
| 58. | Boston College | ACC | 1 |
| 59. | Stanford | ACC | 0.7 |
| 60. | Purdue | Big Ten | 0.5 |
| 61. | Minnesota | Big Ten | 0.4 |
| 62. | Illinois | Big Ten | 0.2 |
| 63. | Arizona State | Big 12 | -0.3 |
| 64. | Washington State | Pac-12 | -0.5 |
| 65. | Cincinnati | Big 12 | -0.8 |
| 66. | Memphis | AAC | -0.8 |
| 67. | Appalachian State | Sun Belt | -0.9 |
| 68. | Michigan State | Big Ten | -1 |
| 69. | Tulane | AAC | -1.1 |
| 70. | Syracuse | ACC | -1.2 |
| 71. | Wake Forest | ACC | -1.3 |
| 72. | Virginia | ACC | -1.4 |
| 73. | BYU | Big 12 | -1.5 |
| 74. | Fresno State | Mountain West | -1.6 |
| 75. | Troy | Sun Belt | -2 |
| 76. | Vanderbilt | SEC | -2.2 |
| 77. | Indiana | Big Ten | -2.4 |
| 78. | Houston | Big 12 | -2.7 |
| 79. | Liberty | C-USA | -3 |
| 80. | San Diego State | Mountain West | -3.4 |
| 81. | San Jose State | Mountain West | -3.8 |
| 82. | Texas State | Sun Belt | -4.7 |
| 83. | Florida Atlantic | AAC | -4.8 |
| 84. | South Alabama | Sun Belt | -4.9 |
| 85. | Marshall | Sun Belt | -5.2 |
| 86. | UNLV | Mountain West | -5.4 |
| 87. | Air Force | Mountain West | -5.5 |
| 88. | South Florida | AAC | -5.5 |
| 89. | Georgia State | Sun Belt | -5.5 |
| 90. | Miami (OH) | MAC | -5.6 |
| 91. | Coastal Carolina | Sun Belt | -6.1 |
| 92. | Louisiana | Sun Belt | -6.1 |
| 93. | Jacksonville State | C-USA | -6.3 |
| 94. | East Carolina | AAC | -6.4 |
| 95. | Rice | AAC | -6.6 |
| 96. | Georgia Southern | Sun Belt | -6.7 |
| 97. | Arkansas State | Sun Belt | -6.7 |
| 98. | UAB | AAC | -7 |
| 99. | Wyoming | Mountain West | -7 |
| 100. | Toledo | MAC | -7 |
| 101. | Tulsa | AAC | -7 |
| 102. | Utah State | Mountain West | -7.4 |
| 103. | Bowling Green | MAC | -7.6 |
| 104. | Southern Miss | Sun Belt | -8 |
| 105. | Colorado State | Mountain West | -8.4 |
| 106. | North Texas | AAC | -8.4 |
| 107. | Middle Tennessee | C-USA | -9 |
| 108. | Old Dominion | Sun Belt | -9.1 |
| 109. | Western Kentucky | C-USA | -9.3 |
| 110. | UConn | Independent | -9.3 |
| 111. | UTEP | C-USA | -9.8 |
| 112. | Hawaii | Mountain West | -9.8 |
| 113. | Ohio | MAC | -9.9 |
| 114. | Northern Illinois | MAC | -9.9 |
| 115. | Central Michigan | MAC | -10.5 |
| 116. | Charlotte | AAC | -10.6 |
| 117. | New Mexico | Mountain West | -10.8 |
| 118. | Buffalo | MAC | -10.8 |
| 119. | Western Michigan | MAC | -10.8 |
| 120. | Nevada | Mountain West | -11.2 |
| 121. | Army | AAC | -11.9 |
| 122. | Louisiana Tech | C-USA | -11.9 |
| 123. | Ball State | MAC | -12.6 |
| 124. | Navy | AAC | -12.9 |
| 125. | UMass | Independent | -12.9 |
| 126. | Eastern Michigan | MAC | -13.4 |
| 127. | New Mexico State | C-USA | -13.5 |
| 128. | Akron | MAC | -14 |
| 129. | UL Monroe | Sun Belt | -14 |
| 130. | Sam Houston | C-USA | -14.3 |
| 131. | Kennesaw State | C-USA | -15 |
| 132. | Florida International | C-USA | -16.5 |
| 133. | Temple | AAC | -17.7 |
| 134. | Kent State | MAC | -18.6 |
Which team is the FPI undervaluing?
Chris Low: Oklahoma State at No. 26 is way too low. Of course, coach Mike Gundy and the Cowboys have been at their best when not as much is expected of them. They have everything in place to win the Big 12 championship this season and earn a spot in the playoff after playing in the Big 12 championship game a year ago. The Pokes return 21 starters, including the nation's leading rusher from a year ago, Ollie Gordon II, seven offensive linemen who made multiple starts last season, quarterback Alan Bowman, who passed for 3,460 yards in 2023 and big-play linebackers Collin Oliver and Nickolas Martin, who combined for 31.5 tackles for loss a year ago.Adam Rittenberg: Utah seems low at 27, especially if -- and it's a huge if, as we found out last season -- quarterback Cam Rising's knee injury is truly behind him. Rising gives Utah a championship-level quarterback to steady an offense that also returns standout tight end Brant Kuithe from injury, and has upgraded the wide receiver spot through portal additions such as USC's Dorian Singer. Utah returns most of its defensive front seven, and while the secondary has some question marks, Zemaiah Vaughn's return will help. Perhaps most important, coach Kyle Whittingham and much of his staff have navigated conference transition before, and the move to the Big 12 shouldn't be as turbulent as the one they made from the Mountain West to the Pac-12.
David Hale: Kids are taught that, when you touch the stove and burn your hand, you won't touch the stove again. Well, here I am, touching the stove and saying NC State is finally going to have its breakthrough season. I know, I know. We've been here before. The formula goes: If the Wolfpack have high expectations, they disappoint. If they're flying under the radar, they're surprisingly good. Who cares? This is a new era of college football and, after the men's and women's basketball teams made a Final Four and an NC State alumnus won her second Cooper's Hill cheese-rolling competition, it's time for Dave Doeren's crew to step up. With the additions of transfers quarterback Grayson McCall, tight end Justin Joly, running back Jordan Waters, receiver Noah Rogers and offensive lineman Zeke Correll, the offense is as loaded with talent as it has ever been in Doeren's 11-year tenure. Tony Gibson's defenses are always excellent, and the schedule sets up nicely for the Pack. So why does the FPI have them at No. 28, behind five other ACC teams? Because the FPI knows not to touch the stove again.
...
https://mikefarrellsports.com/college/accs-fresh-faces-3-true-freshmen-poised-for-impact-in-2024- (mikefarrellsports.com; Scheiner)
With the 2024 season right around the corner, it's time to learn about the future of the sport and get to know some of the biggest names that are poised to make immediate impacts as true freshmen. I’ll be sharing my Top 3 impactful freshmen for 2024, broken down by conference. First up is the ACC. Be sure to check out my colleague’s piece on the top three true freshmen who can make an instant impact overall.
TJ Moore, WR, Clemson
Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers may not make noise in the portal, but Clemson brought in the 15th-best recruiting class in 2024. At the top of that group sits wideout TJ Moore. He is a five-star recruit, ranked among the top 100 overall prospects in the nation by most recruiting services. He will be a welcome weapon for Cade Klubnik and the Tiger offense, which lacked depth and production at the position last season. The team ranked 61st in receiving yards per game among all FBS teams with just 228.4 yards and 70th in receiving touchdowns.On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings, Charles Power, writes this about Moore as a prospect: “Has high-end ball skills with the ability to come down with acrobatic grabs. Makes impressive one-handed catches. Easily tracks the ball over his shoulder. A bouncy and light-footed mover.”
Caleb Holmes, OL, Pittsburgh
The Panthers' offensive line was clearly not a strength last season, averaging 101.9 rushing ypg and allowing 205 sack yards. The unit needs a massive improvement and incoming freshman Caleb Holmes is someone the coaching staff is looking to as the anchor of the line. Rated the country’s No. 10 offensive guard by ESPN and No. 18 by Rivals, Holmes hails from Creekside High School in Fairburn, GA, the same program as current sophomore lineman BJ Williams. Last year Pat Narduzzi wasn’t afraid to start Williams as a true freshman, so I believe we’ll see more from Holmes in the 2024 season as the Panthers try to right the ship on their offensive line.247Sports’ Chris Hummer says of Holmes, “As BJ Williams showed a year ago, there’s an immediate path to the field available for the right player along Pitt’s O-line. And there isn’t a more talented prospect in the Panthers’ 2024 class than Holmes.”
Elija Lofton, TE, Miami Hurricanes
One of the more intriguing and potentially under-the-radar incoming freshmen in the class of 2024 is Elija Lofton for Mario Cristobal and the ‘Canes. Listed as a tight end, Lofton is very versatile, as we saw him at running back during the spring game, carrying the ball seven times for 4.9 ypc. Last season, Miami's tight ends combined for just 18 receptions for 154 yards and one touchdown. That needs to improve if the Hurricanes want to be serious contenders in the ACC this year. I think Lofton will be incorporated quickly into the offense and will be another weapon for Cam Ward. Whether he is at tight end, H-back, or even fullback, his pass-blocking has been praised as well.The true freshman has already been getting high praise from incoming transfer quarterback Cam Ward: “Elija Lofton can do it all. He can catch with one hand or two hands, and we have him at running back right now.”
Honorable Mentions
Landen Thomas, TE, Florida StateElyjah Thurmon, OL, Clemson
Sammy Brown, LB, Clemson
Zaquan Patterson, S, Miami
Are THESE The Best Players In The ACC? | Mike Norvell's Focus During Realignment Distractions (youtube; podcast; Locked on ACC)
Which ACC football players will grab first team all-conference honors in 2024? Phil Steele made predictions in his annual College Football Magazine. Miami leads the way with seven first teamers. Is Steele overly bullish on the Hurricanes? Quarterback Cam Ward, running back Damien Martinez and WR Xavier Restrepo are among Steele’s Miami choices. Hosts Alex Donno and Kenton Gibbs break down the top players heading into the 2024 ACC Football season. The guys also react to comments that FSU head coach Mike Norvell made about the so-called distractions and conference realignment and the new era in college football. Norvell handled it very well by keeping the focus on his football team and getting better. It’s a reminder that coaches and players have nothing to do with the politics behind modern college athletics.
Links, News, and Rumors 2024 June 9 (RX; HM)
Links, News, and Rumors 2024 June 9
BAS: First, a quick update on the College world Series (Super Regional round):
After forcing extra innings, Clemson ultimately went down to Florida in 13 innings by the score of 10-11. The Tigers are therefore eliminated, and Florida advances to the CWS.
NC State also lost, at Georgia, 2-11. That only tied that series, which will be decided Monday. After two games, the cumulative score is 20-12, NC State.
__________
From MattSarzSports Blog: Review of the 2024 CFB TV Early Season Selections, here are Matt's ACC-related comments and observations:
From CBS: potential College Football Playoff Cinderella teams as field expands in 2024 season
ACC - Syracuse
(Win total: 7)
...
Idea for field logos (part 1) (RX; HM)
Idea for field logos (part 1)
The first year this blog even existed (2012) we ran an article about how ACC schools could tap into local corporations for sponsorship money [see Rx: Corporate Sponsors]. Now that the NCAA is going to allow sponsors to place their logos right on the field, it opens up a new revenue source for these schools. What are some good candidates for selling sponsorships to? Here are some ideas - maybe you have more?
__________
Fortune 500 companies with headquarters in North Carolina, ranked:
- Lowe’s
- Bank of America
- Nucor
- Honeywell International
- Duke Energy
- Truist Financial
- Laboratory Corp. of America (Labcorp)
- IQVIA Holdings
- Sonic Automotive
- Advance Auto Parts
- CommScope Holding
- Hanesbrands
- Brighthouse Financial
Virginia is home to many corporate headquarters, including:
- General Dynamics (Reston, VA)
- Boeing (Arlington, VA)
- Raytheon (Arlington, VA)
- Booz Allen Hamilton (McLean, VA)
- Northrop Grumman (Falls Church, VA)
- NVR Inc. (Reston, VA)
- DXC Technology (Ashburn, VA)
- CACI (Reston, VA)
- Hilton Worldwide (Tysons Corner, VA)
- BAE Systems (Arlington, VA)
- Beacon Roofing (Herndon, VA)
- Dollar Tree (Chesapeake, VA)
- Perdue Farms (Salisbury, MD)
We cannot forget Florida...
THE 100 BIGGEST COMPANIES IN FLORIDA
Northern Florida (Florida State)
Jacksonville
- Winn-Dixie
- CSX
- Stein Mart
Orlando
- Tupperware Brands
- Outback Steakhouse
ACC Draw Rates vs other P4 schools 2024-06-11 (RX; HM)
ACC Draw Rates vs other P4 schools 2024-06-11
People are practically busting down the doors to get into ACC schools...
Tony Altimore is back at it, this time with a tweet about "draw rates" - a measure of how desirable a college is to get into.
Some things we can see from his graph:
The schools with the highest draw rates in the entire P4 are Stanford and Duke.
There are 5 Big Ten schools with draw rates higher than 2.0; the SEC has just one, and the Big XII, zero... but the ACC has a whopping 8 schools with 2.0 or higher draw rates!
If we consider 1.0 and higher schools, the breakdown is 5 Big Ten, 3 SEC, 1 Big XII, and 11 ACC!
In fact, the best school in the Big XII in terms of draw rate (BYU) would be 12th in the ACC.
Now do you understand why these schools want to stay where they are? The real business of colleges is education - which brings in far more money than athletics. Why compromise the primary business to boost the secondary one?
Should SoS Be a CFP Selection Factor? (RX; HM)
Should SoS Be a CFP Selection Factor?
We've all heard the drumbeat, the constant chanting. No, I don't mean "S-E-C, S-E-C"... I'm talking about that other, more insidious chant: "S-o-S, S-o-S"! You've been told over and over that strength of schedule is critical. After all, isn't that why 11-1 division runner-up Alabama was chosen to play Georgia in the 2017-18 College Football Playoffs instead of 12-0 conference champion UCF?
I'm here to tell you, it's a lie: strength of schedule is already factored into things like FPI; including it as a separate line item is giving it double weight. Is that bad? Yes! Why? Let me answer that question with a question:
Answer the question! Those are not the same thing! Don't believe me? Let's look at the actual strength of schedule rankings for that 2017-18 season. Here are the top 4 teams in terms of SoS for that year:
| Rank | Team | Conf | W-L |
| 1 | Maryland | Big Ten | 4-8 |
| 2 | Auburn | SEC | 10-3 |
| 3 | Nebraska | B1G | 4-8 |
| 4 | Iowa | B1G | 7-5 |
These teams all played brutal schedules in 2017. Maryland faced Texas and UCF out of conference, and drew Ohio State, Wisconsin, Michigan and Penn State in conference. Auburn played Clemson, LSU, Texas A&M, Georgia, and Alabama. Nebraska had to face Oregon ooc, plus Wisconsin, Ohio State, Penn State, and Iowa in conference. Iowa drew Penn State, Ohio State, and Wisconsin in the Big Ten, as well as Iowa State out of conference.
Yet none of those teams were considered worthy of a playoff spot. Let that sink in for a second: if SoS is so important, why is it that not a single school with one of the top 4 hardest schedules made it to the CFP?
You'll say "don't be silly: those schools had too many losses!" True, all of them had at least 3 losses... but wait, didn't they say UCF's zero in the loss column didn't matter because of strength of schedule? So which is it: wins and losses or SoS?
...
https://footballscoop.com/news/thes...e-of-the-most-important-people-in-any-program (footballscoop.com; Barnett)
These teams bring back all five of the most important people in any program
The five most important people in any college football program are the head coach, both coordinators, strength coach and starting QB. Only a select few return all five from 2023 to '24.
The concept of continuity is a funny thing in college football.
Every head coach aspires to build it, but few actually get to do so. It's a sport that is transient in nature, where players stay for four to five years (in theory, at least) and start for one or two. Position coaches aspire to be coordinators, and good coordinators don't often stay coordinators for long.
In this sport, continuity is often a Catch 22. It takes continuity -- of scheme, of culture -- to win, but you have to win to build it. Round and round the cycle goes. That's not to say continuity is always good or attrition is always bad, but in general it's hard to build something of significance if you're always renovating the ground floor.
According to FootballScoop research, 55 of 134 (41 percent) FBS teams will return their head coach, offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, and strength and conditioning coach (including internal promotions). Extend that study to the proverbial coach on the field, the starting quarterback, and the number drops to 32. That's a tick below a quarter of FBS membership.
Here is a look by conference.
American (4 of 14)
Charlotte
Memphis
South Florida
UAB
ACC (5 of 15)
Clemson
SMU
Stanford
Virginia
Virginia Tech
Big Ten (3 of 18)
Illinois
Nebraska
Purdue
...
2024 ACC IOL Rankings Led by North Carolina's Willie Lampkin (CFN; Fragoza)
The 2024 ACC iOL Rankings feature the conference’s top guards and centers from its now-17 teams. Which program boasts the most entries? Hint: Only one ACC school has two iOL in the top 10, and it’s not FSU, Miami, or Clemson…
ACC 2024 IOL Rankings
10) Terrence Moore, C, Pittsburgh Panthers
The 2023 season marked Terrence Moore’s first as a starter. In fact, it marked his first with meaningful snaps, as he hardly played in 2021 and 2022. Yet, you wouldn’t have been able to tell, especially in pass protection.Moore kept his QBs clean up the middle, and although he wasn’t a mauler in the ground game, he should improve in that facet with a year of experience under his belt.
9) Pete Nygra, C, Louisville Cardinals
Pete Nygra played the most snaps by a Northern Illinois player across the last two seasons. Even more remarkable? He didn’t allow a single sack. It’s clear why head coach Jeff Brohm sought his services in the transfer portal. The MAC isn’t the ACC, but Nygra is a technically sound center with excellent movement skills on the interior.8) Drew Kendall, C, Boston College Eagles
Both of Drew Kendall’s running mates on the interior are gone (Kyle Hergel and Christian Mahogany), putting even more pressure on BC’s starting center.His lighter 6’4″ and 292-pound frame can give him issues in pass pro, and he needs to cut down on the penalties, but Kendall showed tremendous growth from his 2022 campaign and should mesh well with Bill O’Brien’s offense.
7) Michael Gonzalez, G, Louisville Cardinals
Michael Gonzalez has done the dirty work on Louisville’s offensive line since he stepped foot on campus in 2021, playing significant snaps at every position except center. However, this will be the first offseason he’ll remain at his spot from the previous year (left guard), which should result in even more consistent play in 2024.6) Marcus Tate, G, Clemson Tigers
Although injury cut Marcus Tate’s true junior season short, it was still his best outing. The 2024 campaign could claim that title, as Tate is now a three-year veteran on a team with immense pressure to provide results.He was one of the best pass-protecting guards in the country last year — if Tate maintains that level of play and improves as a run blocker, he could rocket up the 2024 ACC iOL Rankings.
5) Maurice Smith, C, Florida State Seminoles
Back for his sixth and final season and with two SEC transfers on either side of him (Richie Leonard IV, Florida; TJ Ferguson, Alabama), Maurice Smith could be in for an all-conference performance.He kicked into gear after a rough opening few games last season, culminating in an impressive three-week final stretch against Florida, Louisville (conference title), and Georgia (bowl game).
4) Brian Stevens, C, Virginia Cavaliers
Following a first-team All-Pioneer League nod at Dayton in 2022, Brian Stevens transferred to Virginia, and the accolades weren’t far behind. CFN named him first-team All-ACC and crowned him ACC Center of the Year.The best part? The final 10 games of the season were his first playing center after beginning the year at RG and splitting his time at LT and LG at Dayton. Keep Stevens’ name in mind as the pre-draft process nears.
3) Anez Cooper, G, Miami Hurricanes
After spending the first part of his true freshman season as a reserve, Anez Cooper took over as the starting RG in Week 9 and never looked back. The 6’6″ and 350-pounder moves like a lighter tackle, using his size advantage to devastating effect on pulls and at the second level.If he continues his linear developmental trajectory, 2024 could be Cooper’s last season with the Hurricanes before declaring for the NFL Draft.
2) Logan Parr, G, SMU Mustangs
Three years of bench duty at Texas was enough for Logan Parr, as he transferred to in-state SMU. The result? First-team All-AAC honors and elite tape, even against Power Four programs such as Oklahoma, TCU, and Boston College. Parr was built for the SEC, but the ACC will have to do in 2024.1) Willie Lampkin, G, North Carolina Tar Heels
It’s difficult to find linemen as consistent in both phases (run and pass blocking) as Willie Lampkin was last season. He has started on the interior every year of his collegiate career, spending the first three at Coastal Carolina (first two at LG and last one at C) before joining UNC in 2023....
FSU football: It's about time for fans of other ACC schools to apologize (chopchat.com; Hunt)
Pathetic Noles fan whining about ACC fans whining. Nice. There will be no apology.
FSU football fans have been at war with other fans from other ACC teams since the Noles became more vocal about leaving the ACC. All FSU fans have heard is why FSU thinks they're so special. Why does FSU think they deserve more money when all they have done is underachieve the past few years? FSU hasn't won anything lately(this was before FSU went undefeated and won the ACC Title in 2023). FSU fans have told the fans of teams like Wake Forest, Boston College, Miami, Syracuse, Virginia Tech, and others why FSU deserves more money. It's because FSU draws better TV ratings than nearly all of those teams combined, whether they are good on the field or not. TV ratings are moving the needle behind brand value, and no team is more valuable than the Noles in the ACC. However, here's where things get interesting. Was FSU great on the field over the past decade? Yes and no. Were they as terrible as other ACC fans think? Absolutley not. Check out this stat below:
FSU has been the second-most-winning program in the ACC during the College Football Playoff era. They have more wins than anyone else besides Clemson. Heck, despite the downturn in the late Jimbo years and Willie Taggart era, FSU is STILL the winningest program in the Sunshine State, and that's while playing a tough out-of-conference schedule every year and playing in the same ACC division as Clemson. So, ACC fans are right. FSU wasn't winning championships, but they were still better than the rest of the coattail riding programs that will never compete for a National Title. It's why FSU will leave the ACC within the next two years and finally receive the money it deserves for the national brand that it is. The rest of the ACC schools left in this conference can find something else to whine about when they leave.
Other
After 2 decades, empty Hotel Syracuse tower reopens as apartments with stunning views (photos) (PS; $; Moriarty)
Twenty years after its closing, the former Hotel Syracuse tower has reopened as an apartment and commercial building, offering impressive views of downtown.
The 15-story tower, renamed Symphony Place, has 75 apartments -- 29 one-bedroom and 46 two-bedroom units -- on floors 3 through 15, and commercial space on the first and second floors.
The transformation into apartments marks a new chapter for the building, which had stood empty after the hotel closed in 2004. The original portion of the historic hotel reopened eight years ago as a full-service Marriott following a major renovation, but efforts to redevelop the tower ran into years of legal snags and one aborted renovation by an Israeli company.
The tower’s reopening adds to the revival of the lower part of downtown, which started with the Hotel Syracuse’s comeback and now includes the Salt City Market food hall, the transition of several underutilized commercial buildings into apartments, the City Center project at the former Sibley’s Department Store and, soon, the expansion of The Tech Garden business accelerator.
Rents at Symphony Place start at $1,650 for the one-bedroom apartments and go up to $3,000 for the largest two-bedroom units. Rent includes heat, cable TV, high-speed internet and access to a third-floor fitness center.
A gym for basketball, pickleball and other activities will open later this year on the first floor where the hotel’s pool used to be, said Kevin Valente, senior property manager for Sutton Real Estate, which is managing the tower.
...
A Syracuse suburb considers legalizing granny flats. Will anyone build one? (PS; $; Doran)
Manlius town officials are taking steps to allow a few dozen property owners to add single apartments to their suburban residential lots.
The new homes could include a renovated garage or basement apartment, or building a separate addition, like a tiny home.
Proponents say these so-called granny flats are a low-key but effective way to tackle housing shortages. Owners can use their existing property, tap into working utilities and even generate some rental income.
Overall, the goal is to increase housing density by putting more homes on traditional single-family lots.
Adding these small homes – officially called accessory dwelling units – are a good way to do that, argues Manlius Town Supervisor John Deer. It’s better than replacing single-family homes with multi-family apartment buildings, he said.
But the small additions can face opposition from some residents and local leaders who don’t want to open their neighborhoods to tenants, additional buildings and more parking spaces.
“We see a lot of fear from local people about having renters in a home-ownership neighborhood,” said Susan Thering, a researcher who directs a Wisconsin-based planning institute that encourages communities to welcome ADUs.
Onondaga County sees them as particularly helpful in satisfying the demand for smaller rental units, a growing segment of the housing market, said Justin Sayles, speaking for the county executive’s office.
...
A meatball and banana pepper pizza from Gino & Joe's in Liverpool, our 23rd stop on this CNY Pizza Tour. (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com)(Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com)
CNY Pizza Tour, stop #23: Gino & Joe’s will tailor a pizza specially for you (PS; Miller)
You’ll find no fewer than 10 pizzas vying for your attention inside the display case at Gino & Joe’s on Old Liverpool Road.
Melissa Hewitt, the daytime server here, stocks the racks at lunchtime with at least one cheese pizza, a meat lovers, a garlic, a pepperoni, a sausage, a chicken bacon ranch and the unusually popular Buffalo chicken. They’re all cut into eight wide slices ready for Melissa to reheat in the mini pizza ovens behind her.
The regulars here know the menu, and Melissa has this uncanny skill of remembering their favorites before they can place their order.
“One cheese, one meat lovers. Right, hon?” she asked a guy as he approached her counter. He’s been grabbing food to go daily ever since a string of apartment buildings started going up down the road a year ago.
He smiled and said nothing while passing her his credit card.
“They like me because I know what they like,” Melissa said. “Do you see that woman getting out of her car now? She’ll get a veggie slice and an iced tea.”
Yep, she called that one.
Vincenzo Amato opened the first Gino & Joe’s Pizza and Restaurant in Seneca Mall in 1973. Others popped up in Clay, Baldwinsville and this one at the corner of Electronics Parkway. All use family recipes originated in Palermo, Italy, presumably created by a couple guys named Gino and Joe.
“Never met them,” Melissa said. “But their food is good.”
Ilir Latifi is the lone daytime cook following these recipes. He moved here from Albania five months ago. He cooked pizza in his home country, which is a four-hour ferry ride across the Adriatic Sea to Italy.
Here, he bakes his own bread used for subs and steak sandwiches, and he mixes the pizza dough each morning for the next day’s service.
“I want to work hard and eventually open my own pizza place,” he said while waiting for Melissa to come up with a unique pizza for us to eat on this visit, our 23rd stop in the CNY Pizza Tour.
Let’s try something different ...
Address: Gino & Joe’s Pizza & Restaurant, 700 Old Liverpool Road, Liverpool. (315) 451-7337
Do they deliver: Yes, and you can order online.
What I ate: A large meatball and banana pepper pizza.
Why this pizza? An employee made this for Melissa a few years ago, and it’s been her favorite since. “I fell in love,” she said. “I’m a simple person, and this is a simple pizza.”
RATINGS (out of 5)
Crust: 4/5. I can’t tell you much about this crust because Ilir said he’s been ordered to keep the recipe a secret. Whatever. The only thing I can say is that he stretches the dough for each pizza ordered and then gives it a few slow twirls for his audience at the counter to see.
Most pizza dough starts with the same basic ingredients: flour, yeast, water, salt and olive oil. The secret lies in the proportions and temperature of each. Ilir does something special to make this crust soft. It’s not soggy by any stretch, but it is easy on your mouth’s roof.
Maybe it’s because he rotates the pizza every other minute while baking, or maybe the oven internal temperature stays slightly below 500 degrees. Who knows. Regardless, it works.
Toppings: 3/5. This pizza is built atop of a white base, also known as a garlic pizza. Ilir pours a few tablespoons of garlic butter onto the dough and adds minced garlic. After sliding his fingers around in the oily mixture, he grabs a brick of Grande mozzarella in his right hand, a grater in his left and makes it snow thick cheese.
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