SB Nation Atlanta - ACC Football, Week 10: Hokies All But Lock Up Coastal, N.C. State Stays In Atlantic Hunthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46601/atlanta-fave.png2010-11-06T21:40:56-04:00http://atlanta.sbnation.com/rss/stream/15539702010-11-06T21:40:56-04:002010-11-06T21:40:56-04:00ACC Standings And Championship Game Projection: Virginia Tech Vs. Florida State, Maryland, Clemson, Or N.C. State?
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<p>Who's going to the ACC Championship Game? Let's start with the Coastal Division standings, as they're pretty cut-and-dry. Virginia Tech would have to go out of its way to lose a trip to Charlotte, though it could be done. The Hokies play North Carolina, Miami, and Virginia, the first two on the road. A win by Miami would tighten things up, though Virginia Tech would still need to lose another. And the Hurricanes would need to also beat Georgia Tech in Atlanta. Thus, VPI's magic number is two.</p>
<p>In the Atlantic, everybody but Boston College and Wake Forest is still very much in the running. Sigh. Florida State holds at least a half-game edge on everybody, but would lose a tie with N.C. State. If they beat Clemson and Maryland, they're in.</p>
<p>The Wolfpack might have the easiest remaining schedule among Atlantic contenders: Wake Forest, UNC, and Maryland. Which brings us to Maryland. Losing a squeaker today against Miami, the Terrapins may have the toughest road left, drawing Virginia, Florida State, and N.C. State. They would lose a tie with Clemson. Which brings us to Clemson.</p>
<p>Despite starting the season 2-3, the Tigers have a tiebreaker edge on both N.C. State and Maryland, and can overtake FSU if they beat the Noles next week. After that, they get a gimme against Wake.</p>
<p>So who's winning the Atlantic? I guess we have to go with Florida State for now, but next week's prime time game between the Tigers and Noles will clear things up considerably. Lord knows we need it.</p>
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<h3>Atlantic Coast Conference Standings</h3>
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<p class="updated">(updated 11.6.2010)</p>
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<thead class="super-head">
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<th>Atlantic Division</th> <th colspan="2">Conf</th> <th colspan="2">Overall</th>
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<th></th> <th>W</th> <th>L</th> <th>W</th> <th>L</th>
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</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/florida-st-seminoles">Florida St. Seminoles</a></td>
<td>4</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>6</td>
<td class="td-last">3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/n-c-state-wolfpack">N.C. State Wolfpack</a></td>
<td>3</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>6</td>
<td class="td-last">3</td>
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<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/maryland-terrapins">Maryland Terrapins</a></td>
<td>3</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>6</td>
<td class="td-last">3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/clemson-tigers">Clemson Tigers</a></td>
<td>3</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>5</td>
<td class="td-last">4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/boston-college-eagles">Boston College Eagles</a></td>
<td>2</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>4</td>
<td class="td-last">5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/wake-forest-demon-deacons">Wake Forest Demon Deacons</a></td>
<td>1</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>2</td>
<td class="td-last">7</td>
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<thead class="super-head">
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<th>Coastal Division</th> <th colspan="2">Conf</th> <th colspan="2">Overall</th>
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<th></th> <th>W</th> <th>L</th> <th>W</th> <th>L</th>
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<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/virginia-tech-hokies">Virginia Tech Hokies</a></td>
<td>5</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>7</td>
<td class="td-last">2</td>
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<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/miami-hurricanes">Miami Hurricanes</a></td>
<td>4</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>6</td>
<td class="td-last">3</td>
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<td class="td-name td-first">
<meta charset="utf-8">
<a style="color: #c8181d !important; text-decoration: underline; background-color: transparent;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/north-carolina-tar-heels">North Carolina Tar Heels</a>
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<td>
<meta charset="utf-8">
3</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>6</td>
<td class="td-last">3</td>
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<td class="td-name td-first">
<meta charset="utf-8">
<a style="color: #c8181d !important; text-decoration: underline; background-color: transparent;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/georgia-tech-yellow-jackets">Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets</a>
</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>5</td>
<td class="td-last">4</td>
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<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/virginia-cavaliers">Virginia Cavaliers</a></td>
<td>1</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>4</td>
<td class="td-last">5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-name td-first"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/duke-blue-devils">Duke Blue Devils</a></td>
<td>1</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>3</td>
<td class="td-last">6</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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https://atlanta.sbnation.com/georgia-tech-yellow-jackets/2010/11/6/1798476/acc-standings-and-championship-game-projection-virginia-tech-vsJason Kirk2010-11-06T19:33:36-04:002010-11-06T19:33:36-04:00North Carolina Tar Heels Vs. Florida State Seminoles Final Score: FSU Drops Second Straight, 37-35
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<p>The Florida State Seminoles lost by missing a 40-yard field goal, which should sound familiar to longtime observers. <span class="caps">FSU</span> has now dropped two straight <span class="caps">ACC</span> games, giving it only a one-game lead over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/maryland-terrapins">Maryland Terrapins</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/n-c-state-wolfpack">N.C. State Wolfpack</a> with games against Maryland and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/clemson-tigers">Clemson Tigers</a> to go.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/north-carolina-tar-heels">North Carolina Tar Heels</a> outgained <span class="caps">FSU</span> by 100 yards thanks to 439 yards and three touchdowns by QB <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/5238/t-j-yates">T.J. Yates</a>, the biggest output of his career.</p>
<p>This is also the second straight Noles loss in which <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/4827/christian-ponder">Christian Ponder</a> drove the team into go-ahead scoring territory with seconds remaining. Last week against N.C. State, Ponder fumbled the ball away to end what appeared to be a somewhat likely touchdown drive.</p>
<p>The Heels aren’t technically out of the <span class="caps">ACC</span> race yet, but need to win out against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/virginia-tech-hokies">Virginia Tech Hokies</a>, N.C. State, and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/duke-blue-devils">Duke Blue Devils</a> to stand any sort of chance. Still, becoming bowl eligible with three games left has to be considered some sort of a victory considering this team lost almost all of its best players before the season even began.</p>
<p><strong>Join <a href="http://carolinamarch.com">Carolina March</a> and <a href="http://tomahawknation.com">Tomahawk Nation</a> for more.</strong></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/georgia-tech-yellow-jackets/2010/11/6/1798345/north-carolina-tar-heels-vs-florida-state-seminoles-final-score-fsuJason Kirk2010-11-06T17:28:07-04:002010-11-06T17:28:07-04:00North Carolina Tar Heels Vs. Florida State Seminoles Halftime Update: FSU Leads 28-21 In Quarterback Duel
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<p>Apparently, defense optional is the theme of the day in the ACC. Through two quarters of play, UNC and FSU have combined for seven touchdowns, 21 first downs, and 512 yards, and the Seminoles lead 28-21 at halftime in Tallahassee.</p>
<p>The first half saw 15 possessions. Seven were touchdowns, seven were 3-and-outs, and only possession saw a first down and a punt.</p>
<p>In a turn from the earlier conference games that saw turnovers galore, both teams held on to the ball in the first half.</p>
<p>T.J. Yates is 15/22 for 244 yards and 2 touchdowns for the Tar Heels. His counterpart, Christian Ponder, is 15/22 (not a typo, they both have the same exact numbers) for 178 yards and 3 touchdowns.</p>
<p>North Carolina receiver Dwight Jones has caught 5 balls for 127 yards, including a 67 yard touchdown reception. FSU's receiving corps is led by Willie Haulstead, who has 75 yards.</p>
<p>FSU has managed to score 28 points despite only have the ball for 12:51, an incredible rate of 2.2 points per minute of offensive possession.</p>
<p>One thing to watch out for in the second half is FSU's Greg Reid on kickoff returns. He has already compiled 70 yards on 3 kick returns, and each time looked about ready to break through the last line of the UNC defense. </p>
<p>For more on the two teams, head to <a href="http://www.tomahawknation.com/">Tomahawk Nation</a> and <a href="http://www.carolinamarch.com/">Carolina March.</a> </p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/georgia-tech-yellow-jackets/2010/11/6/1798171/north-carolina-tar-heels-vs-florida-state-seminoles-halftime-updateGeorge Lane2010-11-06T17:09:47-04:002010-11-06T17:09:47-04:00Image: Miami's Pathetic Attendance For Homecoming
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<p>Apparently Miami fans came dressed as orange seats today. Image via <a href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/blog/dr_saturday/post/Apparently-Miami-fans-had-better-things-to-do-to?urn=ncaaf-283056">Dr. Saturday</a>:</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/584366/ept_sports_ncaaf_experts-125624677-1289065513.jpg"><img alt="Ept_sports_ncaaf_experts-125624677-1289065513_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/584366/ept_sports_ncaaf_experts-125624677-1289065513_medium.jpg"></a></p>
<p>Ok Miami. We know you aren't "back" yet, that any season where you aren't winning a national championship is a disappointment. We know you had a non-marquee matchup against Maryland, and that your starting quarterback Jacory Harris was out with an injury. </p>
<p>But come on. That is an embarrassment, both for Miami and the ACC. The rest of the south is freezing cold (40 degrees in Atlanta!) but you had a beautiful day with 66 degree weather. So that can't be used as an excuse. </p>
<p>Today, your Hurricanes were playing for bowl eligibility, and trying to keep up with Virginia Tech in the standings. You haven't been eliminated yet from a trip to Charlotte. Win out, including a win over Virginia Tech at home, and all you need to happen is for Virginia Tech to lose either Virginia OR at North Carolina. </p>
<p>So exactly, what is the excuse for that pathetic showing?</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/georgia-tech-yellow-jackets/2010/11/6/1798128/image-miamis-pathetic-attendance-for-homecomingGeorge Lane2010-11-06T16:19:28-04:002010-11-06T16:19:28-04:00Virginia Cavaliers Vs. Duke Blue Devils: QB Marc Verica Sets School Passing Record In Wild 55-48 Loss to Duke
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<p>In a game that featured 14 touchdowns, six of which came in the fourth quarter, it felt like the last team with the ball would win. Virginia had it last, they just didn't have enough time to drive down for the score. Duke beats Virginia 55-48 in a wild game Saturday in Durham, North Carolina. </p>
<p>Virginia had 641 total yards, only 50 short of the all-time high for a Cavalier team. The two teams combined for 1,129 yards, 14 penalties, and 4 turnovers.</p>
<p>Senior quarterback Marc Verica set a Virginia school record with 416 passing yards, breaking Matt Schaub's record of 393 that he set in 2003 against N.C. State. </p>
<p>Duke led 40-28 early in the fourth quarter, but Virginia managed to come back and went ahead with 2:26 left. Desmond Scott gave Duke the lead for good with a 35 yard run down the sideline.</p>
<p>Virginia was held back by penalties all game. The Cavaliers were whistled for a total of 103 yards, while the Blue Devils only had 20 yards go against them.</p>
<p>Game ball goes Marc Verica. He had three interceptions, but anytime you set a major school record and beat out Matt Schaub in the process, you get the honors. </p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/georgia-tech-yellow-jackets/2010/11/6/1798074/virginia-cavaliers-vs-duke-blue-devils-qb-marc-verica-sets-schoolGeorge Lane2010-11-06T16:02:21-04:002010-11-06T16:02:21-04:00N.C. State Wolfpack Vs. Clemson Tigers Final Score: Clemson Wins 14-13 In Sloppy Game
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<p>In a game featuring many mistakes in all three phases of the game, the Clemson Tigers managed to overcome sloppy play and beat the N.C. State Wolfpack 14-13 Saturday afternoon.</p>
<p>Clemson's miscues, which led to boos from the Tiger faithful at times, included an interception, five fumbles with two of them lost, two missed field goals, and a touchdown canceled because of a holding penalty.</p>
<p>The Tigers were without running back Andre Ellington, and Jamie Harper stepped up in his absence. The junior tailback rushed for 64 yards and a touchdown, and caught 4 passes for 34 yards.</p>
<p>Clemson quarterback Kyle Parker came back strong after being benched in the first half. He finished the game 21/29 for 214 yards, and led the Tigers in their comeback after being down 10-0.</p>
<p>Clemson's third quarter touchdown was its first offensive trip to the end zone since the third quarter two weeks ago against Georgia Tech, seven touchdown-less quarters ago.</p>
<p>The loss knocks N.C. State out of the leader's spot in the Atlantic Division. The Wolfpack will need to win out, and have FSU lose two more games.</p>
<p>N.C. State quarterback Russell Wilson finished 22/37 for 214 yards, with one touchdown and one interception.</p>
<p>The two teams did most of their damage through the air, as both teams had exactly 214 passing yards. On the ground they struggled, combining for only 109 yards.</p>
<p>The game ball goes to the Clemson defense, who kept the Tigers in the game while the offense was making so many mistakes. </p>
<p><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; color: #333333;">For more on the two teams, head to <a style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: #002c66; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" href="http://www.backingthepack.com/">Backing The Pack</a> and <a style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: #002c66; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" href="http://www.shakinthesouthland.com/">Shakin The Southland. </a></span></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/georgia-tech-yellow-jackets/2010/11/6/1798055/n-c-state-wolfpack-vs-clemson-tigers-final-score-clemson-wins-14-13George Lane2010-11-06T15:41:59-04:002010-11-06T15:41:59-04:00Miami Hurricanes Vs. Maryland Terrapins Final Score: Freshman Stephen Morris Leads Miami to 26-20 Win In First Career Start
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<p>Welcome to college football, Stephen Morris. The true freshman, in his first career start, made some mistakes early in the game for Miami but came back and hit clutch passes to help lead the Hurricanes to a 26-20 win over the Maryland Terrapins.</p>
<p>Miami, playing in front of a sparse homecoming crowd at Sun Life Stadium, put up a season high in total yards at 504. Morris finished the game 18/30 for 286 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions. Not a bad debut whatsoever.</p>
<p>Getting the ball back at their own 18 yard line with 3:13 remaining and down 20-18, the Hurricanes drove 82 yards down the field for the winning score. Morris completed a beautiful 35 yard pass to Leonard Hankerson for the touchdown.</p>
<p>The Maryland loss, combined with N.C. State's loss, puts Florida State in first place in the Atlantic standings by themselves. Maryland still has FSU remaining however, and so still controls their destiny with a big matchup looming between the two schools.</p>
<p>Miami moves to 4-2 in the ACC and heads to Georgia Tech next Saturday. If Miami is able to win out, the Hurricanes will need for Virginia Tech to lose to either UNC or Virginia for the Canes to make a trip to Charlotte. </p>
<p>For more on the two teams, head to <a href="http://www.seventhfloorblog.com/">The 7th Floor</a> and <a href="http://www.testudotimes.com/">Testudo Times</a>. </p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/georgia-tech-yellow-jackets/2010/11/6/1798023/miami-hurricanes-vs-maryland-terrapins-final-score-freshman-stephenGeorge Lane2010-11-06T14:06:30-04:002010-11-06T14:06:30-04:00Maryland Terrapins Vs. Miami Hurricanes Halftime Update: Maryland Leads 17-15
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<p>Miami has continued their recent poor play, and the Maryland Terrapins keep scratching and clawing to keep their position in the ACC Atlantic standings.</p>
<p>Statistically, Miami has dominated the game, racking up 295 total yards in the first half to Maryland's 152. But freshmen quarterback Stephen Morris, filling in for the injured Jacory Harris, threw an interception that was returned for a 60 yard touchdown by Alex Wujciak. </p>
<p>Miami running back Lamar Miller had 80 yards on 12 carries and a touchdown in the first half, and Morris is 7/12 for 161 yards and the interception in his first career start.</p>
<p>The game should be tied, but the Hurricanes have messed up two extra point conversions, missing one and having the second blocked.</p>
<p>The Terrapins still have Florida State and N.C. State remaining on their schedule, and so control their destiny. They can afford a loss this week or next against Virginia and still be in the driver's seat, but have to win at least one of the two out-of-division games. </p>
<p>For more on the two teams, head to <a href="http://www.seventhfloorblog.com/">The 7th Floor</a> and <a href="http://www.testudotimes.com/">Testudo Times</a>. </p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/georgia-tech-yellow-jackets/2010/11/6/1797877/maryland-terrapins-vs-miami-hurricanes-halftime-update-maryland-leadsGeorge Lane