The Confidential

The ACC Sports Blog

Author Archive

01 Oct 2015

ACC Roundtable of the Confidential Correspondents: Week 4/5

Welcome to the ACC Roundtable of the ACC Correspondents!  As is and will be the plan for the remainder of the football season, the Confidential correspondents will discuss the Week that was (week 4) and the Week that will be (Week 5) for the ACC and their respective schools.  Tell us what you think below.

1. What was most notable about your school’s performance in Week 4?

  • HHuntley (NC State): NC State absolutely destroyed South Alabama. They totaled 586 yards of total offense. Four players had at least two touchdowns and two had more than 100 yards rushing. The most notable thing is just how well the team is playing right now. Personally, I’m excited to see us take on an ACC team this week.
  • Lenville (Louisville):Getting the first W. At this point Louisville was supposed to be 2-2 but are a few plays away from 4-0. Freshman Lamar Jackson got a lot of playing time at QB & appears that he will be the starter from here on. Junior WR James Quick made his return since suffering an injury in the first game.
  • Commander/ACaffrey (Syracuse): The fact that SEC refs called more penalties against LSU than Syracuse?  Lest there be any doubt, if this game was close in a crucial moment, the penalty gap would have narrowed.  Beyond that, the fact that Syracuse was able to move the ball at all against a fast LSU defense bodes somewhat well.
  • UNC Tarheel Fan (UNC): Backup QB Mitch Trubisky had a record setting performance, the Mack Hollins we know and love reappeared, passing defense was stout (even though Delaware only threw 10 times they were held to 24 years passing), and third down conversions.
2. What are you looking to see out of your school in Week 5?
  • HHuntley (NC State): To play a real team! I feel like an NFL fan who just suffered four weeks of preseason exhibitions (hello Frank Beamer). This week should tell us just how good NC State can be this season. Louisville is not a bad team, even though their record may suggest otherwise.
  • Lenville (Louisville): Continued improvement. Samford was the lone cupcake on the schedule & it’s all conference play from here until Kentucky to finish the season. Jackson had a bad start against Houston, how well he do at NC State this weekend?
  • Commander (Syracuse): Healing of injuries and no new ones.
  • UNC Tarheel Fan (UNC): An improved rush defense, please. Since the Ga Tech game hasn’t happened yet I’m going to chalk that woe on preparation for them. But if something isn’t tweaked between now and Saturday it’s going to be a long day in Atlanta. 


3. Who impressed you the most in the ACC in Week 3?

  • HHuntley (NC State): Duke is the obvious answer here, so I’ll go with Syracuse. They played a really solid game against LSU and “handled” Leonard Fournette. They’re playing with lots of guys injured, and they still look competitive. ACC teams should look out for Syracuse this year, especially their superstar punter [Riley Dixon] (http://espn.go.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/86192/dixonforheisman-campaign-reaches-new-heights).
  • Lenville (Louisville): The most impressive win was Duke beating GT but the most impressive team was Syracuse. They played LSU tough with a 5th string walk-on QB. The biggest difference in the game was the LSU starting RB, you may have heard of him. If Syracuse can keep Dungey healthy they can win 8-9 games this year.
  • Commander (Syracuse): The Duke win was impressive, but how about North Carolina switching QBs?  Who saw THAT coming?
  • UNC Tarheel Fan (UNC): Duke. I was not expecting them to beat Ga Tech.  (Ed. Note–why would any UNC fan expect Duke to have a good week?)
4. If the playoffs started today, who would you vote in?  Who do you think will be there at season’s end?
  • HHuntley (NC State): Ohio State, Ole Miss, TCU, Notre Dame/Clemson. TCU has jumped Baylor in the polls, so I’ll do the same with my playoff picture. OSU playsMichigan State, and I think they’ll beat them and knock MSU out. I think the winner of this weekend’s ND/Clemson game will have the inside track to the playoff.
  • Lenville (Louisville): I still like Ohio St, Notre Dame, Georgia & Oklahoma. I think TCU & Baylor will eventually lose & fade down the stretch. Michigan St, FSU, Clemson & UCLA are also contenders. Clemson hosts ND this weekend, this could prove to be an elimination game.
  • Commander (Syracuse): Right now?  Still going with 1. Michigan State; 2. Ole Miss; 3. Ohio State, and 4. Notre Dame.  Notre Dame/Clemson could change #4.  And one has to think that MSU and OSU will cancel each other out at some point.  And don’t overlook LSU.  If Fournette stays healthy… and they can pass the ball against secondaries that are better than Syracuse’s (i.e. all SEC teams)… then they might be the SEC representative in the playoffs.
  • UNC Tarheel Fan (UNC): I am not comfortable with these choices but unlike last week I’ll name four (or five, you’ll see why in a second): Ohio State, Michigan State, TCU, and Clemson/Notre Dame. I still have questions about OSU, and I believe the winner of the Clemson/Notre Dame gets the nod for now. What I expect to happen is Ohio State bowing out to Michigan State later in the season which will allow some other teams to cause utter chaos at the top of the CFP rankings until the B10 Championship Game. I’m probably alone with that expectation.

What do you think?  How would you answer these questions?

Posted by acaffrey in ACC only, ACC Roundtable, Football, FSU Correspondent, Louisville Correspondent, Opinion, Syracuse correspondent, UNC Correspondent and tagged , , , ,
29 Sep 2015

The Confidential’s Correspondents’ Football Poll: September 29, 2015

Here is this week’s Confidential Correspondents Football Poll!  Still hard to differentiate a lot of these teams… even at the bottom.

13-15. Wake Forest (2-2); Virginia (1-3), and Pitt (2-1)(0 points).  It may not be fair for these teams to be at the bottom, but it is what it is.  Wake Forest has two wins, but two losses against Syracuse (3-1) and Indiana (4-0).  Pitt beat Akron (who may go bowling this year) and an FCS foe, with a loss to Iowa.  Virginia, meanwhile, has an FCS win and losses to three very good programs in UCLA, Boise State, and Notre Dame.  What would Duke’s record be with that schedule?  Or North Carolina State.  But it is what it is.

11-12.  Louisville (1-3) and Virginia Tech (2-2) (3 points).  These schools got some love from the correspondents, but perhaps this is more based on history than present performance.  Virginia Tech lost to Ohio State, but also lost to East Carolina–and the win over hapless Purdue is not too impressive.  Meanwhile, Louisville has played 3 FBS teams and lost to them all.  The history says do not count these teams out, but for now they are outside the top 10.

9.  Boston College (3-1) and North Carolina (3-1) (7 points).  These two teams tied in the poll.  They each looked good against seemingly top foes (Florida State and South Carolina, respectfully).  They each have looked good against lesser foes.  They both have wins over good Illinois teams–Northern Illinois and Illinois, respectfully.  In fact, Northern Illinois may even be the better team.  In any event, these two teams are half-way to a bowl game with 2/3 the season remaining.

8.  Syracuse (3-1, 10 points).  Syracuse lost–but moved UP in this poll.  The win over Wake Forest and the overtime win over Central Michigan did not impress anyone, but going toe-to-toe with LSU with a 5th string, walk-on QB apparently did.  Syracuse now has a week to rest to prepare for South Florida.  However, how will Syracuse play on the road in Tampa and then the next week at Virginia.  If they can sweep–that would be great.  Get swept?  Well, it will be bottom 3 for Syracuse.  Nobody expects the Orange to beat Clemson or FSU, but they need to win the winnable games.

7.  Georgia Tech (2-2, 14 points).  The Yellow Jackets are reeling, with consecutive losses.  The triple option has not been effective lately, and without a running game there is no offense.  With North Carolina coming to town, they will need to put up points.

6.  North Carolina State (4-0, 17 points).  The cupcakes are eaten, now it is on to reality for NC State.  First up is a Louisville team that cannot afford any more losses in the division.  In fact, with Florida State looming, there are only so many losses that Louisville can suffer at all if they want to go bowling.  Which will prevail–desperation for a win (Louisville) or desperation for respect after a win (NC State)?

5. Duke (3-1, 23 points).  The loss to Northwestern was a disappointment, he Yellow Jackets had a great opportunity against Notre Dame, but fell short.  However, they can still take home the Coastal title.  It all begins this week with a trip to Duke.  With Miami, UNC, and Virginia Tech looking good also, they will have to earn that particular title.  Next up?  @ Duke.

4. Miami (3-0, 28 points).  Miami has the nice win over Nebraska, but that is a bit questionable given Nebraska’s performance this year.  Up next is a midweek game against Cincinnati.  The Bearcats are a tough team to beat at home on a Thursday.  If Al Golden wants Miami to take the next step, they need to start winning these games.

3.  Florida State (3-0, 34 points).  Florida State looked pedestrian in beating Boston College.  Wake Forest is likely a step down from BC, but that has not stopped the Demon Deacons in the past.  Of course, in the two most recent contests, the Seminoles have destroyed them.  Can this Florida State team dominate for 60 minutes?

2. Notre Dame (4-0, 36 points, 2 first place votes).  Notre Dame won, but UMass was in the game for a bit longer than expected.  Now the Fighting Irish get to travel to Clemson and see what Death Valley is all about.  Notre Dame is getting a taste of what life might be like in the ACC permanently–with games at Florida State last year and Clemson this year.  Hopefully, we will see Notre Dame join full-time someday.

1. Clemson (3-0, 38 points, 2 first place vote).  Despite being idle, the Tigers have slightly more love from the Confidential correspondents.  With Notre Dame coming to town, this is a huge game for the Tigers and the ACC.  The winner will be talked about as a playoff team.

What do you think?  How do you rank these teams?

Posted by acaffrey in Correspondent Poll, Football, Rankings and tagged , , , , ,
28 Sep 2015

Confidential Survivor League Update

The Confidential runs two fantasy football leagues each year… an individual player league (see here) and a double-elimination survivor league.  So far, the survivor league has been slow to eliminate participants, as it is not hard to find cupcake matchups.  But things are going to get real serious this week as every matchup is a good one:

Sat, Oct-03 9:00 AM Boston College at Duke 0.0
Sat, Oct-03 9:00 AM Florida St. at Wake Forest 0.0
Sat, Oct-03 9:00 AM Louisville at No Carolina St. 0.0
Thu, Oct-01 4:30 PM Miami Fla at Cincinnati 0.0
Sat, Oct-03 9:00 AM North Carolina at Georgia Tech 0.0
Sat, Oct-03 9:00 AM Notre Dame at Clemson 0.0
Sat, Oct-03 9:00 AM Pittsburgh at Virginia Tech 0.0

In any event, with 32 entrants, 30 are eliminated and two have suffered one of their two defeats:

No User Name Wk4 Wk1 Wk2 Wk3
1 4 TIME CHAMPS-FINGERS CROSSED GT DUKE NCST LOU
2 ACAFFREY (COMMANDER CAFFREY) NCST BC VIRG LOU
3 ANDR00MAJ WF BC VIRG NCST
4 ANJAC FSU PITT CLEM ND
5 BCEAGLE74 WF BC NCST ND
6 CDWHIT09 WF MIA NCST LOU
7 CLEMSON82 SYR DUKE VIRG NCST
8 DREW_WMS SYR BC WF LOU
9 DSHRIMPTONIV WF PITT VIRG NCST
10 HHUNTLEY17 BC VTC VIRG UNC
11 HOOPULLEDMYWEAVE MIA VTC VIRG UNC
12 INFIELDIN WF SYR VIRG LOU
13 INTOTHEMEATGRINDER WF BC VIRG LOU
14 JFLIPPEN BC NCST VIRG LOU
15 LD17 SYR BC VIRG LOU
16 LENVILLECARDS WF DUKE VIRG UNC
17 MADCADDIES6 GT BC VIRG ND
18 MCAFFREY ND BC NCST LOU
19 MR. TAR HEEL WF BC SYR LOU
20 MSU_DAWGS02 WF PITT VIRG UNC
21 PAGING_DR_HOO WF SYR VIRG UNC
22 RIGHT PROFILE WF BC UNC LOU
23 RIVES33 BC DUKE VIRG LOU
24 SUATO92 SYR BC WF ND
25 TANNYBOGUS CLEM GT MIA LOU
26 TWOHOOS WF BC VIRG LOU
27 UOFL223 GT SYR NCST LOU
28 WAHOO 88 SYR BC VIRG UNC
29 MIKEMAB2000 WF BC VIRG VTC
30 SNATCH ADAMS PITT NCST SYR VTC
Posted by acaffrey in ACC only and tagged , , ,
28 Sep 2015
19 Comments

Confidential Fantasy Football Game: Week 5 Entry Page

Even if you missed out on Weeks 1 through 4, the Confidential’s Fantasy Football Game is still joinable in Week 5.  Chances are, you cannot catch the leaders.  But you can certainly be a spoiler.  As those who entered know, the game is free and simple… just pick your team.  See rules.  Here is the recap of Week 4 and the standings.  Looks like some familiar names at the top of the standings.

To enter, just comment with your entry for Week 5.  Things get real this week, as there are no FCS teams to pad stats against.  And some very good matchups!

You are allowed one free roster change each week.  For each other change, there is a loss of one point in this week’s scoring…. a maximum of 5 point deduction.  At the same time, there is a potential 5 point bonus for having roster diversity.  If you want the same roster as last week, just do nothing.  If you want to change your roster or join anew, just comment below.

RETURNING ENTRANTS, PLEASE KINDLY POST BOTH LAST WEEK’S ROSTER AND YOUR ROSTER FOR THIS WEEK!  IT WILL BE GREATLY HELPFUL!

ENTRY DEADLINE 7:29 P.M. on THURSDAY OCT. 1

Good luck to all!

Posted by acaffrey in ACC Fantasy Football, Preview and tagged , , , ,
28 Sep 2015
3 Comments

ACC Fantasy Football: Week 4 Recap

Thanks to all those who continue to participate in our weekly fantasy football league!  It is a free game.  There is a prize on a season-long basis.  The rules are here.   Feel free to enter the season-long game.  But this post is about the results from Week 4.  So here we go:

HHuntley

QB: Motley, 29.6; RB: Dayes, 30.0; WR: Severin, 3.4; Flex: Powell, 24.4; Defense: FSU 0.0; Coach: Petrino 0; Bonus +5; Roster Changes -1; TOTAL = 91.4 pts

ACwolfpacker

QB: Thomas 23.0; RB: Hood 7.5; WR: Barnes, 2.0; Flex: Dayes, 30.0; Defense: Louisville 34.0; Coach: Beamer 0; Bonus +5; Roster Changes -3; TOTAL = 98.5 pts

Cox:

Presumed quit, no lineup changes for 2+ weeks.  0 points this week.  Will need to post a lineup to rejoin.

Brian

QB: Brissett 21.0; RB: Hood 7.5; WR: Fuller, 10.5; Flex: Severin 3.4; Defense: Louisville 34; Coach: PJohnson 0; Bonus +5; Roster Changes -2; TOTAL = 79.4 pts

Josh V

QB: Brissett 21.0; RB: Hood 7.5′; WR: Ford 10.5; Flex: Fuller 10.5; Defense: LVille 34.0; Coach: Johnson 0; Bonus +5; Roster Changes -3; TOTAL = 85.5 pts

LD

QB: Williams 11.4; RB: Dayes 30.0; WR: Severin 3.4; Flex: Cook 0.0; Defense: Clemson 0; Coach: PJohnson 0; Bonus 5, Roster Changes 0; TOTAL = 49.8 pts

MCaffrey

Presumed quit, no lineup changes for 2 weeks.  <20 points this week.  Will need to post a lineup to rejoin.

Lenville

QB: Brissett 21.0 pts; RB: Hood 7.5; WR: Ford 10.5; Flex: Fuller 10.5; Defense: Louisville 34.0; Coach: Cutcliffe 15.0; Bonus +5; Roster Changes -4; TOTAL = 100.5 pts

Commander

QB: Sirk 20.9; RB: Hood, 7.5; WR: Fuller 10.5; Flex: Dayes 30.0; Defense: Louisville 34.0; Coach: Shafer 0; Bonus +5, Roster Changes -4, TOTAL = 103.9 pts

MSU

QB: Brissett 21.0; RB: Radcliffe 9.9; WR: Ford 10.5; Flex: Hood 7.5; Defense: BC 20; Coach: PJohnson 0; Bonus 5, Roster Changes -2, TOTAL = 71.9 pts

Chrislords

QB: Brissett 21.0; RB: Coleman 1.3; WR: Fuller 10.5; Flex: Severin 3.4;Defense: UNC 17; Coach: PJohnson 0; Bonus +5; Roster Changes -4; TOTAL = 54.2 pts

As always, this is done by hand so the potential for error is there.  It is final in 48 hours.

Continue for results/standings:

Read more…

Posted by acaffrey in ACC Fantasy Football, Results and tagged , , , ,
25 Sep 2015
3 Comments

How Can SU Give LSU an L?

If you are a sane, objective follower of football, you have little doubt that Louisiana State University (affectionately known as L.S.U.) will defeat Syracuse University (known as S.U.), giving Syracuse the “L.”  Even insane or passionate fans and bloggers are realistic enough to think that Syracuse will not win.  Sure, Syracuse can win–especially under the “any given Saturday” logic and our knowledge of historical upsets from Appalachian State to, well, Syracuse’s upset of then #1 Nebraska in 1984.  The bigger question is not whether Syracuse can do the nearly impossible, it is how Syracuse can do the nearly impossible.

Read more…

Posted by acaffrey in Opinion, Preview, Syracuse correspondent and tagged , , ,
24 Sep 2015
1 Comment

ACC Roundtable of the Confidential Correspondents: Week 3/4

Welcome to the ACC Roundtable of the ACC Correspondents!  As is and will be the plan for the remainder of the football season, the Confidential correspondents will discuss the Week that was (week 3) and the Week that will be (Week 4) for the ACC and their respective schools.  Tell us what you think below.

1. What was most notable about your school’s performance in Week 3?

  • HHuntley (NC State): NC State is notorious for playing down to the level of their competition. This week we saw them play much better than a lesser Old Dominion team. That’s really encouraging to see moving forward.
  • Lenville (Louisville): This team has tenacity. The Cardinals are young & started the season with 2 ranked teams which proved to be to tough for their lack of experience. With 10 players drafted last season & another 16 graduated preseason expectations has proven to be to high. The Cards are off to an 0-3 start for the first time since 1984 but you have to give them credit for not filling the early schedule with cupcakes like most of the ACC has.
  • Commander/ACaffrey (Syracuse): The easy answer would be how good Eric Dungey was and how good the offense looked in the first half.  The most notable thing about the performance was the sheer level of coaching collapse in the second half.  Tim Lester called a great first half–24 points, including a TD drive with 4th and 5th string quarterbacks Austin Wilson and Zack Mahoney under center.  Then, in the second half, Lester did not get a first down with that same duo.  The play calling was odd, to say the least, but was saved by a nice 25-yard drive in overtime.  Meanwhile, Chuck Bullough’s defense was a sieve in the second half–allowing Central Michigan to move up and down the field.  Bullough was saved by his defense forcing two turnovers and making a great stop in overtime.  Meanwhile, Scott Shafer continues to show abysmal courage and clock management.  No need to continue debating, but you simply cannot call a timeout while the clock is running (15 seconds), your opponent has no timeouts, and they are 20+ yards from the end zone.  And, if you do, you better not let the one guy that has burned you all day score a relatively easy touchdown.  Egad.  The coaching staff as a whole was saved by its players.  For that, Syracuse deserves its 3-0 record.
  • Kevin (Louisville): Most notable was U of L holding Clemson to only 20 points despite having no running game and keeping their defense on the field all night
  • UNC Tarheel Fan (UNC): With a comparison to last year I think the most notable line was the defensive line. On the first drive of the game the Fighting Illini had them reeling, quickly moving down the field, but the defense stood up and denied them getting into the end zone.
2. What are you looking to see out of your school in Week 4?
  • HHuntley (NC State): I’m really just looking for more of the same. It’s a very similar situation as the Wolfpack travel to South Alabama. There’s a tendency for this to be a trap game with the weeknight game @ VT coming up.
  • Lenville (Louisville): Their first W. The Cards finally get a break with Samford. They need to use this game to gain confidence, find some team chemistry & jump start their offense. Finding a starting QB would be nice as well.
  • Commander (Syracuse): Look, as a homer, I truly think that Syracuse can beat L.S.U.  I would not bet money earmarked for necessities (or any money, for that matter) on it happening.  But I am excited to see this coaching staff rebound with a good game plan.  Our run defense will either be surprisingly good or surprisingly bad.  If the former, it might be a game.  Granted, with a 5th string, walk-on QB, it will be a long shot.  But that is why they play the games.  Cannot wait!
  • Kevin (Louisville): Looking to see the new changes on the OL as it has been rumored that 2/3 new guys will get a chance to play.
  • UNC Tarheel Fan (UNC): What I really want to see is the unit as a whole do what they did against Illinois, control the lime of scrimmage, make smart plays, and be the better team they’re supposed to be on paper for the entire game. Even last year we struggled with putting away an FCS opponent early. That will also allow our depth chart to get some reps as we prepare for Georgia Tech.

3. Who impressed you the most in the ACC in Week 3?

  • HHuntley (NC State): Miami’s win over Nebraska sort of symbolizes their return. They’ve been struggling in games like that for years, so it’s nice to see them play that well. I hope they remain a contender this year.
  • Lenville (Louisville): Notre Dame was impressive over GT, I was picking GT as the ACC champ. ND controlled the game despite all of their injuries. Miami was impressive as well for the first 3 quarters. Miami is off to a 3-0 start & Kaaya looks to be one of the best QB’s in the ACC.
  • Commander (Syracuse): Boston College.  Once again, a Steve Addazio team went toe-to-toe with a blue blood and did not flinch.  Even with a QB injury, BC was still in it until the end–a defensive touchdown really making the difference.  Just look at what Addazio has done in big games

2013.  FSU went 14-0, outscoring opponents 723-170.  Of that 170, Boston College scored 34–the most of all teams–in a 48-34 loss.  Auburn (31) was the only other team to exceed 17 points against the Seminoles.  Clemson was 11-2 that year, beating Boston College 24-14.  It was the fewest points that Clemson scored in a win all year and the second narrowest margin of victory (Georgia, 3).

2014.  Boston College lost by 3 and 4 to Florida State and Clemson (while also beating a 9-4 Southern Cal, splitting the 2-year series).

2015.  Florida State narrowly wins, 14-0.

In five games against FSU and Clemson over the past three years, the average margin of loss was a mere 45 points–9 points per game–(7 PPG against Clemson and 10.3 PPG against FSU).  By comparison, FSU has beaten Clemson by an average of 21.5 points in 2 games over that span.  FSU has beaten NC State (23.5 points per game) and Syracuse (37 points per game) with far greater ease.  Clemson has beaten NC State (27.5 ppg) and Syracuse (22.5 ppg) much more handily than it has beaten B.C.  And let’s just ignore Wake Forest.  In any event, Steve Addazio is doing good things up at B.C. and is worthy of being considered for a job at an elite school.

  • Kevin (Louisville): Most impressed by Clemson – hard to beat a hungry UofL team on the road on a Thursday night.
  • UNC Tarheel Fan (UNC): Notre Dame (since we’re including them here). I really thought with the loss of their starting QB that Georgia Tech would be able to upend them but that was not the case. Actually, with that triple option offense I thought they could have done it with or without ND’s starter.
4. If the playoffs started today, who would you vote in?  Who do you think will be there at season’s end?
  • HHuntley (NC State): 1. Ohio State 2. Ole Miss 3. Baylor 4. Clemson.Last year showed us how much the committee values conference champions. So I’m betting on the winners of the B1G, SEC, Big 12, and ACC. I think the Pac-12 is too competitive to put a team in the playoff this year. It looks like their champion might end up with 2 or 3 losses.
  • Lenville (Louisville): There are a lot of worthy candidates after 3 weeks but no one has looked dominant so far. As of today I would put Ohio St, ND, Ole Miss & TCU in but if I had to project to the end of the season I would put Ohio St, ND, Georgia & Oklahoma in. Should Clemson beat ND then I would swop them out. Watson should get stronger and the Tigers will finally win the ACC championship.
  • Commander (Syracuse): Right now?  1. Michigan State; 2. Ole Miss; 3. Ohio State, and 4. Notre Dame.  MSU and Ole Miss have two very good wins.  Ohio State was greatly helped by injury against Va Tech, but any undefeated reigning champion has to be in the top 4.  Has to.  And No. 4 is the toughest.  Does anyone else have an impressive win?  For now, we can put Notre Dame in there… they beat Texas and Georgia Tech.  No idea where this goes at season’s end.  Could it be the year that the S.E.C. gets left out?  If Clemson and one of TCU/Baylor run the table, perhaps.  The Pac-12 is vulnerable here too.
  • Kevin (Louisville): Ohio State, Michigan State, Ole Miss & Notre Dame.
  • UNC Tarheel Fan (UNC): Michigan State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and (gasp) Clemson. May be more of a wish list and really it is difficult to choose having so many undefeated teams with soft schedules and big upsets. I think you’re going to have quite a battle for two of those with FSU, Clemson, Oklahoma, LSU, Mississippi State, Georgia, TCU, and Baylor controlling their own fates. I think the Spartans take the Buckeyes out if someone doesn’t do it before then.

What do you think?  How would you answer these questions?

Posted by acaffrey in ACC only, ACC Roundtable, Football, FSU Correspondent, Louisville Correspondent, Opinion, Syracuse correspondent, UNC Correspondent and tagged , , , ,
23 Sep 2015
3 Comments

A Real “Targeting” Penalty

The objective football fan in you can decide just how severe the hit on Syracuse Quarterback Eric Dungey, by Central Michigan defender Mitch Stanitzek, was.  Stanitzek was given a targeting penalty and ejected.  That was also Dungey’s last play of the game, as he is injured.  Even worse, he is now likely to miss the upcoming game between Syracuse (3-0) and Louisiana State (3-0).  While Syracuse was a long shot to reach a bowl, much less go undefeated, the impact of the Dungey injury is that it is that much less likely that Syracuse can pull off the upset.  Needless to say, the cheap shot by Stanitzek has an impact on Dungey and Syracuse that goes beyond just the week 3 game.  Is a mere one-game ejection enough?  There is a good argument that such plays deserve a more serious penalty–a real “targeting” penalty.

Read more…

Posted by acaffrey in Football, Opinion, Syracuse correspondent and tagged , , , ,
23 Sep 2015
4 Comments

The Confidential’s Correspondents’ Football Poll: September 23, 2015

Here is this week’s Confidential Correspondents Football Poll!  Still hard to differentiate a lot of these teams… even at the bottom.

15.  Wake Forest (2-1, 0 points).  The Demon Deacons lose their QB, but find a way to win over Army.  Nobody thinks that Wake Forest is a top 10 ACC team though.  Maybe a win over Indiana will help a little?  Next up for Wake Forest?  Indiana.

14.  Pittsburgh (2-1, 2 points).  The Panthers almost beat Iowa on the road and drop in the standings?  Well that will happen at this point in the year.  Next up?  A bye.

12.  Boston College (2-1, 3 points) and Virginia (1-2, 3 points).  Boston College and Virginia have looked good in their defeats this year.  The wins, however, are exclusively against FCS teams–with BC’s being far more impressive.  Maybe it is the QB injury, but BC seems too low here.  Next up?  BC hosts Northern Illinois, while Virginia hosts Boise State.  Yikes.

11.  Duke (2-1, 5 points).  The Blue Devils were a great story the past few years, but the schedules have been favorable.  The loss to Northwestern shows that Duke may not be a fixture at the top of the Coastal.  These are games that division contenders must win–for themselves and for ACC statute.  Next up?  Georgia Tech.

10.  Louisville (0-3, 8 points).  Louisville has played a tough schedule so far.  But 0-3 is 0-3.  Kudos to the Correspondents for avoiding a knee-jerk reaction and placing the Cards at #15.  But is Louisville a top 10 team right now?  Not so sure.  Auburn looks pretty iffy.  Nor will a win this week alter that analysis much.  Next up: Samford.

9.  Syracuse (3-0, 9 points).  The Orange have used 4 Quarterbacks en route to 3 wins.  Granted, the schedule has not been daunting–but how many teams can say that?  The win streak certainly seems like to end this week with Louisiana State coming to town–but a healthy Eric Dungey for Syracuse might along be enough to send the Cuse bowling.  Next up?  LSU.

8.  Virginia Tech (2-1, 13 points).  The Hokies sole loss is to Ohio State–still #1 in the country.  Frank Beamer may not have a top 25 team, but Virginia Tech should not be counted out in the wide-open Coastal.  Next up? @ East Carolina.

7.  UNC (2-1, 14 points).  The Tar Heels took care of previously unbeaten Illinois, as expected.  Is this the year that UNC works its way into the Coastal title picture?  Marquise Williams could go a long way towards making that happen.  Next up?  Delaware.

6.  North Carolina State (3-0, 21 points).  North Carolina State seems entrenched in the #6 spot, #3 in the Atlantic.  The final cupcake on the OOC schedule is South Alabama–a road game.  A win here means that NC State can lose 6 of its last 8 games and go bowling.  That is an A.D. playing the game right.  Next up?  @ South Alabama.

5. Georgia Tech (2-1, 33 points).  The Yellow Jackets had a great opportunity against Notre Dame, but fell short.  However, they can still take home the Coastal title.  It all begins this week with a trip to Duke.  With Miami, UNC, and Virginia Tech looking good also, they will have to earn that particular title.  Next up?  @ Duke.

4. Miami (3-0, 34 points).  Miami got the needed win over Nebraska to get halfway to a bowl.  Miami has had decent OOC wins in recent years.  The key for Al Golden is to have a good conference schedule–say 5 wins.  Anything less than 8 wins and one has to wonder if Al Golden can take the team to the next step.  One also has to wonder if Miami would look at Steve Addazio in that circumstance.  Next up?  Bye.

3.  Notre Dame (3-0, 39 points, 2 first place votes).  The Fighting Irish have withstood injuries to get to 3-0.  They have the depth and the talent to keep winning.  But they also need to avoid a collapse like last year.  Until then, the Correspondents are very split on whether to believe in Notre Dame.  Next up?  UMass.

2. Florida State (3-0, 44 points).  The Seminoles, again, merely looked OK against Boston College.  It is hard to get a read on FSU this year.  A win is a win though, and that is what Jimbo Fisher’s team has been doing lately.  The tests will keep on coming though.  Next up?  Bye.

1. Clemson (3-0, 47 points, 3 first place vote).  A win over a desperate Louisville team that always plays its best football on Thursdays was impressive.  Clemson should be gaining confidence that the team can beat Notre Dame and, in turn, really move up in the national rankings.  Next up?  Bye.

What do you think?  How do you rank these teams?

Posted by acaffrey in Correspondent Poll, Football, Rankings and tagged , , , , ,
21 Sep 2015
14 Comments

(Still Time to Join!) Confidential Fantasy Football Game: Week 4 Entry Page

Even if you missed out on Weeks 1 through 3, the Confidential’s Fantasy Football Game is still joinable in Week 4.  Fortunately, there has been enough mediocrity to keep you in the mix.  But this is probably the last week.  As those who entered know, the game is free and simple… just pick your team.  See rules.  Here is the recap of Week 3 and the standings.  Looks like some familiar names at the top of the standings.

To enter, just comment with your entry for Week 4.

You are allowed one free roster change each week.  For each other change, there is a loss of one point in this week’s scoring…. a maximum of 5 point deduction.  At the same time, there is a potential 5 point bonus for having roster diversity.  If you want the same roster as last week, just do nothing.  If you want to change your roster or join anew, just comment below.

RETURNING ENTRANTS, PLEASE KINDLY POST BOTH LAST WEEK’S ROSTER AND YOUR ROSTER FOR THIS WEEK!  IT WILL BE GREATLY HELPFUL!

ENTRY DEADLINE 7:59 P.M. on FRIDAY SEPT. 25

Good luck to all!

Posted by acaffrey in ACC Fantasy Football, Preview and tagged , , , ,

Post Navigation

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →