The Confidential

The ACC Sports Blog

Archive for the category “Something Positive”

09 Feb 2016

Kudos to Syracuse Alums Helping Flint’s Water Crisis

Eric Devendorf had some great on-the-court moments as a Syracuse Orange, as well as some questionable off-the-court moments.  Most Syracuse fans “liked” Eric, but most opponents certainly did not.  There was nothing about Devendorf’s on-the-court persona that endeared himself to others.  But, Syracuse fan or otherwise, one has to be proud of what he (and other Syracuse alums) are doing to help Flint, Michigan, with its water crisis.

Syracuse’s Eric Devendorf is one of many former college basketball players to lend their names to a charity game to support Flint, Michigan.

Look, there is nothing particularly notable about playing in a basketball game.  That is what basketball players do.  But Devendorf is also promoting the game–making stops on sports radio and promoting the gofundme page.  For a guy with a questionable reputation, good for him.

Kudos to Mookie Jones for also agreeing to participate.  Frankly, kudos to ALL the former players who are donating their time and name (with ranges of value) to the cause.  Mateen Cleaves and the other Michigan “Flint-stones” will certainly be a big draw too.  Even Derrick Coleman and Mark Ingram (NFLer) will be participating.  Let’s hope that the event is a success.

Naturally, if you want to help or donate, the above gofundme page is a good start.

 

 

Posted by acaffrey in Basketball, Something Positive, Syracuse correspondent and tagged , ,
13 Aug 2015
40 Comments

ACC Fantasy Football Contest: 2015!

So, you think you know college football? Especially ACC football?  Prove it.

WHO CAN ENTER? 

Anyone.  It costs $0.00, which fits into nearly every budget.  And there are a few prizes.

WHY SHOULD I ENTER?

Hopefully, you are competitive and think you know ACC football.

Did we mention the free part?  We are a blog, not FanDuel.

Beyond that… there is a $40 prize, payable via PayPal to the winner.

Periodically, we will do prize contests for the best week. 

But, hey you ARE competitive, right?

HOW DO I ENTER?

Enter your Week 1 lineup below.   That’s it.  And then each week, let us know if you are making any changes to that roster.   

WHAT ARE THE RULES?

Rule #1: Anyone desiring to enter must submit ONE (and only one) comment announcing the following:

  • One Quarterback from “an ACC school” (i.e. the 14 ACC schools, plus Notre Dame)
  • One Running Back from an ACC school
  • One Wide Receiver from an ACC school
  • One more Running Back, Wide Receiver, or Tight End from an ACC school
  • One defense for an ACC school.
  • One coach for an ACC school

Example of a great entry from last year: Jameis Winston (QB) FSU; Duke Williams (RB) Miami; Jamison Crowder (WR) Duke; Ryan Switzer (WR), UNC; Clemson Defense; and Coach Dave Doeren.  Note the use of first names, positions, and schools.  There are obviously more than one Williams in the ACC.  Also, see Rule #5 regarding diversity in selecting your team.

And then on a weekly basis, just indicate any changes.  If you do not want any changes, you can remain silent.  Your roster from the previous week will still work.

Rule #2: The scoring is as follows for QBs, RBs, WR’s, and TE’s:

  1. 1 point for every 20 yards passing
  2. 1 point for every 10 yards rushing and receiving.
  3. 5 points for a touchdown of any variety (i.e. includes special teams)
  4. For a QB only… 3 bonus points for winning a game in which he attempted at least 90% of the teams passes or personally scored enough points to defeat the opponent (i.e. 3 touchdown passes in a 21-10 win).

Rule #3: The scoring is as follows for a Defense:

  1. Scoring formula = (30 MINUS the number of points the defense allows in regulation).  Example, if your team allows 21 points, the defense gets 9 points.  If your team allows 52 points, the defense gets -22 points.  If the score is 30-30 in regulation, but 52-50 in overtime, the defense gets 0 points.
  2. 1 points for a recovered fumble, interception, or sack.
  3. -4 points for allowing 500 yards of offense, 400 yards of passing, and/or 300 yards of rushing.

Rule #4: The scoring is as follows for a Coach:

  1. 5 points for winning a game against an FBS opponent
  2. Bonus points for defeating a ranked team: 20 points for top 5, 15 points for #6-#15, 10 points for #16-#25.  We will use the ESPN poll until the College Football Playoff standings are announced–then that will be the guide 

Rule #5: Bonus points: If your entry uses players/coaches from six different ACC schools, you will receive 5 bonus points that week.

Rule #6:  Transaction demerits.  If you change your lineup from week to week, that is fine.  But there is an ever-increasing penalty for each roster move above one per week.  For each roster change from the week before, you lose that number of points.  So if your Week 2 roster is 6 completely different guys from Week 1, you get a -5.  You can get that back, of course, by having a diverse roster.  See Rule #5.  If you do not make changes, so be it.  Your roster from the week before will apply without any reduction.

Rule #7: The source of the statistics will be the ESPN boxscore, as of the date that it is reviewed by the Confidential for tabulation.  Once the Confidential reviews the ESPN boxscore, the scoring is final–even if ESPN is inaccurate or there is a change to the boxscore.  Defensive statistics will come from a reputable source if not provided by ESPN.

Rule #8: We are a global head-to-head league.  You play EVERYONE every week!  The goal is to get a win–by finishing in the top half of the standings that week.  Example, if there are 20 teams, the 10 highest scores each week get a win, the 10 lowest scores get a loss.  But, if there are 21 teams, the 11th team gets a tie, with the 10 higher scores getting a win and the 10 lower scores getting a loss.  This way, you do not have to beat everyone, you just need to beat half the field each week.

Rule #9:  The team with the best record after the week of November 28th is the winner.  If there are ties, they will be resolved by which team had the most wins.  Next, the team with the better record head-to-head all season.  If there is still a tie, most points on the season.  Beyond that, the prize is just split.  The Confidential does not flip coins or penalty kicks or any other lame tiebreakers.

Rule #10: If someone quits, their score will stop accumulating on a week-to-week basis.  We are not going to have a bunch of quitters taking losses.  Sorry.

To make your entry for Week 1, post it below or in the special Week 1 entry post that will be posted game week.  You can make changes or add your lineup until 1 hour before the first ACC game kicks off.  You can join after Week 1.  Remember to also make lineup changes for each week if you so desire.  Or not.

Posted by acaffrey in ACC only, Football, Something Positive and tagged , ,
08 Dec 2014
17 Comments

ACC Fantasy Football Bowl Contest: ENTRY PAGE!

It is time to enter!   The rules are after the page break.  As a quick reminder, just select a QB, RB, WR, Flex (QB/WR/RB/TE), School Defense, and Coach from one of the ACC schools (including Notre Dame) by the deadline of December 26, 2014, to enter.  Just enter it in a comment below.  Winner takes the $25 prize via PayPal.

As a reminder, here are the bowl games featuring these ACC schools:

  • Quick Lane Bowl, December 26 in Detroit, Rutgers vs. North Carolina
  • Bitcoin Bowl, December 26 in St. Petersburg, NC State vs. Central Florida
  • Military Bowl, December 27 in Annapolis, Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech
  • Hyundai Sun Bowl, December 27 in El Paso, Arizona State vs. Duke
  • Duck Commander Independence Bowl, December 27 in Shreveport, Miami vs. South Carolina
  • New Era Pinstripe Bowl, December 27 in New York City, Boston College vs. Penn State
  • Russell Athletic Bowl, December 29 in Orlando, Oklahoma vs. Clemson
  • Franklin American Music City Bowl, December 30 in Nashville, Notre Dame vs. LSU
  • Belk Bowl, December 30 in Charlotte, Georgia vs. Louisville
  • Capital One Orange Bowl, December 31 in Miami, Georgia Tech vs. Mississippi State
  • Rose Bowl, January 1 in Pasadena, Oregon vs. Florida State
  • Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, January 2 in Fort Worth, Houston vs. Pittsburgh (an old AFC Central battle?)

So, you think you know college football? Especially ACC football?  Prove it.

Read more…

Posted by acaffrey in ACC only, Football, Something Positive and tagged , , , ,
04 Dec 2014

ACC Fantasy Football Contest: Bowl Season 2014-2015!!!

So, you think you know college football? Especially ACC football?  Prove it.

WHO CAN ENTER? 

Anyone.

WHY SHOULD I ENTER?

Hopefully, you are competitive and think you know ACC football.

Beyond that… there is a $25 prize, payable via PayPal to the entrant whose team scores the most points!

WHO WILL ENTER?

Brian, Lenville, and ACaffrey–the three co-winners of the regular season fantasy football contest, who are going to use the bowl season to settle the tie.  Most points between them will win that prize!

HOW DO I ENTER?

After the bowl matchups are announced, the Confidential will create a page that will allow you to post a comment that submits your entry. 

WHAT ARE THE RULES?

Rule #1: Anyone desiring to enter must submit ONE (and only one) comment in that post announcing the following:

  • One Quarterback from “an ACC school” (i.e. the 14 ACC schools, plus Notre Dame)
  • One Running Back from an ACC school
  • One Wide Receiver from an ACC school
  • One more Running Back, Wide Receiver, or Tight End from an ACC school
  • One defense for an ACC school.
  • One coach for an ACC school

Example of a great entry: Jameis Winston (QB) FSU; Duke Williams (RB) Miami; Jamison Crowder (WR) Duke; Ryan Switzer (WR), UNC; Clemson Defense; and Coach Dave Doeren.  Note the use of first names, positions, and schools.  There are obviously more than one Williams in the ACC.  Also, see Rule #4regarding diversity in selecting your team.

Rule #2: The scoring is as follows for QBs, RBs, WR’s, and TE’s:

  1. 1 point for every 20 yards passing
  2. 1 point for every 10 yards rushing and receiving.
  3. 5 points for a touchdown of any variety (i.e. includes special teams)
  4. 2 points for participating in a 2-point conversion… i.e. passing, rushing, or receiving for one.
  5. For a QB only… 5 bonus points for winning a game in which he attempted at least 90% of the teams passes.  Yes, if your QB only completes 88% of his teams passes because a backup comes in for the second half of a game against an terrible foe, no points are awarded.  We are rewarding he defeating of a meritorious foe, not a cupcake.

Rule #3: The scoring is as follows for a Defense:

  1. Scoring formula = (30 MINUS the number of points the defense allows in regulation).  Example, if your team allows 21 points, the defense gets 9 points.  If your team allows 52 points, the defense gets -22 points.  If the score is 30-30 in regulation, but 52-50 in overtime, the defense gets 0 points.
  2. 5 bonus points for winning the game, 2 bonus points for losing in overtime.
  3. 1 points for a recovered fumble, interception, or sack.
  4. -4 points for allowing 500 yards of offense, 400 yards of passing, and/or 300 yards of rushing.

Rule #4: The scoring is as follows for a Coach:

  1. 6 points for winning a game against an FBS opponent
  2. 3 points for winning a game against an FCS opponent.
  3. -6 points for losing a game against an FCS opponent.
  4. Bonus points for defeating a ranked team: 20 points for top 5, 15 points for #6-#15, 10 points for #16-#25.  We will use the final College Football Playoff standings.  

Rule #5: Bonus points: If your entry uses players/coaches from six different ACC schools, you will receive 5 bonus points that week.

Rule #6:  The source of the statistics will be the ESPN boxscore, as of the date that it is reviewed by the Confidential for tabulation.  Once the Confidential reviews the ESPN boxscore, the scoring is final–even if ESPN is inaccurate or there is a change to the boxscore.

Rule #7: If Florida State is in the playoff, only the FIRST playoff game will count.  The Championship Game would not.

Rule #8:  There are no other rules.

To make an entry, post your comments in the Entry Page that will be created after all of the bowl matchups are announced.

 

 

 

 

Posted by acaffrey in ACC only, Football, Something Positive and tagged , , ,
21 Aug 2014
7 Comments

Remember: ACC Fantasy Football Contest 2014!

ACC Football Fans… here is our chance to show we have as much passion as those in the B1G and SEC.  The Confidential is announcing a friendly (i.e. no prize) contest in a fantasy football style format.  FANT-ACC Football!  If you think you know ACC football, here is your chance to prove it.

All you really need to do is pick six ACC players each week.  That’s it.  What QB, RB, WR, Flex, Defense, and Coach do you think will have the best week?  Write in a comment and we will do the rest.

But if you like rules, here they are:

Rule #1:  Each week, we will post the week’s entry page.

Rule #2: Anyone desiring to enter that week must submit ONE (and only one) comment in that post announcing the following:

  • One Quarterback from “an ACC school” (i.e. the 14 ACC schools, plus Notre Dame)
  • One Running Back from an ACC school
  • One Wide Receiver from an ACC school
  • One more Running Back, Wide Receiver, or Tight End from an ACC school
  • One defense for an ACC school.
  • One coach for an ACC school

Example of a great entry: Jameis Winston (QB) FSU; Duke Williams (RB) Miami; Jamison Crowder (WR) Duke; Ryan Switzer (WR), UNC; Clemson Defense; and Coach Scott Shafer.  Note the use of first names, positions, and schools.  There are obviously more than one Williams in the ACC.  Also, see Rule #6 regarding diversity in selecting your team.

Rule #3: The scoring is as follows for QBs, RBs, WR’s, and TE’s:

  1. 1 point for every 20 yards passing
  2. 1 point for every 10 yards rushing and receiving.
  3. 5 points for a touchdown of any variety (i.e. includes special teams)
  4. 2 points for participating in a 2-point conversion… i.e. passing, rushing, or receiving for one.
  5. For a QB only… 5 bonus points for winning a game in which he attempted at least 90% of the teams passes.  Yes, if your QB only completes 88% of his teams passes because a backup comes in for the second half of a game against an terrible foe, no points are awarded.  We are rewarding he defeating of a meritorious foe, not a cupcake.

Rule #4: The scoring is as follows for a Defense:

  1. Scoring formula = (30 MINUS the number of points the defense allows in regulation).  Example, if your team allows 21 points, the defense gets 9 points.  If your team allows 52 points, the defense gets -22 points.  If the score is 30-30 in regulation, but 52-50 in overtime, the defense gets 0 points.
  2. 5 bonus points for winning the game, 2 bonus points for losing in overtime.
  3. 1 points for a recovered fumble, interception, or sack.
  4. -4 points for allowing 500 yards of offense, 400 yards of passing, and/or 300 yards of rushing.

Rule #5: The scoring is as follows for a Coach:

  1. 6 points for winning a game against an FBS opponent
  2. 3 points for winning a game against an FCS opponent.
  3. -6 points for losing a game against an FCS opponent.
  4. Bonus points for defeating a ranked team: 20 points for top 5, 15 points for #6-#15, 10 points for #16-#25.  The poll will be the AP Poll until the College Football Playoff Standings is released, currently expected to be October 28, 2014.  Example: If your coach defeats the #9 ranked team, he will get 15 bonus points; if he defeats a 16th ranked team, he will get 10 points).

Rule #6: Bonus points: If your entry uses players/coaches from six different ACC schools, you will receive 5 bonus points that week.

Rule #7: The entrant with the highest number of points will “WIN” the week.  The winner will be congratulated in a post.

Rule #8: This is a contest for FUN.  However, it is that much more FUN to be a winner and prove that you have superior college football knowledge.  So we hope that everyone enjoys the friendly competition.

Rule #9: The contest will end with the conclusion of the regular season (i.e. there will be no entries the week of the ACC Championship Game).  The Confidential will name an Overall Winner(s), if any, at the end of the contest in a congratulatory post.  If no entrant records at least two WINS, then there will be no Overall Winner and the congratulatory post will be merely to recognize all of the participants that received one WIN.  There may be multiple Overall Winners.

Rule #10:  The source of the statistics will be the ESPN boxscore, as of the date that it is reviewed by the Confidential for tabulation.  Once the Confidential reviews the ESPN boxscore, the scoring is final–even if ESPN is inaccurate or there is a change to the boxscore.

SO… let us repeat… are you willing to prove each week that you know ACC Football?  Let us know if you plan to submit entries this year.

Posted by acaffrey in ACC only, Football, Something Positive and tagged , ,
17 Aug 2014
11 Comments

ACC Fantasy Football Contest: Bowl Season 2014-2015!

So, you think you know college football? Especially ACC football?  Prove it.

WHO CAN ENTER? 

Anyone.

WHY SHOULD I ENTER?

Hopefully, you are competitive and think you know ACC football.

Beyond that… there is a $25 prize, payable via PayPal to the entrant whose team scores the most points!

WHO WILL ENTER?

Brian, Lenville, and ACaffrey–the three co-winners of the regular season fantasy football contest, who are going to use the bowl season to settle the tie.  Most points between them will win that prize!

HOW DO I ENTER?

After the bowl matchups are announced, the Confidential will create a page that will allow you to post a comment that submits your entry. 

WHAT ARE THE RULES?

Rule #1: Anyone desiring to enter must submit ONE (and only one) comment in that post announcing the following:

  • One Quarterback from “an ACC school” (i.e. the 14 ACC schools, plus Notre Dame)
  • One Running Back from an ACC school
  • One Wide Receiver from an ACC school
  • One more Running Back, Wide Receiver, or Tight End from an ACC school
  • One defense for an ACC school.
  • One coach for an ACC school

Example of a great entry: Jameis Winston (QB) FSU; Duke Williams (RB) Miami; Jamison Crowder (WR) Duke; Ryan Switzer (WR), UNC; Clemson Defense; and Coach Dave Doeren.  Note the use of first names, positions, and schools.  There are obviously more than one Williams in the ACC.  Also, see Rule #4regarding diversity in selecting your team.

Rule #2: The scoring is as follows for QBs, RBs, WR’s, and TE’s:

  1. 1 point for every 20 yards passing
  2. 1 point for every 10 yards rushing and receiving.
  3. 5 points for a touchdown of any variety (i.e. includes special teams)
  4. 2 points for participating in a 2-point conversion… i.e. passing, rushing, or receiving for one.
  5. For a QB only… 5 bonus points for winning a game in which he attempted at least 90% of the teams passes.  Yes, if your QB only completes 88% of his teams passes because a backup comes in for the second half of a game against an terrible foe, no points are awarded.  We are rewarding he defeating of a meritorious foe, not a cupcake.

Rule #3: The scoring is as follows for a Defense:

  1. Scoring formula = (30 MINUS the number of points the defense allows in regulation).  Example, if your team allows 21 points, the defense gets 9 points.  If your team allows 52 points, the defense gets -22 points.  If the score is 30-30 in regulation, but 52-50 in overtime, the defense gets 0 points.
  2. 5 bonus points for winning the game, 2 bonus points for losing in overtime.
  3. 1 points for a recovered fumble, interception, or sack.
  4. -4 points for allowing 500 yards of offense, 400 yards of passing, and/or 300 yards of rushing.

Rule #4: The scoring is as follows for a Coach:

  1. 6 points for winning a game against an FBS opponent
  2. 3 points for winning a game against an FCS opponent.
  3. -6 points for losing a game against an FCS opponent.
  4. Bonus points for defeating a ranked team: 20 points for top 5, 15 points for #6-#15, 10 points for #16-#25.  We will use the final College Football Playoff standings.  

Rule #5: Bonus points: If your entry uses players/coaches from six different ACC schools, you will receive 5 bonus points that week.

Rule #6:  The source of the statistics will be the ESPN boxscore, as of the date that it is reviewed by the Confidential for tabulation.  Once the Confidential reviews the ESPN boxscore, the scoring is final–even if ESPN is inaccurate or there is a change to the boxscore.

Rule #7: If Florida State is in the playoff, only the FIRST playoff game will count.  The Championship Game would not.

Rule #8:  There are no other rules.

To make an entry, post your comments in the Entry Page that will be created after all of the bowl matchups are announced.

 

 

 

 

Posted by acaffrey in ACC only, Football, Something Positive and tagged , , ,
16 Aug 2014

Do You Think You Know ACC Football? Prove it!

So, you think you know college football? Especially ACC football?  Prove it.

The Confidential is announcing a friendly (i.e. no prize) contest in a fantasy football style format.  FANT-ACC Football!  If you think you know ACC football, here is your chance to prove it.

Here are the rules:

Rule #1:  Each week, we will post the week’s entry page.

Rule #2: Anyone desiring to enter that week must submit ONE (and only one) comment in that post announcing the following:

  • One Quarterback from “an ACC school” (i.e. the 14 ACC schools, plus Notre Dame)
  • One Running Back from an ACC school
  • One Wide Receiver from an ACC school
  • One more Running Back, Wide Receiver, or Tight End from an ACC school
  • One defense for an ACC school.
  • One coach for an ACC school

Example of a great entry: Jameis Winston (QB) FSU; Duke Williams (RB) Miami; Jamison Crowder (WR) Duke; Ryan Switzer (WR), UNC; Clemson Defense; and Coach Scott Shafer.  Note the use of first names, positions, and schools.  There are obviously more than one Williams in the ACC.  Also, see Rule #6 regarding diversity in selecting your team.

Rule #3: The scoring is as follows for QBs, RBs, WR’s, and TE’s:

  1. 1 point for every 20 yards passing
  2. 1 point for every 10 yards rushing and receiving.
  3. 5 points for a touchdown of any variety (i.e. includes special teams)
  4. 2 points for participating in a 2-point conversion… i.e. passing, rushing, or receiving for one.
  5. For a QB only… 5 bonus points for winning a game in which he attempted at least 90% of the teams passes.  Yes, if your QB only completes 88% of his teams passes because a backup comes in for the second half of a game against an terrible foe, no points are awarded.  We are rewarding he defeating of a meritorious foe, not a cupcake.

Rule #4: The scoring is as follows for a Defense:

  1. Scoring formula = (30 MINUS the number of points the defense allows in regulation).  Example, if your team allows 21 points, the defense gets 9 points.  If your team allows 52 points, the defense gets -22 points.  If the score is 30-30 in regulation, but 52-50 in overtime, the defense gets 0 points.
  2. 5 bonus points for winning the game, 2 bonus points for losing in overtime.
  3. 1 points for a recovered fumble, interception, or sack.
  4. -4 points for allowing 500 yards of offense, 400 yards of passing, and/or 300 yards of rushing.

Rule #5: The scoring is as follows for a Coach:

  1. 6 points for winning a game against an FBS opponent
  2. 3 points for winning a game against an FCS opponent.
  3. -6 points for losing a game against an FCS opponent.
  4. Bonus points for defeating a ranked team: 20 points for top 5, 15 points for #6-#15, 10 points for #16-#25.  The poll will be the AP Poll until the College Football Playoff Standings is released, currently expected to be October 28, 2014.  Example: If your coach defeats the #9 ranked team, he will get 15 bonus points; if he defeats a 16th ranked team, he will get 10 points).

Rule #6: Bonus points: If your entry uses players/coaches from six different ACC schools, you will receive 5 bonus points that week.

Rule #7: The entrant with the highest number of points will “WIN” the week.  The winner will be congratulated in a post.

Rule #8: This is a contest for FUN.  However, it is that much more FUN to be a winner and prove that you have superior college football knowledge.  So we hope that everyone enjoys the friendly competition.

Rule #9: The contest will end with the conclusion of the regular season (i.e. there will be no entries the week of the ACC Championship Game).  The Confidential will name an Overall Winner(s), if any, at the end of the contest in a congratulatory post.  If no entrant records at least two WINS, then there will be no Overall Winner and the congratulatory post will be merely to recognize all of the participants that received one WIN.  There may be multiple Overall Winners.

Rule #10:  The source of the statistics will be the ESPN boxscore, as of the date that it is reviewed by the Confidential for tabulation.  Once the Confidential reviews the ESPN boxscore, the scoring is final–even if ESPN is inaccurate or there is a change to the boxscore.

SO… let us repeat… are you willing to prove each week that you know ACC Football?  Let us know if you plan to submit entries this year.

 

 

 

 

Posted by acaffrey in ACC only, Football, Something Positive and tagged , ,
01 Jul 2014
7 Comments

Lets Get the Party Started!

image

July 1, 2014, the day the impossible has become reality. The Louisville Cardinals year and half worth of anticipation, more like a life time, has come to an end. The University of Louisville Cardinals are now officially a member of the ACC.
Read more…

Posted by lenvillecards in ACC only, Conference News, Conference Realignment, Louisville Correspondent, News, Opinion, Something Positive, This Day in ACC, Today in the ACC and tagged , , , ,
09 May 2014

Clemson North

“The Cleveland Browns have traded the fourth pick to the Buffalo Bills. With the fourth pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills select Sammy Watkins, wide receiver, Clemson.”

The Bills gave up their 2015 first and fourth round draft picks for that trade, talk about a bold move. General Manager Doug Whaley told Sammy they were going to draft him and clearly, he meant it. The Bills had the 9th pick, but waiting their turn was not an option if they were going to get their number one choice. This trade was more than just getting Sammy Watkins; it was a statement to the NFL and Bills fans everywhere. The Bills are going to make it to the playoffs this season.  Or bust. Let’s hope it’s not the latter.

From a Clemson standpoint, I love this pick. I was fortunate enough to watch CJ Spiller run over defenses as a Clemson Tiger for one season before he was drafted 9th overall by the Bills in 2010. I watched Sammy Watkins glide his way through secondary defenses countless times on his way to the end zone in that Tiger uniform and I am thrilled to see Spiller and Watkins as teammates next season.

“Clemson North” is what they are calling it, as the Bills now have five former Clemson Tigers on their roster. Running back, CJ Spiller, offensive linemen, Chris Hairston and Antoine McClain, safety, Jonathan Meeks, and now wide receiver, Sammy Watkins.

Sammy Watkins is a player so outstanding that he makes others around him better. To get EJ Manuel healthy and prepped for the 2014 season, there is no doubt Sammy is going to shine. He is on his way to scoring touchdowns on Sundays and I can’t wait to watch. He has been compared to Detroit Lions wide receiver, Calvin Johnson, but next fall Sammy Watkins will begin his professional legacy and players to come will be compared to him.

To all Bills fans out there, rejoice. Clemson Nation gives you Sammy Watkins and we only hope you grow to love him as much as we did (and still do).

The fun is not over for the Clemson faithful. Still left to be drafted are QB Tajh Boyd, WR Martavis Bryant, CB Brashad Breeland, and OL Brandon Thomas.

You can catch night two of the 2014 NFL Draft tonight on ESPN.

Posted by marystewartb in ACC Network, ACC only, Clemson correspondent, Draft, ESPN, Football, News, Opinion, Results, Something Positive, This Day in ACC, Today in the ACC, Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , , ,
18 Mar 2014

The Tigers Aren’t Finished Yet

Picked to finish 14th in the ACC, Coach Brad Brownell’s Clemson Tigers surprised everyone when they ended the regular season 6th in the conference. Not to mention a season long, star performance by junior forward, K.J. McDaniels who was voted an ACC first team All-American and defensive player of the year.

The Tigers take on Georgia State in Littlejohn Coliseum tonight at 9pm on ESPNU in the first round of the NIT, a postseason honor not all ACC schools can boast about. The ACC is one of the toughest basketball conferences in the nation and you must give credit where credit is due to Brad Brownell. He took the underdogs and made them into competitors that demanded to be taken seriously.

With a heartbreaking overtime loss to Pitt at the end of the regular season, Clemson started the ACC Tournament right with a thrilling overtime win against Georgia Tech, just to be fortunate enough to move on to play Duke in the quarterfinals. What at one point looked like it would be a Blue Devils blowout, the Tigers fought back to bring the game back to within a few points, only to lose by 1 on a controversial call that sent Duke to the next round.

While Clemson won’t be entering “The Big Dance” this March Madness season, they do have a lot to be proud of. Players like Landry Nnoko, Demarcus Harrison, and Jaron Blossomgame improved to become vital assets to the team. Consistent players like K.J. McDaniels and Rod Hall gave another tremendous effort to show that at least one school in South Carolina knows how to play basketball.

This young team should be coming back in full force next season, but might be one short. K.J. McDaniels, while only a junior, is likely to enter the NBA Draft after this season concludes. While I can’t say I blame him, I do hope he’ll consider finishing out his career as a Clemson Tiger and seeing how far he can lead this team next season.

If you haven’t had the chance to watch the Tigers play this season, catch them on ESPNU tonight at 9pm in the first round of the NIT!

clemson

Posted by marystewartb in ACC Network, ACC only, Basketball, Clemson correspondent, Conference News, Correspondents, ESPN, Game Review, March Madness, News, Opinion, Results, Schedule, Something Positive, This Day in ACC and tagged , , , , , ,

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