ACC Ups and Downs

Posted 10:32 a.m. Sep 17, 2007 — Updated 2:21 p.m. Sep 17, 2007

Bob Holliday

After several subpar performances by ACC football teams on television, an officiating crew earned some TV notoriety this weekend.

The officials working the Virginia-UNC game needed to go to replay to determine whether a field goal by UVa's Chris Gould went through the uprights. Initially, the kick was ruled no good (curiously, the back judge appeared to look down as the ball made its approach.) Virginia challenged the call. Replay, even with the Lincoln Financial Network's limited camera angles (the only look viewers were given came from a camera high atop the 50-yard line) showed the ball going above the cross bar and inside the left upright.

Replay, correctly reversed the call on the field. Our game photographer, Ken Medlin, shot the field goal from directly behind the goal post. His video, which was much better than what the replay crew had to work with, clearly showed the field goal was good.

Carolina fans should not feel robbed on that sequence, the officials got it right. Cedric Peerman's final run is less clear-cut.

Here's what I saw after reviewing tape from the Lincoln Financial Network broadcast (though again, the angle is limited). Peerman appeared to be stopped well short of the first down. He appeared to scoot forward a full yard after forward progress was stopped. The official on Peerman's side came over to spot the ball. He then deferred to the line judge, who was on the opposite side and could not see Peerman scooting forward.

Peerman even picked up a few more inches as the line judge stepped in. Carolina's last hope was over.

Now, on to the play on the field for Week 3 and performances were better than Week 2. Virginia definitely showed up this weekend, doesn't everyone against Carolina? The Cavaliers ran the ball and defended the run extremely well. Carolina showed deficiencies in both areas, but the Tar Heel passing game should give them at least a chance to win almost every week. T. J. Yates and his outstanding receivers are exciting.

N.C. State showed improvement in key areas - albeit against I-AA Wofford. The Wolfpack mounted its first running attack all season, and scored with its defense.

Duke demonstrated improvement and character. After Thaddeus Lewis had staked his team to a 13-point lead, the Blue Devil defense had to turn back a Northwestern comeback that brought the Wildcats within seven yards of victory.

Wake Forest won as expected. Cary's Josh Adams scored his first touchdown. Here's betting there will be many more! Now, all of the Big Four teams are 1-2.

Clemson decided to use the Furman game as a time to work on its passing attack. The Tigers lost time of possession to the Paladins by a wide margin, but won the game 38-10 with the help of several, long scoring strikes.

Miami continued to struggle with its passing game, but for one 80-yard pass by Kyle Wright. Florida International has lost 15 straight, but the Canes could only manage a 23-9 victory.

Virginia Tech changed quarterbacks. Tyrod Taylor got better as the game went along and the Hokies overcame a slow start to post a 28-7 win over Ohio.

Maryland played pretty well against West Virginia's potent offense except on third down. Those third-down surprises plus the Terps' lack of explosiveness on offense led to a 31-14 Mountaineer win.

Florida State's defense appears to be all the way back. With defensive coaches Mickey Andrews upstairs in the booth and Chuck Amato on the field, the Seminoles are flying around, picking off passes and creating negative yardage plays for opposing offenses. The 'Noles are even getting flagged for late hits like in the good old days. FSU's offense is another story all together. One touchdown against Colorado?

Boston College may be the ACC's best team. The Eagles' run defense thoroughly shut down Tashard Choice and the Georgia Tech ground attack. Tech at this point does not pass well enough to take advantage of the Eagles' porous secondary. On offense, BC is explosive and balanced. Matt Ryan's accuracy and range, coupled with the Eagles' stout running backs and offensive coordinator Steve Logan's unpredictable play calling, make it tough to force this club to punt.

Week 4 should tell us more as six schools play conference games, including Clemson at N.C. State.

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