Tag: ACC football

Boston College Adds NFL Pedigree with Doug Marrone to Coaching Staff

BC adds a third coach with NFL experience to their coaching staff. The latest is Doug Marrone.

Boston College is making a bold statement by incorporating an unprecedented level of NFL expertise into its coaching staff. The Eagles, not content with just two former NFL coaches, are upping the ante by adding a third, Doug Marrone, as a senior analyst for football strategy and research.

For those keeping score at home, Marrone is not just any ex-NFL coach. We’re talking about a guy who helmed the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars, bringing years of top-tier football acumen to Chestnut Hill. While his NFL record might not be the stuff of legends, his balanced tenure at Syracuse demonstrates that he has the chops to influence the collegiate game significantly.

Now, one might wonder why this move is a game-changer for the Eagles. Marrone, alongside Bill O’Brien—the same O’Brien who steered the ship for the Houston Texans—and Rob Chudzinski, who brought his insights from the Cleveland Browns to BC over the past four seasons, are forming a triumvirate of NFL-bred wisdom. Not just about adding resumes to the roster; it’s about injecting a professional perspective into Boston College ball, a strategy that could well redefine how the game is played in Chestnut Hill.

Imagine the synergy—Marrone’s strategic mind-melding with O’Brien’s leadership and Chudzinski’s experience. O’Brien and Marrone are not strangers to collaboration, having crossed paths at Georgia Tech and Alabama. At Georgia Tech, Marrone was molding tight ends and offensive linemen, while O’Brien was honing his craft with running backs and later as a graduate assistant.

At Alabama, their roles were amplified—Marrone as the offensive line coach, bringing his NFL head coaching experience to refine the Crimson Tide’s talented front, and O’Brien as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. This isn’t their first rodeo, and if history indicates, their partnership could bring out the best in the Eagles.

However, here lies the critical point: Boston College is coming off a decent season, not earth-shattering, but solid. With this highly experienced coaching staff, what lies ahead? Are we looking at a team that’s poised to shake up the ACC, or is this an experiment in coaching star power that might not translate to on-field success?

Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—Boston College is not playing it safe. They are going all in, betting big on NFL coaching experience to elevate their team. As the Eagles prepare to kick off their season against Florida State, all eyes will be on this newly minted-coaching lineup.

Will this NFL infusion be BC’s secret sauce to soar to new heights? The college football world is watching, waiting, and, let’s be honest, a tad envious of the Eagles’ bold strategy. Boston College football just got a whole lot more interesting.

Report: Clemson attorneys “gearing up” for legal action, possible ACC split

Could Clemson be planning an exit from the ACC? In a wide-ranging report from Yahoo Sports on the state of college football Friday, Clemson leaving the ACC with several other current conference members is floated as a possibility by veteran college football reporter Ross Dellenger.

Could Clemson be planning an exit from the ACC?

In a wide-ranging report from Yahoo Sports on the state of college football, Clemson leaving the ACC with several other current conference members is floated as a possibility by veteran college football reporter Ross Dellenger.

Much of Dellenger’s story centers on College Football Playoff expansion and revenue distribution. It also mentions growing unrest by several ACC schools over their dissatisfaction with the league, including Clemson.

Last May, Dellenger reported that seven ACC schools met to discuss a possible exit strategy from the ACC. At issue was the league’s equal revenue-sharing model, which the seven schools oppose.

Clemson was mentioned in concert with Florida State, Miami, North Carolina, NC State, Virginia, and Virginia Tech as schools that met during the ACC’s annual spring meetings in 2023 to discuss exploring ways to challenge the league’s grant-of-rights document in an effort to leave the conference.

Those schools, purportedly led by Florida State and Clemson, later endorsed a plan that advocated for larger payouts by the ACC to schools based on on-field performance/success in postseason play. Clemson and FSU are the only ACC schools that reached the four-team College Football Playoff from 2014-2023.

Now, months after Florida State filed a lawsuit against the ACC in open court over the school’s desire to leave the conference, Dellenger reports that Clemson has also consulted with its own attorneys to discuss legal options.

Per Dellenger’s story:

Attorneys for Clemson have spent the last several months gearing up for legal action of their own, sources with knowledge of the discussions tell Yahoo Sports.

More secession attempts could send the conference into chaos. The outcomes of any Florida State or Clemson exit — can they break free of the grant-of-rights? — may chart a path for the other members of the seven, most notably North Carolina, the most attractive of the (other) programs.

Dellenger’s report noted that a date was looming as a possible turning point for the league and the seven ACC schools.

While ESPN’s contract with the ACC extends through 2036, the network has the option to opt out of the final nine years starting in 2027, a way that ESPN itself could possibly reopen the grant-of-rights, or at the very least, restructure the deal.

Could a restructured deal with uneven distribution prevent more departures? Would an ESPN opt-out swing open the door for more schools to exit?

The network must exercise the option by February 2025.

Where the seven ACC schools could potentially go, should they leave the conference, is a topic of much discourse. But in Clemson’s case, it’s hard to imagine the SEC wouldn’t be interested in adding Dabo Swinney’s program.

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has thus far expressed reluctance, at least publicly, on the potential addition of new conference members after his league’s ground-shaking announcement in 2021 that it planned to add Texas and Oklahoma from the Big 12. The Longhorns and Sooners will become SEC members later this year.

But that was before the Big Ten added USC and UCLA in 2022 and before Oregon and Washington joined the conference a year later amid the complete collapse of the Pac-12.

Since then, the “haves and have-nots” of college football keep growing further apart. Dellenger repeatedly underscores that in his report by reinforcing that the SEC and Big Ten are now college football’s “Power Two” conferences.

He adds that a new College Football Playoff revenue-distribution model is being floated that could widen the gap even further between the leagues by distributing “millions in additional revenue” to the SEC and Big Ten, far outweighing what the ACC and Big 12 would receive.

In a proposal socialized with administrators this week, the Big Ten and SEC would combine to earn about 58% of the CFP’s base distribution — a figure that will certainly grow in participation distribution as their individual schools earn more revenue for qualifying and advancing through the playoffs. The figure would greatly exceed the ACC and Big 12’s combined distribution number, which is expected to be around 31%. The remaining amount (roughly 10%) will be distributed to Notre Dame and the 64 Group of Five teams.

February 2025, the possible inflection date, is now less than a year away. And as we’ve learned time and again since the start of conference realignment, the whispers, rumor mills, and overall uncertainty about the future of college football are only going to ratchet up even more over the next several months.

Clemson’s Perfect Season? Klubnik thinks so

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik sets ambitious sights on an undefeated season.

Clemson’s quarterback Cade Klubnik has set the tone for the season with a bold assertion: he believes Clemson has all the pieces in place for an undefeated season. During the team’s first media day, Klubnik shared his insights, highlighting his personal growth and the team’s potential.

Klubnik’s main focus is enhancing his post-snap recognition, an area he’s keen to improve in his third year. His experience and continuity in the offensive system fuel his confidence.

“Being a little bit more aggressive in my decisions… I think that’s going to be huge for me,” he stated, emphasizing the benefits of familiarity and preparation.

He reflected on past performances, and his detailed review of the previous season’s gameplay, particularly his analysis of missed opportunities and decision-making processes, signals a mature approach to self-improvement. Klubnik’s commitment to learning from past experiences is evident as he discusses dissecting game footage,

“I definitely went game by game… I’m kind of still watching… seeing all the missed opportunities… some of our guys have made very detailed game cut-ups for me.”

The quarterback also mentioned the importance of building strong connections with his receivers and overcoming last year’s injury hurdles to develop a more explosive and cohesive offense. He acknowledged the challenges posed by injuries last season but remained optimistic about building chemistry and refining the team’s explosive potential.

“Gaining chemistry with your receivers… that’s going to be huge because we would get to the actual game, and it’d be my first time throwing a certain route to a certain guy ever because I haven’t repped that with a guy just ‘cuz he’s been battling through injuries, its nobodies fault, just kind of the way the cards are dealt sometimes”

He didn’t shy away from setting high expectations for Clemson, expressing a firm belief in the team’s ability to stay unbeaten throughout the season. “Our goal is to go undefeated… I fully believe that this is the team that can do it,” Klubnik confidently declared, underlining his trust in Clemson’s talent and strategy.

With his sights set on leveraging his second year under offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, Klubnik anticipates a more versatile and dynamic Clemson offense. His proactive approach to learning from last season’s gameplay, focusing on missed opportunities and strategic decision-making, underscores his commitment to leading Clemson in his third year.

Klubnik’s optimism and leadership are palpable, setting a high bar for Clemson’s upcoming campaign. His bold prediction and the team’s shared ambition signal a thrilling season ahead, with the Tigers poised to chase an undefeated record under Klubnik’s guidance.

Braden Fiske turns the NFL Scouting Combine into his personal playground

Braden Fiske’s NFL Combine triumph, marked by a 33.5-inch vertical and a 9-foot, 9-inch broad jump, has catapulted him into the spotlight. Discover how this Florida State standout is redefining athleticism, making him a must-watch prospect in the upcoming NFL draft.

The college football world is usually cynical about the transfer portal’s impact on college football, Braden Fiske emerges not just as a counter-narrative but as a full-blown saga of triumph. From a small school in Michigan to one of the big three schools in Florida. His recent performance at the NFL Combine has not merely raised eyebrows; it has spun heads.

Let’s talk numbers because, in Fiske’s case, they don’t just speak; they holler through a megaphone. At the combine with a 33.5-inch vertical leap that screams “I defy gravity,” and a 9-foot, 9-inch broad jump that might as well have been a short flight, Fiske jumped out of the gym, he looked to be auditioning for a superhero role. And a 4.78 40-yard dash at 292 pounds? That’s not just fast; that’s “Are you sure he’s not a tight end?” fast.

A contrast made even more stark when you consider the legendary FSU receiver Anquan Boldin, who, despite being almost 100 lbs lighter and three inches shorter, also ran in the 4.7 range. Fiske’s performance was better than anticipated and reminded us of the genetic outliers that the men in the front seven can be.

But before we get too carried away with the metrics (too late?), let’s consider the man behind the stats. A product of the gritty gridirons of Western Michigan before transferring to Florida State, Fiske’s journey is less of a straight line and more of a testament to tenacity. At WMU Fiske honed his craft to the point where the word ‘dominant’ started feeling inadequate.

Transitioning from Western Michigan to FSU, he not only faced a higher level of competition but thrived, becoming an AP All-American. He got to FSU a polished product and was an instant impact for FSU and head coach Mike Norvell.

During the Senior Bowl, Fiske’s name was on repeat, echoing through the stadium like a hit song’s hook. But the Combine was where Fiske transformed from a draft prospect to a draft must-have. Rich Eisen and company could not stop talking about him on the broadcast.

It’s not just the explosive power or the nimble feet; it’s the “motor” as Fiske puts it. In a sport where effort can be as critical as talent, Fiske’s relentless pursuit of the ball is commendable. It’s also a core part of his brand. It’s as if he’s taken the ethos of “chase the ball like it owes you money” and turned it into an art form.

And let’s not overlook the mental aspect. Fiske’s acumen, his ability to dissect plays, and his knack for being in the right place at the right time, are all part of a package that screams NFL readiness.

In a draft class teeming with talent, Fiske’s performance at the combine has opened a lot of eyes. As the draft approaches one thing is clear:

Braden Fiske is a player to be excited about, a player who reminds us why we watch football in the first place – for the sheer, unadulterated thrill of seeing talent, hard work, and determination converge on the grand stage.

New ‘5-7 model’ approved for 12-team 2024 College Football Playoff

This is not a permanent plan for the playoff. The format could change in 2026.

On Tuesday, the College Football Playoff Board of Managers unanimously made changes to the current playoff structure. The old model considered the six highest-ranked conference champions and spots for six additional highest-ranked at-large teams.

After all the teams, except Oregon State and Washington State, left the Pac-12 for the Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC — leaving only four power conferences — this was the most likely outcome.

The College Football Playoff website laid out the specifics of the plan:

“Under the 12-team playoff format that begins this fall, the four highest-ranked conference champions will be seeded one through four and each will receive a first-round bye, while teams seeded five through 12 will play each other in the first round on the home field of the higher-ranked team. (The team ranked #5 will host #12; team #6 will meet team #11; team #7 will play team #10; and team #8 will meet #9.) The quarterfinals and semifinals will be played in the New Year’s Six bowl games, the national championship game will continue to be at a neutral site. No conference will qualify automatically and there will be no limit on the number of participants from a conference.”

Some fans and analysts wonder if this change will simply provide an opportunity for an additional SEC or Big Ten team to make the playoff, but the format will change in 2026, suggesting that this is a test run for a more permanent solution as realignment continues. The ACC membership is the next domino to fall, and the potential chaos it may unleash remains uncertain.

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CBS Sports’ Josh Pate has UNC football ranked in top half of ACC ahead of 2024 season

Even with key departures across the board, UNC is projected to be ranked amongst the ACC’s top half ahead of the 2024 football season.

The 2023 UNC football season went a lot like 2022 – promising start that has fans finally thinking, “Have we turned a corner,” only to be followed by another disappointing collapse.

These finishes are frustrating because the talent is there, but it may be a coaching or scheme issue. North Carolina’s defense was a major reason for its 2023 end, allowing Georgia Tech and a struggling UVA squad to combine for over 1,000 yards in consecutive weeks, forcing itself to ultimately change defensive coordinators.

Even with Drake Maye departing for the NFL Draft, there’s still a lot of hope surrounding UNC on the gridiron.

In CBS Sports’ ACC Program Rankings, Josh Pate has North Carolina ranked sixth heading into the 2024 campaign.

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The Tar Heels will be led offensively by star running back Omarion Hampton, who at one point led the country in yards after contact. Their defense, which will play under first-year DC Geoff Collins, is anchored by the return of Jack linebacker Kaimon Rucker.

UNC’s greatest question mark will be at quarterback, but it’s because it has two talented options at the position. North Carolina can either roll with sophomore Conner Harrell, who started the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, or Texas A&M transfer Max Johnson.

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College Football Playoff committee approves five automatic bids for conference champions

The College Football Playoff, set to expand from four teams to 12 this season, approved an additional tweak on Tuesday that awards five automatic bids for conference champions.

The College Football Playoff era will change dramatically in 2024, starting with the expansion from four teams to 12 to let more teams control their own national championship destiny.

On Tuesday, the board of managers unanimously passed an additional tweak to the expanded format. The new addition will reward five conference champions with automatic bids into the playoff field, with the remaining seven spots left for at-large bids given to the highest-ranked teams remaining.

The change comes after the near-complete dissolution of the Pac-12, which now consists of just Washington State and Oregon State after teams split for the Big Ten and Big 12.

With the Power 5 conferences now effectively the Power 4, an ACC champion is seemingly assured of one of the five automatic bids.

New CB coach Chevis Jackson and Guidry’s reunion spells success for Miami

In a strategic move that’s set to upgrade the Hurricanes’ defense, Chevis Jackson reunites with Lance Guidry, promising a familiar yet innovative approach to Miami’s defensive playbook.

Mario Cristobal’s decision to bring Chevis Jackson into the fold as the new cornerbacks coach signals a clear intent: Miami is serious about upgrading its defense and adding stud recruiters to its staff.

Chevis Jackson, whose path to coaching was as serendipitous as it was successful, never initially set his sights on coaching. “I never really thought about it. It just kind of happened. I went back to school at South Alabama, wound up getting my master’s and everything,” Jackson reflected during his time at Kansas University.

He got a call from Coach Corey Raymond about a Graduate Assistant position opening up at LSU, and with Coach Les Miles still at the helm, Jackson seized the opportunity and hasn’t looked back since.

His tenure at Marshall, alongside Lance Guidry, Miami’s defensive coordinator, perfectly matched their coaching styles. Together, they elevated the Thundering Herd’s secondary to one of the nation’s elite units, boasting 17 interceptions and a third-place ranking in pass efficiency defense. Jackson and Guidry have proven to be master architects of defensive backfields, crafting strategies that not only disrupt but dominate the air game, with exotic blitzes coming from all levels of the defense.

Their record at Marshall, was lauded, and had the No. 1 third-down defense in the country and a fifth-place finish in yards per play, speaks volumes about their ability to read the game and adjust strategies on the fly, ensuring that quarterbacks and receivers alike have nightmares about facing their defense.

Jackson’s journey from the gridirons of LSU, where he played as a true freshman in a program renowned for its defensive backs, to the sidelines as a coach, is a story of dedication, passion, and an unerring eye for the game’s intricacies. At LSU, Jackson wasn’t just another player; he was a standout cornerback, named all-SEC in 2007, and a pivotal figure for the national champion Tigers. His transition into coaching has been seamless, with stints at Kansas, Ball State, LSU, and South Alabama, where his influence on the defensive backfield has consistently elevated the play of his units.

His coaching pedigree is further decorated by his accolades off the field, including being named the 2017 MAC recruiter of the year. This speaks to Jackson’s ability to identify and nurture talent, a skill that will serve Miami well as they look to continue to strengthen their ranks with high-caliber recruits. His experience as a player, especially in the NFL with teams like the Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars, adds a layer of respect and relatability that can be pivotal in coaching young athletes.

The partnership of Jackson and Guidry at Miami is a reunion that promises to bring Marshall’s defensive success to Coral Gables. With a shared history and a proven track record, the anticipation for what this duo can achieve in the ACC is sky-high. As Miami gears up for the upcoming season, the addition of Chevis Jackson is a clear signal that the Hurricanes are not just looking to compete; they’re aiming to dominate, especially in the air.

The ACC boasts two of the top five recruiters in the nation

Two ACC coaches make the top 5 in 247Sports 2024 rankings, setting new standards for talent acquisition in college football.

In the fast-paced ACC football conference, two recruiters have emerged as the vanguards of talent acquisition, dominating the 247Sports 2024 recruiter rankings. Fran Brown, the orchestrator of Georgia’s No. 1 2024 class before taking the helm at Syracuse, and Jason Taylor. He is Miami’s defensive line coach with a Hall of Fame aura, standing out not only in the ACC but nationally for their unparalleled recruiting prowess.

Fran Brown’s journey to the top of the recruiting world is highlighted by his authentic connections with recruits and their families. His ability to forge deep, meaningful relationships was instrumental in securing commitments from top talents, including Ellis Robinson IV, Justin Williams, and KJ Bolden for Georgia’s class, which ranked No. 1. Brown’s commitment to family and his genuine approach has set a new standard, evidenced by his swift impact at Syracuse, where he assembled the best recruiting class in the modern era for the Orange in just a few months.

Jason Taylor, on the other hand, leverages his NFL legacy and coaching acumen to make an instant impact at Miami. His significant role in recruiting the best defensive line class Miami has seen emphasizes his effectiveness on the recruiting trail. Taylor’s ability to attract top talent, including flipping five-star defensive lineman Justin Scott from Ohio State, and defensive end Armando Blount from rival Florida State, speaks volumes of his influence and the trust recruits place in him.

These two recruiters, along with other notable names like Holmon Wiggins (now at Texas A&M), Frank Wilson, and Marcus Davis, who also grace the list, have shaped the future of their respective programs with relentless recruitment efforts.

Brown and Taylor understand that the foundation of a strong recruit-coach relationship is trust, built on honest communication and genuine interactions. Their success proves how important the power of authenticity is in an environment often clouded by uncertainty.

It’s their genuine nature that breaks through defenses, proving that, in the ever-evoling game of recruitment, integrity, and trust are not just game plans but the endgame itself.  In a field full of NIL deals and broken promises, it’s not just about making the pass—it’s about ensuring it’s caught with integrity.

ACC files motion to dismiss Florida State’s grant of rights lawsuit against the conference

The ACC is going back at Florida State and their grant of rights lawsuit.

Things are heating up with Florida State and the ACC.

Recently, news released that the ACC has filed a motion in Florida to dismiss or stay Florida State’s lawsuit against the conference, not backing down from the Seminoles’ actions. Back in December, Florida State’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously to go against the conference’s grant of rights as they look to leave the conference. ACC commissioner Jim Phillips and board chair Jim Ryan were quick to respond.

“Florida State’s decision to file against the conference is in direct conflict with their longstanding obligations and is a clear violation of their legal commitments to the other members of the conference, “Phillips and Ryan said. “All ACC members, including Florida State, willingly and knowingly re-signed the current Grant of Rights in 2016, which is wholly enforceable and binding through 2036. Each university has benefited from this agreement, receiving millions of dollars, and neither Florida State nor any other institution has ever challenged its legitimacy.”

The ACC’s grant of rights ensures that schools remain affiliated with the conference until 2036. Its media rights deal with ESPN extends until 2027, with ESPN holding the unilateral right to extend the agreement for an additional nine years through 2036.

It will be interesting to see where things go from here.