Tag: Sam Acho

ESPN analysts react to Clemson’s win over Wake

No. 10 Wake Forest came into Death Valley on Saturday looking to clinch the ACC Atlantic Division title with a win over Clemson. The Tigers had other ideas. Clemson (8-3, 6-2 ACC) won its 13th consecutive game against Wake Forest (9-2, 6-1), rolling …

No. 10 Wake Forest came into Death Valley on Saturday looking to clinch the ACC Atlantic Division title with a win over Clemson.

The Tigers had other ideas.

Clemson (8-3, 6-2 ACC) won its 13th consecutive game against Wake Forest (9-2, 6-1), rolling up 543 total yards — including 333 yards on the ground — en route to a 48-27 victory over the Demon Deacons.

“This was an offensive explosion for Clemson,” ESPN analyst Sam Acho said. “333 rushing yards, over 540 total yards.”

Kobe Pace and Will Shipley combined for 303 of those rushing yards and totaled four rushing touchdowns on 43 total carries, averaging 7 yards per attempt between them.

Shipley even got in on the action in the passing game, throwing a 2-yard jump pass TD to Davis Allen for the Tigers, who won their 34th consecutive home game.

“It wasn’t pretty, but that’s a running back throwing a pass, so be excited about that,” ESPN analyst Joey Galloway said.

Among the other offensive highlights for Clemson was D.J. Uiagalelei’s 52-yard completion to Beaux Collins in the first quarter after Uiagalelei evaded a couple of potential sacks in the backfield to get the throw off.

“Stays on his feet, keeps his eyes down the field and throws it up and his receiver makes a play,” Acho said. “That’s what Clemson has been missing — receivers making plays for D.J. U.”

Collins, who also made a spectacular one-handed TD grab in the third quarter, recorded four receptions for 137 yards and the score.

Uiagalelei, Collins’ former high school teammate at St. John Bosco in California, finished 11-of-19 passing for 208 yards and one touchdown with one interception.

Meanwhile, Clemson’s defense held Wake Forest’s offense — which entered the game averaging 44.7 points per contest — to a season-low 27 points while racking up seven sacks and 10 tackles for loss.

“We knew the Wake Forest defense, not very good,” Galloway said. “They had to score a lot of points, which they didn’t do in this game.”

Clemson hopes to carry the momentum from Saturday’s victory into this week’s road matchup against rival South Carolina (6-5, 3-5 SEC).

“All of a sudden, you wake up and Clemson has won four in a row,” Acho said.

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Another ESPN analyst weighs in on if Dabo’s dynasty is done

The sky is falling in Clemson, according to Paul Finebaum. The ESPN personality said Wednesday on the network’s Get Up show that he believes Dabo Swinney’s “dynasty is done.” Thursday night during halftime of the Miami-Virginia game, another ESPN …

The sky is falling in Clemson, according to Paul Finebaum.

The ESPN personality said Wednesday on the network’s Get Up show that he believes Dabo Swinney’s “dynasty is done.”

Thursday night during halftime of the Miami-Virginia game, another ESPN analyst weighed in on whether he thinks Swinney’s dynasty is done, with the Tigers (2-2, 1-1 ACC) having already suffered two losses and fallen out of the top 10 in the AP Poll for the first time in 97 weeks.

ESPN’s Sam Acho disagreed with Finebaum to a certain extent but says “things in Clemson are not looking good” for Swinney and company right now.

“The sky is not falling, but things are not going great for Dabo Swinney and this Clemson Tigers football team,” Acho said. “Offensively, we’ve seen some of the struggles. It seems like no one has stepped up to accept that playmaking ability that Amari Rodgers went to the NFL and took with him, and guys like quarterback Trevor Lawrence went and took with him. No one has stepped up to take that responsibility. So, that’s one issue.

“Then, the second issue — the defense. Defensively, they’ve been solid. Then you lose Tyler Davis, he’s out for the season. Now Bryan Bresee just got out for the season. Now all of a sudden, the defense, which was your strong point, now they’re weaker as well. So, things in Clemson are not looking good, but hopefully they can try and turn it around sooner than later.”

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How concerned are these ESPN analysts about Clemson’s offense?

How concerning is Clemson’s offense given its subpar performance through the first three games of the 2021 season? That’s the question ESPN analysts Sam Acho and Roddy Jones were asked during Thursday’s edition of ESPN’s College Football Live. The …

How concerning is Clemson’s offense given its subpar performance through the first three games of the 2021 season?

That’s the question ESPN analysts Sam Acho and Roddy Jones were asked during Thursday’s edition of ESPN’s College Football Live.

The two analysts weighed in on the issues they see with the Tigers’ attack, which currently ranks tied for 105th among FBS programs in scoring offense (22.0 points per game), 101st nationally in passing offense (188.7 passing yards per game), 93rd nationally in rushing offense (134.0 rushing yards per game) and 114th nationally in total offense (322.7 total yards per game).

Here’s what Acho and Jones had to say about their level of concern for Clemson’s offense:

Acho: “I actually am concerned a little bit about Clemson’s offense. Number one, D.J. Uiagalelei has not found a way to get a rhythm. That’s number one. Number two, they’ve lost a ton of playmakers. Like, all those guys aren’t even just on the receiver position, but even offensive line — guys like Jackson Carman are now in the NFL, Travis Etienne, all those playmakers. You’ve got to find some new ones. So, D.J.’s got to find a groove. You can’t find it, obviously number one, against Georgia. That defense shut them down. And then secondly, people need to step up, and that’s what we’re not seeing. We obviously always expect, it’s Clemson, they’re going to figure it out, they’re going to find a way. But Trevor Lawrence was a generational talent, and D.J. still has a lot left to prove.”

Jones: “The level of concern in the Clemson offense is high. … After Tajh Boyd left Clemson, we forget that there was a Cole Stoudt year when Deshaun Watson was a true freshman when that offense didn’t perform to the level that we were accustomed to. After Deshaun Watson left, we forget that Kelly Bryant was the quarterback of Clemson before Trevor Lawrence took over after four games the next season, and that offense was not what we were accustomed to. So, maybe the fact that it takes a little bit, after a generational quarterback leaves your program, should be expected.

“Now, they’ve got a ton of talent on that offense. The offensive line, though, is kind of in its second year where it has not performed up to the standard that Clemson is compared to, the College Football Playoff-level teams. So, the offensive line has to improve, they’ve got to figure out their running back situation. It looks like Will Shipley is going to be the guy. But there are concerns throughout that Clemson offense I would say.”

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ESPN analysts excited to watch these two Tigers in 2021

On ESPN’s College Football Live this week, a couple of ESPN analysts discussed some players that fans should be on the lookout for and need to know as we begin the 2021 college football season. Tom Luginbill mentioned Clemson freshman running back …

On ESPN’s College Football Live this week, a couple of ESPN analysts discussed some players that fans should be on the lookout for and need to know as we begin the 2021 college football season.

Tom Luginbill mentioned Clemson freshman running back Will Shipley as one of the players to watch.

“You’ve got to replace Travis Etienne at Clemson, right,” Luginbill said. “Look no further than the true freshman in Will Shipley. Maybe he’s not the starter initially. He’s going to be in the rotation, I think becomes a starter and I also think he could be a difference-maker as a punt and returner, and also every bit of the receiving target that Travis Etienne was during his career.”

Meanwhile, former Texas and NFL linebacker Sam Acho, now working with ESPN as a college football and NFL analyst, singled out Clemson sophomore defensive lineman Bryan Bresee as one of the players he is excited to watch.

“This dude is a baller,” Acho said. “He’s 6-5, he’s 290 and he’s a beast. Like, you should be scared of No. 11 for Clemson. Yes, he was a freshman last year. He’s a sophomore, he’s older, he’s more mature. He’s a beast.”

Bresee, the former No. 1 recruit in the country, burst onto the scene as a Freshman All-American in 2020 when he became the second ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in Clemson history, joining Dexter Lawrence (2016). The Damascus, Md., native enters 2021 credited with 33 tackles (6.5 for loss), 4.0 sacks, two pass breakups, a forced fumble and a safety over 12 games (10 starts).

Shipley, a former five-star recruit ranked as the nation’s No. 1 all-purpose back in the 2021 class, rushed for 4,173 yards and racked up 1,411 receiving yards to go with 80 total touchdowns in his three-year high school career at Weddington High School (Matthews, N.C.).

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Former Bears LB Sam Acho makes his case for Sean Desai as defensive coordinator

The Bears have one glaring vacancy on their coaching staff and former LB Sam Acho knows just the person to fill it.

The Chicago Bears have one glaring vacancy on their coaching staff and a former player knows just the person to fill it.

Former Bears outside linebacker Sam Acho took to Twitter Monday and voiced his support for safeties coach Sean Desai, urging the team to hire him as the next defensive coordinator following the retirement of Chuck Pagano.

Acho, who played for the Bears from 2015-2018, says Desai “has been ready for that role for years” in a tweet. “[Desai] was Vic Fangio’s right hand man for 4 years and helped craft that defense to greatness. Smart, talented, knows ball and has all the credentials. All he needs is an opportunity.”

The former Bear continued to praise Desai, calling him “a splitting image of Brandon Staley,” who was Acho’s position coach with the Bears from 2017-2018. Staley went on to coach the Denver Broncos outside linebackers in 2019, then became the Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator this past season and was just named the Los Angeles Chargers head coach on Sunday evening.

Acho then explained Desai would be the one to get the defense back to their 2018 form.

Desai has been a part of the Bears coaching staff since 2013, when he was hired as the team’s quality control assistant. He worked with the secondary while also contributing to special teams. He held that title until the 2019 season, when he was promoted to safeties coach. Prior to his time with the Bears, Desai was in the college ranks, serving various roles with Temple, the University of Miami, and Boston College.

Acho’s recommendation for Desai comes just days after an NFL Network report indicated Desai and Bears defensive line coach Jay Rodgers were the top internal candidates for the coordinator position. Rodgers, who has also been with the Bears for a number of years, could be a candidate to join Staley in Los Angeles as their defensive coordinator.

With coaching vacancies opening and closing quickly, the Bears need to move fast to find their new coordinator. They’re looking outside the organization too as Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic reports the team has requested to interview Indianapolis Colts defensive backs coach Jonathan Gannon for the open position. If it were up to Acho, however, they should stick with their own secondary coach and give Desai the job.

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Texas QB Sam Ehlinger named finalist for William V. Campbell Trophy

On Thursday the National Football Foundation named Texas Longhorns quarterback Sam Ehlinger a finalist for the William V. Campbell trophy.

The Texas Longhorns have a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy. Former defensive end Sam Acho won the award in 2010. One decade later they could have another Sam win the trophy with the quarterback Ehlinger. The National Football Foundation released their finalist for the “Academic Heisman.”

The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame announced today the finalists for the 2020 William V. Campbell Trophy® Presented by Mazda – college football’s premier scholar-athlete award that annually recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.
The 12 finalists will each receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2020 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments. Later this year, one member of the class will be declared the winner of the 31st William V. Campbell Trophy® Presented by Mazda and have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000.
Along with Ehlinger, Brady White from Memphis was the only other quarterback to be named a finalist from the original list of 199 semifinalists. If Ehlinger wins the trophy he would be the third Texas Longhorn to be awarded the Campbell Trophy along with Dallas Griffin (2007) and Acho (2010).

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Campbell Trophy Q&A with former Longhorn Sam Acho

The recipient of the 2010 William V. Campbell Trophy, Sam Acho sat down to do a question and answers session with the trophy’s committee.

The recipient of the 2010 William V. Campbell Trophy, former Texas star Sam Acho sat down to do a question and answers session with the trophy’s committee.

The trophy recognizes players who not only excel on the field but academically and in their local communities. Acho was presented with the trophy for a 3.55 GPA in the McCombs Business school while also spending time in Nigeria on mission trips.

On the field, Acho finished in Texas’ top 10 in sacks, forced fumbles, and fumble recoveries. His best season came in 2010, his senior year, having 15.5 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks, and five forced fumbles.

Here are some of the replies to the questions the Campbell Trophy asked of him:

What do you love most about the Texas football program and what was your most memorable college game?
My most memorable game was the 2009 Big 12 Championship against Nebraska. I’m glad that Texas gave me the opportunity to play at the next level.

In the Big 12 Championship against the Cornhuskers, Acho had 10 tackles (seven solo) and one sack. As a team, the Longhorns won their third conference championship since the creation in 1996.

For three seasons, Acho got to play with his younger brother, Emmanuel. The two have always been close and enjoyed playing with each other.

You played college football alongside your younger brother, Emmanuel. As special as that must have been, was there ever any sibling rivalry and who was the biggest trash talker?
I loved playing with Emmanuel. In most sports, we were on the same team talking trash to opponents and backing each other up.

The 2010 season was their best combined season, as Emmanuel and Sam combined for 24.0 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks.

After his time in Austin, Acho was a fourth round pick of the 2011 NFL Draft. The Arizona Cardinals held onto the linebacker for four seasons before Acho headed to Chicago to play for the Bears.

Tampa Bay was a stop year stop in 2019 and the pass rusher is now a free agent. Still wanting to play, Acho made sure he was physically ready, even with COVID-19.

Because of the pandemic, the upcoming football season could be anything but typical. What are you looking forward to most this season and how did you stay in shape during quarantine?
I stayed in shape by playing with my kids and training on my own. I’m looking forward to a new season of life. The world has changed, and I’m looking forward to new conversations and rallying people together to make a change.

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Report: NFL is ‘very hesitant’ to allow players to opt out of 2020 season

Per NFLPA Vice President Sam Acho, who had a training camp cup of coffee with the Bills in 2019, the league isn’t exactly jumping to give players that option.

The MLB is one of a few pro sports leagues that is trying to give it a go before the NFL’s season comes around. But due to an uptick coronavirus-related challenges, some players in baseball are opting out of playing in the 2020, 60-game season, the league is hoping to play.

But according to a recent report, the NFL doesn’t sound like it’s going to be putting that option on the table for players just yet. Per NFLPA Vice President Sam Acho, who had a training camp cup of coffee with the Bills in 2019, the league isn’t exactly jumping to give players that option.

“The league is very hesitant to have any player opt out,” Acho said via Pro Football Talk. “Their position is if the player doesn’t want to go to training camp, well that’s their decision. Obviously, fines could take a player and you could lose your starting spot, all those things could take place.”

“The NFL as a league is trying to keep that from happening,” he added.

The NFL has just three weeks to iron out the details ahead of the start of training camps on July 28. The league has insisted that camps will begin, as scheduled. But due to the uptick in COVID-19 cases in players in other sports leagues and just citizens in general nationwide… we’ll see what happens with playing games.

The one card the NFL has in their pocket as opposed to other sports leagues is that they’re not yet at a point where it’s trying to “force” games to happen. Instead, the league is hoping to have their usual September slate of games go off.

Most recently, new Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs took to social media to say “he’d be lying if he said he was comfortable” in a string of messages in regard to returning to playing. Prior to that, safety Micah Hyde had multiple players in the NFL he’s spoken to expressed to him they’re not quite such about returning, either.

 

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Report: NFL is ‘very hesitant’ to allow players to opt out of 2020 season

Despite the growing number of coronavirus cases, the NFL is “very hesitant” to allow players to opt out of the 2020 season.

Despite the growing number of positive COVID-19 cases around the nation, the National Football league is determined to make a go of the 2020 season.

The league has announced training camps will start at the end of the month although the NFL and the NFL Players’ Association have yet to finalize the safety protocols or agree to the number of games to be played this preseason.

But with the virus spreading rapidly and camp just a few weeks away, the NFL has a new snag to deal with – possible player opt-outs.

NFLPA Vice President Sam Acho recently discussed the impending issue on SiriusXM NFL Radio.

“The league is very hesitant to have any player opt out,” Acho said via Pro Football Talk. “Their position is if the player doesn’t want to go to training camp, well that’s their decision. Obviously, fines could take a player and you could lose your starting spot, all those things could take place.

“The NFL as a league is trying to keep that from happening.”

NFL players are now looking to other sports leagues where athletes and coaches have opted out of the season due to very real safety concerns for themselves and their families and wondering why professional football players should be treated any differently.

The league now has just three weeks to iron out the details ahead of the start of training camps on July 28.

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Countdown to Texas Football: Best to wear No. 81

Longhorns Wire continues the countdown to the Texas football season. With 81 days remaining we remember the best to wear 81.

Longhorns Wire is continuing the series of jersey numbers to match the days until the Texas  kicks off the season. On Tuesday we find ourselves remembering number 81.

Continue reading “Countdown to Texas Football: Best to wear No. 81”