Schools take different approaches in promoting new coaches
Butch Davis has been everywhere for North Carolina this offseason.
On a billboard overlooking a busy highway in Burlington, staring back at newspaper readers in a full-page ad, even in streaming video form filling up fans’ e-mailboxes. It’s all part of the Tar Heels’ aggressive attempt to boost season-ticket sales, attract new fans and cash in on their new coach’s popularity…
North Carolina State, with coach Tom O’Brien, is in the middle of a comparatively low-key campaign. O’Brien is featured in the Wolfpack’s ticket mailings. But officials say there’s less need to attract first-time season-ticket buyers because they’ve sold out their entire allotment of season seats every year since 2001.
“We’ve had a waiting list going since we hired Coach O’Brien, which is a pretty positive thing,”
ACC: What we know, what we don’t
The ACC’s reputation took a beating when its marquee teams – Miami and Florida State – both struggled to 6-6 finishes in the regular season.
Its image was further tarnished when ACC teams went 4-4 in bowl games, but needed Miami’s one-point victory over Nevada – Nevada? – and Boston College’s one-point win over Navy to break even.
There are new coaches at North Carolina (Butch Davis), Miami (Randy Shannon), Boston College (Jeff Jagodzinski) and North Carolina State (Tom O’Brien).
Six ACC teams have new offensive coordinators and eight completed spring football without settling on a starting quarterback, so there could be a lot of new faces under center next fall.
NC State
Source: Matt Carter of Wolfpacker.com
What we learned from spring practice: The running backs are still very talented.
It was well known that the Pack had a talented group of runners, but all three dazzled with strong performances. Each went over 100 yards in the spring game, with Toney Baker leading the way with 23 carries for 163 yards and two touchdowns. Jamelle Eugene had 15 rushes for 174 yards and Andrew Brown ran 11 times for 112 yards and a pair of scores.
The biggest question remaining for fall: Who will be the starting quarterback?
Returning starter Daniel Evans looked the sharpest in the spring game by completing 20 of 34 passes for 275 yards and three scores, but has not done enough to nail down the job yet. Harrison Beck showcased the strongest arm of the trio vying for the job, but struggled with accuracy (7-for-26 with an interception returned for a TD). Justin Burke was inconsistent while completing 13 of 24 passes for 121 yards and a touchdown. He had three interceptions
Anyone who has watched ACC football over the last several years has seen a number of teams struggle to find a productive QB. This article lists QB as one of the biggest open questions for:
– Clemson
– Florida State
– Miami
– UNC
– NC State
– Virginia
– Virgina Tech
QB was listed under “What we learned from spring practice” for:
– Duke
– Georgia Tech
– Maryland
– Wake Forest
