North Carolina's sensational tailback Gio Bernard was at it again, leading UNC to a victory at Miami. Maryland found ways to win at Virginia, and Logan Thomas and J. C. Coleman exploded as Virginia Tech overcame a huge early hole to pull away from Duke.
With respect to Duke WR Jamison Crowder, Virginia LB LaRoy Reynolds, Maryland DT Joe Vellano, Virginia tailback Kevin Parks, Virginia Tech QB Logan Thomas, Florida State wide receivers Kenny Shaw, and Rodney Smith, here is this week's Honor Roll:
High Fives
Gio Bernard, North Carolina – The incredibly talented sophomore ran the ball 27 times for 177 yards and two touchdowns in the Tar Heels’ 18-14 win at Miami. Bernard, who ran for 262 yards a week earlier against Virginia Tech, totaled 239 all-purpose yards.
James Gayle, Virginia Tech – The senior defensive end registered nine tackles, including three tackles for a loss of yardage, one being a sack, and had two quarterback hurries in a tremendous defensive effort over the final three quarters by the Hokies in a 41-20 victory over Duke.
Anthony Nixon, Maryland – The freshman defensive back registered nine tackles and picked off a pass that he returned 21 yards in a big 27-20 victory at Virginia to help the Terrapins improve to 4-2 overall and 2-0 in the ACC.
Marcus Davis, Virginia Tech – The senior wide receiver grabbed just five passes in a come-from-behind win over Duke on Saturday at Lane Stadium, but the receptions were good for 144 yards and two touchdowns.
E.J. Manuel, Florida State – The senior quarterback rebounded from last week’s loss at N.C. State by throwing for 439 yards and four touchdowns in a 51-7 rout of visiting Boston College. This was the kind of therapy Manuel and the Seminoles needed.
Disappointment of the Week
Duke – It isn’t that Duke was expected to win at Virginia Tech, or even play a close game. That the Blue Devils opened up a 20-0 lead is something they can take from the game, but it’s that the Hokies closed the game on a 41-0 run that will be tough for Duke to get over. Duke went from an amazing high owning that lead to a major crash.
Player of the Week
J.C. Coleman, Virginia Tech – The freshman tailback exploded to help the Hokies overcome a 20-0 deficit at home to Duke and win 41-20. He carried the ball 13 times for 183 yards and two touchdowns, including an 86-yard burst.
Coach of the Week
Randy Edsall, Maryland – After Maryland escaped FCS member William & Mary 7-6 in the opener on the heels of an offseason that saw a bunch of players transfer, Edsall has the Terrapins at 4-2 overall and the only remaining unbeaten ACC team at 2-0 after a 27-20 victory at Virginia. Even if the Terps only win another game or two, this has been a positive season given what the predictions were.
