Friday, October 31, 2008

7,154 miles and counting as The Road To Tampa Bay team hits street Charlottesville, VA

The Road To Tampa Bay Street Team is heads to Charlottesville, VA this weekend to help Cavalier and Hurricane fans get ready for the 2008 ACC Football Championship in Tampa, Florida!


Look for The Road To Tampa Bay booth and street team at the Virginia Athletics Foundation event at the Biltmore on Friday night 8-12 and tailgating in concourse of Scott Stadium at 10 AM on Saturday leading up to a Coastal Division battle between Virginia and Miami. Stop by the booth for pictures with the Championship trophy, grab some cool stuff, enter to win ACC Championship Tickets.

The street team has traveled over 7,154 miles this year so far!







Tickets to the game are on sale now at http://www.theroadtotampabay.com/ for only $25!

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Week 10 on the Road To Tampa Bay...

Only 5 weeks left to determine who will be at the end of the Road to Tampa Bay. With some teams off this weekend, there are a couple of matchups that present upset chances for some teams and for the leaders, a chance to grow their leads on each division.

Saturday
Miami (5-3) at Virginia (5-3)
Clemson (3-4) at Boston College (5-2)
Duke (4-3) at Wake Forest (4-3)
Florida State (6-1) at Georgia Tech (6-2)


Will you be there? Don't miss out! Tickets only $25 now at www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com !

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Official Tiebreaker Rules

If more than one team in the same division is tied for the best winning percentage in its Conference games, then, in order to determine the Divisional Champions, below are the official rules to determine which two ACC teams will play in the championship game on December 6th in Tampa, Florida.


ACC Divisional Tiebreaker

Two-Team Tie:
1. Head-to-head competition between the two
tied teams.
2. Records of the tied teams within the division.
3. Head-to-head competition versus the team
within the division with the best overall record
(divisional). Conference record and preceeding
through the division. Multiple ties within the
division broken from fi rst to last.
4. Overall record versus all common non-divsional
opponents.
5. Combined record vs. all non-divisional teams.
6. Record versus common non-divisional teams
based on their order of fi nish (divisional and nondivisional)
and proceeding through other common
non-divisional teams based on their order of
fi nish within their division.
7. The tied team with the highest ranking in the
Bowl Championship Series Standings following
the end of regular season game shall be the
divisonal representative in the ACC Championship
Game.
8. The representative shall be chosen by a draw.

Three-Team Tie (or More):
(Once tie has been reduced to two teams,
the two-team tiebreaker format is used.)
1. Combined head-to-head record among teams.
2. Records of the tied teams within the division.
3. Head-to-head competiton versus the team
within the division with the best overall (divisional
or conference) record, and proceeding through
the division. Multiple ties within the division will
be broken fi rst to last.
4. Overall record for non-divisional teams.
5. Combined record versus all common nondivisional
teams.
6. Record versus common non-divisional with
the best overall Conference (divisional and non
divisional record) and proceeding through the
other common non-divisional teams based on
their order of fi nish.
7. The tied team with the highest ranking in the
Bowl Championship Series Standings following
the conclusion of regular season games shall be
the divisional representative in the ACC Championship
Game, unless the second of the tied teams
is ranked within fi ve or fewer places of the highest
of the highest ranked tied team. In this case,
the head-to-head results if the top two ranked
tied teams shall determine the representative in
the ACC Championship Game.
8. The representative shall be chosen by a draw.

Hear Heather Dinich's thoughts on the rest of the Road To Tampa Bay this season...
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/acc/0-2-527/Breaking-down-the-ACC-race.html

Tickets are on sale now for the ACC Football Championship at www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com for only $25!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Week 9 Players of the Week

Week 9 is done, below are the players that helped to put their teams closer to Tampa Bay for the ACC Championship game December 6th...

OFFENSIVE BACK—Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina, WR, 6-1, 210, Jr., Charlotte, N.C.
In North Carolina’s 45-24 victory over No. 23 Boston College, Nicks became the first Tar Heel to score four touchdowns in a game since 2006. Nicks finished with eight catches for 139 yards receiving and three carries for 31 yards.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN—Will Barker, Virginia, Tackle, 6-7, 315, Jr., Bryn Mawr, Pa.
Barker played every snap in the Cavaliers’ 24-17 win over Georgia Tech and was the line’s second-highest grader while going up against the Yellow Jacket’s stellar defensive ends. He did not allow a sack as Virginia completed 29-of-39 passing for a season high 270 yards.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN—Everette Brown, Florida State, DE, 6-4, 246, Jr., Stantonsburg, N.C.
Brown sacked the Hokie quarterbacks three times becoming the first FSU player to record three sacks in a game since Alonzo Jackson in 2002. His four tackles for loss pushed Brown’s career total to 36.5 moving him past Corey Simon (33) into sole possession of sixth place all-time at Florida State.

DEFENSIVE BACK—Kendric Burney, North Carolina, CB, 5-9, 185, So., Jacksonville, N.C.
Burney intercepted two passes, broke up a pass and posted eight tackles, including one for a 2-yard loss, in UNC’s 45-24 win over No. 23 Boston College.

SPECIALIST—Graham Gano, Florida State, PK/P, 6-1, 197, Sr., Pensacola, Fla.
Gano made three field goals in FSU’s 30-20 win over Virgina Tech, converting on attempts from 50, 46 and 29 yards, respectively. He broke the school record with his 13th consecutive field goal and extended his own school record with a 50-yard field goal in a four straight games.

ROOKIE— Robert Marve, Miami, Quarterback, 6-1, 210, R-Fr., Tampa, Fla.
Marve accounted for 209 of Miami’s 296 yards in leading Miami to a 16-10 win over Wake Forest. He completed 11-of-20 passes for 153 yards and rushed nine times for 56 yards including his first career rushing touchdown, becoming the eighth freshmen to score for the Hurricanes this season. He had a 43-yard run which was the second longest run ever by a Miami QB dating back to 1983.

Monday, October 27, 2008

The Road To Tampa Bay update week 9...

As another week passes, more movement was made in the Road To Tampa Bay standings. Maryland moves into AP Top 25 at #25, North Carolina is back in at # 21, and Florida State moves up to # 16.

Current Standings:
(Team/conference record/overall record)

Atlantic Division
Florida State (3-1) (6-1)
Maryland (3-1) (6-2)
Boston College (2-2) (5-2)
Wake Forest (2-2) (4-3)
Clemson (1-3) (3-4)
NC State (0-4) (2-6)

Coastal Division
Virginia (3-1) (5-3)
Georgia Tech (3-2) (6-2)
North Carolina (2-2) (6-2)
Miami (2-2) (5-3)
Virginia Tech (2-2) (5-3)
Duke (1-2) (4-3)

The leaderboard is taking shape...will you be there? ACC Championship tickets for only $25 at www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Road To Tampa Bay Street Team headed Back to Tallahassee!

The Road To Tampa Bay Street Team is heading back to Tallahassee, Florida this weekend to help Seminole and Hokie fans get ready for the 2008 ACC Football Championship in Tampa, Florida!


Look for The Road To Tampa Bay booth and street team at the "Downtown Get Down" on Friday night 6-10 (at the corner of College and Adams), and tailgating in the Seminole Village from 12-3 on Saturday leading up to a must-win battle for both potential ACC championship contenders. Stop by the booth for pictures with the Championship trophy, grab some cool stuff, free Road To Tampa Bay t-shirts, play corn hole, enter to win ACC Championship Tickets.



Tickets to the game are on sale now at www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com for only $25!

Week 9 down the Road To Tampa Bay

A make or break weekend for some teams in the ACC, and a chance for some of the new front runners to pull ahead as play continues this Saturday. Wake Forest and Virginia Tech desparately need wins to remain in contention for the championship game (each holds the tiebreaker), as Florida State, Boston College, Maryland, Georgia Tech, and Virginia all look to take over the top spot.

Saturday
Boston College (5-1) at North Carolina (5-2)
Wake Forest (4-2) at Miami (4-3)
Duke (3-3) at Vanderbilt (5-2)
Virginia Tech (5-2) at Florida State (5-1)
Virginia (4-3) at Georgia Tech (6-1)
NC State (2-5) at Maryland (5-2)



Don't wait! Get your tickets to the 2008 Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship now for only $25! www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

He said it...

“It’s a crazy race and to me, it’s down to a five-game playoff right now. The team that has the best record after these last five games is the team that will play in Tampa (for the ACC championship). We have to take it one game at a time and it is very important that we play our best against North Carolina State this week.”
--Ralph Friedgen, coach for University of Maryland

Read the rest of this mornings Herald-Mail article on the Terps big game this week for NC State.
http://www.herald-mail.com/?cmd=displaystory&story_id=206452&format=html


Can Friedgen and the Terps make it to Tampa? Log on to www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com now for all things ACC Football.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Week 8 Players of the Week

Week 8 brought some turns down the Road To Tampa Bay, these players of the week were able to push their teams closer.


OFFENSIVE BACK—Chris Turner, Maryland, Quarterback, 6-4, 210, Jr., Simi Valley, Calif. Turner completed a career-high 28 of 41 passes (68.3 percent) for a season-high 321 yards, including one TD with no interceptions.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN—Bruce Campbell, Maryland, Tackle, 6-7, 285, So., Hamden, Conn.
In his second career start, Campbell graded out as Maryland’s top offensive lineman in the upset over No. 21 Wake Forest. The Terps rushed for 140 yards and the offensive line did not allow a sack in 41 pass attempts.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN—Jon Copper, Virginia, ILB, 6-0, 230, Sr., Roanoke, Va.
Copper had one of the best performances of his career and led the Cavaliers with a career-high 16 tackles on Saturday in UVa’s 16-13 overtime win over North Carolina. Ten of his tackles were solos and he also had one tackle for loss.

DEFENSIVE BACK—Mark Herzlich, Boston College, OLB, 6-4, 238, Wayne, Pa.
Herzlich led all defenders with 13 tackles (8 solo, 5 assist) and had two tackles for loss as Boston College defeated No. 17 Virginia Tech.

SPECIALIST— Graham Gano, Florida State, PK/P, 6-1, 197, Sr., Pensacola, FL
Gano accounted for 14 of the Seminoles’ 26 points in a 26-17 win over the NC State. The senior raised his field goal streak to 10 in a row with a perfect 4-for-4 night versus the Wolfpack. His 10 straight field goals is the second-longest streak in FSU history. Gano connected from 37 yards twice and then from 44 and 53 yards in the win.

ROOKIE— Jacory Harris, Miami, Quarterback, 6-4, 185, Fr., Miami, Fla.
Harris threw a career-high four touchdown passes and ran for another touchdown in helping Miami to a 49-31 road win at Duke. He completed 18-of-28 passes for 185 yards and rushed 10 times for 53 yards.


Are you on the Road To Tampa Bay? Tickets only $25!

Monday, October 20, 2008

The Road To Tampa Bay summary week 8...

After another week, three teams out, and three new teams in...North Carolina, Wake Forest, and Virginia Tech all fall out of the Top 25 following losses, and Georgia Tech # 21, Boston College # 23, and Florida State # 24 jump in.

Current Standings:
(Team/conference record/overall record)

Atlantic Division
Boston College (2-1) (5-1)
Florida State (2-1) (5-1)
Maryland (2-1) (5-2)
Wake Forest (2-1) (4-2)
Clemson (1-3) (3-4)
NC State (0-3) (2-5)

Coastal Division
Georgia Tech (3-1) (6-1)
Virginia Tech (2-1) (5-2)
Virginia (2-1) (4-3)
North Carolina (1-2) (5-2)
Miami (1-2) (4-3)
Duke (1-2) (3-3)


Who will be there at the end of the Road To Tampa Bay? Tickets for the ACC Championship game only $25!

Friday, October 17, 2008

Road To Tampa Bay street team hits Maryland!

The Road To Tampa Bay Street Team will be in College Park, Maryland this weekend to help get fans ready for the 2008 ACC Football Championship in Tampa, Florida. Look for The Road To Tampa Bay booth and street team in the Touchdown Terrace in the stadium at Saturday's battle between Maryland and Wake Forest. Stop by the booth for pictures with the Championship trophy, grab some cool stuff, and enter to win ACC Championship Tickets. This will be the street team's 7th stop at an ACC game this year.


Tickets to the game are on sale now at www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com for only $25!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Week 8 on the Road To Tampa Bay

It's separation Saturday for many teams in the ACC again this weekend as we move another step closer down the Road To Tampa Bay.

Thursday
Florida State (4-1) at NC State (2-4)

Saturday
Georgia Tech (5-1) at Clemson (3-3)
Wake Forest (4-1) at Maryland (4-2)
North Carolina (5-1) at Virginia (3-3)
Miami (3-3) at Duke (3-2)
Virginia Tech (5-1) at Boston College (4-1)


Get your tickets to the 2008 Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship now for only $25! www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Players of the Week for Week 7

Week 7 constituted as a rebuilding week for many teams, and a separation Saturday for others. Here are the players that helped separate their teams from the pack.

OFFENSIVE BACK—Cedric Peerman, Virginia, RB, 5-10, 208, Sr., Gladys, Va.
Against East Carolina, Peerman rushed for a season-high 173 yards on just 16 carries and scored twice. He also caught a career-high eight passes for another 26 yards.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN—Eugene Monroe, Virginia, Tackle, 6-6, 315, Sr., Plainfield, N.J. Monroe played every snap in the Cavaliers' win and graded out at a team-leading 88%, his highest grade this season and the second-highest by any Virginia player in 2008. He helped pave the way for the Cavaliers to rush for a season-high 202 yards.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN—Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech, DE, 6-4, 270, So., Coatsville, Pa. Morgan had career-highs of four tackles-for-loss and 2.5 sacks. He also added 10 total tackles and he partially deflected Gardner-Webb’s game-tying field goal in the closing moments of the Yellow Jacket’s 10-7 win. Morgan had seven solo tackles.

DEFENSIVE BACK—Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina, OLB, 6-2, 230, So., Oakboro, N.C. Sturdivant returned an interception 32-yards on the opening drive of the second half in North Carolina’s 29-24 victory over Notre Dame to change the momentum and bring the Tar Heels within one point of the Fighting Irish at 17-16. Sturdivant also added 10-tackles for the second consecutive game.

SPECIALIST—Casey Barth, North Carolina, PK, 5-11, 170, Fr., Wilmington, N.C.
Barth booted three field goals, all in the first half, of Carolina’s 29-24 win over Notre Dame. He converted on efforts from 41, 24 and 42 yards. Barth tied the single-game school record for most field goals by a freshman with three.

ROOKIE—Matt Conrath, Virginia, Defensive End, 6-7, 269, R-Fr., Oak Lawn, Ill.
Conrath recorded only two tackles but was instrumental in Virginia’s 35-20 victory over East Carolina. He sacked the East Carolina quarterback early in the fourth quarter and forced a fumble in the process, which was recovered by the Cavaliers. He also broke up a pass and graded out at 85% on the Virginia defense which held East Carolina’s offense to 89 yards on the ground.


These guys are on the Road To Tampa Bay...are you? Tickets only $25 at www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com

Monday, October 13, 2008

Blake Shelton's interview about the ACC Championship game

In case you missed it on Monday...here is the interview with Blake Shelton from US 103.5 fm. He will be in Tampa on December 6th for the ACC Championship Game!



Get your tickets to the 2008 Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship Game on December 6th 2008 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida! All tickets are on sale now! With tickets as low as $25, the 2008 Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship is one of the best values in all of college football and now is the time to get great seats at a great price.



Come for some great football and get a great concert by Blake after the game! Click here our interview with Blake. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets!

The Road To Tampa Bay week 7 summary...

Teams surge ahead as another week passes down the Road To Tampa Bay. It is still anyone's game, but a Wake Forest victory over Clemson puts them in first place of the Atlantic division. The ACC reamins with 3 teams in the Top 25 with Virginia Tech at # 17, North Carolina at #18 and Wake Forest at # 21.

Current Standings:
(Team/conference record/overall record)

Atlantic Division
Wake Forest (2-0) (4-1)
Boston College (1-1) (4-1)
Florida State (1-1) (4-1)
Maryland (1-1) (4-2)
Clemson (1-2) (3-3)
NC State (0-2) (2-4)

Coastal Division
Virginia Tech (2-0) (5-1)
Georgia Tech (2-1) (5-1)
North Carolina (1-1) (5-1)
Duke (1-1) (3-2)
Virginia (1-1) (3-3)
Miami (0-2) (3-3)

Who will be in Tampa this December?
Don't get left out! Tickets on sale now for just $25 at http://www.theroadtotampabay.com/ !

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Blake Shelton to play ACC Championship game!


US 103.5 FM brings you country music star and Warner Brothers Nashville recording artist Blake Shelton! Shelton will be performing a post-game concert at the 2008 ACC Football Championship. Since his 2001 debut, Shelton has released 15 singles, 4 of which have hit # 1 including "Austin", "Some Beach" and more recently "Home". Shelton's new album Startin' Fires is scheduled to be released November 18th. http://www.blakeshelton.com/



The ACC Championship post game concert will be held December 6th, in the FanFest lot following the championship game. Admission to the concert is free with the purchase of any ACC Football Championship ticket.


ACC CHAMPIONSHIP TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW FOR $25!
TO PURCHASE TICKETS LOG ON TO www.THEROADTOTAMPABAY.com

For more information please call 813-218-3814.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Splitsville Kicks-off celebration with Road To Tampa Bay party

Splitsville invited hospitality members to attend a special Road To Tampa Bay promotional night to celebrate the approaching 2008 ACC Football Championship and 48-hour celebration of ACC Football.

Hospitality and local organizing committee members enjoyed free bowling, billiards and pizza during Monday Night Football.

Road To Tampa Bay prizes and ACC Football Championship game tickets were raffled out throughout the night.




Splitsville will be a concept host for the fan filled "Channelside's Toast to the Atlantic Coast" held on December 5th, the night before the game.




For more information about the ACC Football Championship and its surrounding events log on to http://www.theroadtotampabay.com/ ! Tickets to the game on sale now for only $25!

Monday, October 6, 2008

Players of Week 6

As week 7 down the Road To Tampa Bay approaches, let's look back at the highlight players from week 6...

OFFENSIVE BACK—Chris Crane, Boston College, QB, 6-4, 239, Sr., Mechanicsburg, Pa.
Crane accounted for all 5 of BC’s touchdowns when he completed 34-of-51 passes for a career-best 428 yards and 2 touchdowns and also led the Eagles in rushing with 11 caries for 42 yards and 3 touchdowns.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN—Rodney Hudson, Florida State, T, 6-2, 290, So., Mobile, Ala.
Hudson helped lead the FSU ground game to 281 rushing yards. Hudson led a young offensive line that paved the way for FSU QB Christian Ponder to rush for 144 yards, the second-most rushing yards by a Seminole QB in the history of the program. Not only did he open holes for Smith on his four TD runs and for Ponder on his career rushing day, he was a key factor in limiting the Hurricanes to zero sacks.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN—Clint Sintim, Virginia, OLB, 6-3, 254, Sr., Woodbridge, Va.
Sintim had another disruptive performance as the Cavaliers posted a shutout of Maryland. He tied his season high with 7 tackles, including 6 solo stops. Sintim sacked Maryland QB Chris Turner for an 11- yard loss on a key 3rd-down play from midfield in the third quarter to force a Maryland punt. He now has 5 sacks this season and leads the ACC. Sintim also had a pass deflection.

DEFENSIVE BACK—Tony Carter, Florida State, DB, 5-9, 166, Sr., Jacksonville, Fla.
Carter recorded multiple interceptions for the second week in a row. Carter picked off Miami’s Robert Marve in the first quarter, which led to the Seminoles’ first TD of the game and then again in the fourth quarter on a deep pass on 4th-and-6 to thwart a potential Miami TD. He also had four solo tackles in the game.

SPECIALIST—Bruce Carter, North Carolina, OLB, 6-3, 230, So., Havelock, N.C.
Sophomore linebacker Bruce Carter set an ACC single-game record by blocking three punts – all in the second quarter - in the win over No. 24 Connecticut. His third block was recovered in the end zone for a touchdown by Matt Merletti. Carter also recorded seven tackles, including two tackles for losses and a pass deflection. Carter also tied a school record for blocked punts in a season with four to match Bracey Walker’s 1993 total. Carter may have done something no other player in NCAA history has accomplished - blocking four consecutive punts, including the last one at Miami and UConn’s first three. The NCAA does not keep records on consecutive blocked kicks.

ROOKIE— Jaybo Shaw, Georgia Tech, QB, 6-0, 190, Fr., Flowery Branch, Ga.
Shaw, had more yards passing (230) than any Tech quarterback in their first career start. Shaw, who ran for one touchdown and passed for another, was 9-of-13 passing for 230 yards, including an 88-yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas -- the third-longest pass play in Tech history.


Who will be at the end of the road? Tickets on sale now for only $25 at www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com !!!

The Road To Tampa Bay week 6 summary...

Turns are being made as we pass another week down the Road To Tampa Bay. The ACC has 3 teams in the Top 25 with Virginia Tech at # 18 and Wake Forest at # 21 and North Carolina at #22. Current Standings:

(Team/conference record/overall record)

Atlantic Division
Wake Forest (1-0) (3-1)
Maryland (1-1) (4-2)
Clemson (1-1) (3-2)
Boston College (1-1) (4-1)
Florida State (1-1) (4-1)
NC State (0-2) (2-4)

Coastal Division
Virginia Tech (2-0) (5-1)
Georgia Tech (2-1) (4-1)
Duke (1-1) (3-2)
Virginia (1-1) (2-3)
North Carolina (1-1) (4-1)
Miami (0-2) (2-3)


Who will be in the driver's seat on the Road To Tampa Bay? Don't get left out! Tickets on sale now for just $25 at http://www.theroadtotampabay.com/ !

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Road To Tampa Bay street team hits Miami

The Road To Tampa Bay Street Team will be in Miami, Florida this weekend to help get fans ready for the 2008 ACC Football Championship in Tampa, Florida.



Look for The Road To Tampa Bay booth and street team at the "Downtown Get Down" on Friday night, and tailgating around Dolphin Stadium from 12-3 on Saturday leading up to the in-state rivalry between the Seminoles and the Hurricanes.

Stop by the booth for pictures with the Championship trophy, grab some cool stuff, free Road To Tampa Bay t-shirts, play corn hole, enter to win ACC Championship Tickets.



Tickets to the game are on sale now at www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com for only $25!

ACC Legends hold close ties to Tampa Bay...

This year’s ACC Legends were announced and will be honored at this year's Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship game weekend. They will appear at the ACC Coaches & Awards Luncheon on Friday, Dec. 5, and will be honored at the "ACC Night of Legends" held at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay on Friday evening. They will also be recognized during pre-game ceremonies at Raymond James Stadium. Among the 12 Legends are three who have specific ties to Tampa Bay.

Former Virginia (1993-1996) running back Tiki Barber played with the New York Giants in the 2001 Super Bowl, held in Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium, which is also the site of this year’s Dr Pepper ACC Championship game. Barber was the 1996 ACC Player and Offensive Player of the year, and played 10-years with the New York Giants. Barber’s twin brother Ronde, who currently plays with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is also head of the Buccaneer ACC Alumni Council for Tampa Bay as well as their Special Advisor for the ACC-Tampa Bay Football Partnership.

Former North Carolina (1992-1995) defensive tackle Marcus Jones was chosen in the first round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 1996 NFL Draft, and played seven seasons with the Bucs (1996-2002). Jones was the ACC’s 1995 Defensive Player of the Year and currently lives nearby Tampa in Lutz, Florida.

Former Boston College (1980-83) linebacker Steve DeOssie was a member of the 1991 Super Bowl Championship New York Giants, who captured their championship in old Tampa Stadium, which is adjacent to the site of Raymond James, this year’s championship game. DeOssie was a two-time All-ECAC selection in college and enjoyed a 12-year NFL career with Dallas, the New York Giants and New England Patriots.

The “ACC Night of Legends” presented by the Florida Sports Foundation will take place from 7-11pm at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. This Legendary Event is an invitation-only party to honor outstanding legends from each ACC institution. Held at the ACC Headquarters Hotel, this party will embody the true spirit of ACC Football as well as provide the opportunity to meet some of the biggest names in college football. For information about the 2008 Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship and the ACC Night of Legends, log on to www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com.

The Road To Tampa Bay week 6


It's any team's game as play continues this week. Teams are looking to break away from the pack and move on step closer to the ACC Championship game in Tampa, Florida. Who will drive their team further down the Road To Tampa Bay? Tune in and find out.

Saturday, October 4

Conference Games:
Boston College (3-1) at NC State (2-3)
Duke (3-1) at Georgia Tech (3-1)
Florida State (3-1) at Miami (2-2)
Maryland (4-1) at Virginia (1-3)

Non-conference Games:
Western Kentucky (2-3) at Virginia Tech (4-1)
Connecticut (5-0) at North Carolina (3-1)




Tickets for the ACC Football Championship are on sale now! Will you be there? Tickets only $25 at
www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com !

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

2008 ACC Legends announced...

The ACC has released the Legends to be honored at this year's Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship game weekend. They will appear at the ACC Coaches & Awards Luncheon at noon on Friday, Dec. 5, and will be honored at the "ACC Night of Legends" held at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay on Friday evening. They will also be recognized during pre-game ceremonies at Raymond James Stadium.

These 12 legends encompass an Outland Trophy, three ACC Players of the Year, 10 All-Americans and 10 players who combined for a total of 106 years of experience in the National Football League.


Here is the 2008 ACC Football Championship Legends Class:

Steve DeOssio, Boston College (1980-83)
DeOssie lettered four times for the Eagles from 1980 through 1983 for Head Coaches Ed Chlebek and Jack Bicknell. He led the Eagles to their first bowl trips in 41 years, helping BC to appearances in the 1982 Tangerine and the 1983 Liberty Bowls. During his time at Chestnut Hill, the Eagles compiled a 29-16-1 record and, in 1983, earned their first appearance in the final AP Top 25 (19th) in 40 years. Drafted in the 4th-round by the Dallas Cowboys, DeOssie enjoyed a 12-year NFL career with Dallas, the New York Giants and New England Patriots. While with New York, he helped the Giants win the NFL's World Championship in Super Bowl XXV in 1991, held in the old Tampa Stadium. A native of Tacoma, Wash., DeOssie currently lives in Charlestown, Mass.

Levon Kirkland, Clemson (1988-91)
Kirkland started four seasons for the Tigers from 1988 through 1991 for Head Coaches Danny Ford and Ken Hatfield, helping Clemson post a 39-8-1 record including ACC Championships in 1988 and 1991. A three-time first-team All-ACC selection, he earned second-team All-America honors in 1990 and consensus first-team All-America accolades in 1991. As a senior in 1991, he led a Clemson rushing defense which was the nation's best. A 2nd-round draft choice by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1992, he played 11 years in the NFL twice earning all-pro honors and was selected to the NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1990s. Originally a native of Lamar, S.C., Kirkland now lives in Greer, S.C.

Claude "Tee" Moorman, II , Duke (1958-60)
Moorman lettered three years for Duke and helped lead the Blue Devils to the 1960 ACC Championship and a No. 10 final national ranking by the Associated Press and a 7-6 win over 7th-ranked Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl, catching the game-winning pass in the fourth quarter. As a senior that year he made 54 receptions, still the 12th-best single season total for a Blue Devil and the second-highest ever by a tight end. Selected a first-team All-America in 1960 by both the Football Writers Association of America and the Football News, he was also named first-team All-ACC that year. Named to the Silver Anniversary All-ACC football team in 1977, he finished his career with 71 receptions for 709 and five touchdowns. In 1986, he was honored by the NCAA and presented with its prestigious Silver Anniversary Award. Originally a native of Miami, Fla., Moorman now lives in Plymouth, N.C.

Danny Kannell, Florida State (1992-95)
Kannell started two seasons for Florida State at quarterback, after spending two seasons as an understudy to Heisman Trophy-winning QB Charlie Ward. He posted a 21-3 record as a starter for the Seminoles including two 4th-place final AP rankings and wins over Florida in the Sugar Bowl and Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl. During his four years at FSU, the Seminoles compiled a 43-5-3 record and a 31-1 ACC mark. Kannell threw for over 300 yards in a game 10 times, the second-most in school history. He still holds the two-best completion days in FSU history, completing 41 passes against Georgia Tech in 1995 and 40 versus Florida in 1994. The 1995 ACC Player of the Year, he was a second-team all-America in 1995 and a two-time first-team All-ACC selection. A fourth-round 1995 pick of the New York Giants, Kannell enjoyed a seven-year NFL career with the Giants, Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos. He still resides in his original hometown of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Pat Swilling, Georgia Tech (1982-85)
Swilling started four seasons at outside linebacker for Georgia Tech and as a senior was one of the leaders of Tech's famed "Black Watch Defense" which led Tech to a 9-2-1 record and a No. 18 national ranking. Swilling earned first-team All-America honors by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) in 1985, and that year set an ACC single-game record for quarterback sacks which still stands with seven against NC State in the season-opener. He earned first-team All-ACC honors in 1985 and was a 3rd-round selection of the New Orleans Saints in the 1986 NFL Draft. He played 13 seasons in the NFL with the Saints, Detroit Lions and Oakland Raiders. While with the Saints in 1991, he was named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year. Originally a native of Toccoa, Ga., he now resides in New Orleans, La.

Stan Jones, Maryland (1950-53)
Stan Jones was named a consensus All-America at defensive tackle in 1953 for Maryland's National Championship team. During his career at Maryland, the Terrapins compiled a 34-5-1 record, finishing unbeaten at 10-0 and Southern Conference Champions in 1951 and 10-1 and National Champs in 1953. The Terps played in the Sugar Bowl in 1951 and the Orange in 1953. In Jones' senior year, Maryland's defense allowed only 31 points in 11 games. Named the "Outstanding College Lineman of the Year" by the College Football Coaching Board, Jones was a 5th-round draft choice by the Chicago Bears in the 1954 NFL draft he enjoyed a 13-year NFL career including 12 seasons with the Chicago Bears. He was one of the leaders for the Bears in their 1963 NFL Championship team. Jones is originally a native of Altoona, Pa., who now lives in Broomfield, Colorado.

Russell Maryland, Miami (1987-90)
Maryland played on Miami teams which were National Champions in 1987 and 1989 and helped UM to a four-year record of 44-4. A consensus All-America as senior, Maryland became the first Miami player to win the Outland Trophy, which is given annually to the nation's best interior lineman. Also named the 1990 UPI Lineman of the Year, he finished his Miami career with 270 tackles and 20.5 quarterback sacks. The first player chosen in the 1991 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, Maryland went on to an 11-year professional career including five years with Dallas, four with Oakland and two with Green Bay. He played on three NFL Super Bowl Championship teams while with the Cowboys. Maryland is originally a native of Miami, Fla., who now resides in South Lake, Texas.

Marcus Jones, North Carolina (1992-95)
Marcus Jones lettered four years and started three seasons for North Carolina, helping the Tar Heels compile a 34-15 record including playing in four consecutive bowl games. He played both defensive tackle and end for the Tar Heels, earning 2nd team All-ACC honors as an end in 1993, first-team All-ACC honors as a tackle in 1994 and again first-team All-ACC as an end in 1995. A consensus All-America choice in 1995, that year he was named the Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Chosen on the first round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 1996 NFL Draft, he played seven seasons with the Bucs (1996-2002) and two years (2002-03) with Buffalo. Jones was originally a native of Jacksonville, N.C., and now resides in Lutz, Fla.

Bill Yoest, NC State (1970-73)
Yoest lettered four times for the Wolfpack playing for coaches Earl Edwards, Al Michaels and Lou Holtz. He helped State to a two-year, 17-6-1 record under Holtz, as the Wolfpack finished 1972 ranked 17th and 1973 ranked 16th. A two-time first-team All-ACC choice as a guard, he earned consensus All-America honors as a senior in 1973. He was the recipient of the 1973 ACC Jacobs Blocking Trophy given annually to the league's top blocker. He earned invitations to both the Hula Bowl and East-West Shrine Game. Yoest then played a short stint with the Orlando Blazers of the World Football League before returning to Raleigh and starting a financial services business. Yoest is originally from Pittsburgh, Pa., but now resides in Raleigh, N.C.

Tiki Barber, Virginia (1994-96)
Barber lettered three times for Virginia, helping lead the Cavaliers to a 25-12 record and three consecutive bowl trips and the 1995 ACC Co-Championship. He finished his career as Virginia's all-time leading rusher with 3,389 yards, a mark since eclipsed by Thomas Jones in 1999. Barber has more 100-yard rushing games (19) than any other back in Virginia history. He was named a first-team All-ACC running back in 1995 and 1996, and a first-team Academic All-America in both seasons. He was named the ACC's Player of the Year in 1996 as Virginia became the first ACC team to defeat Florida State in conference play. Named a National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame Scholar in 1996, he was a 2nd-round draft pick by the New York Giants in the 1997 NFL draft. He played 10 seasons for the Giants, rushing for 10,449 yards and 55 touchdowns in his career and played for the Giants in Super Bowl XXXV, which was held at Raymond James Stadium-the site of this year's ACC Championship Game. Barber is originally from Roanoke, Va., but now he resides in New York City and is an NBC news correspondent and an analyst for the network's Football Night in America.

Don Strock, Virginia Tech (1970-72)
Strock lettered three times for Virginia Tech playing for Jerry Claiborne and Charlie Coffee. The most prolific passer in Virginia Tech history, he still holds Tech single-season records for most passes attempted (527) and completed (228) and passing yardage (3,243) as well as single-game marks in all three categories. He was named a third-team All-America by the Associated Press in 1972. A fifth-round selection by the Miami Dolphins in the 1973 draft, Strock went on to play 16 years in the NFL including 14 seasons with the Dolphins. He played on two Dolphin teams which earned trips to the Super Bowl after the 1982 and 1984 seasons. Used as mainly a reserve throughout his career, he still passed for 5,349 yards and 45 touchdowns. He is the author of one of the most famous plays in NFL history, the famed "Hook and Lateral" play in the 1982 NFL playoffs. Strock is originally a native of Pottstown, Pa., who now lives in Weston, Fla.

John Henry Mills, Wake Forest (1988, 1990-92)
Mills lettered four times for Wake Forest playing for head coach Bill Dooley. Mills is Wake's all-time leading receiver among tight ends having caught 142 passes for 1,652 yards. A three-time All-ACC first-team selection from 1990 through 1992, he finished third in the ACC in receptions in 1990 with 46 and led the league in 1991 with 51. Against Duke in 1990, he caught 12 passes for 230 yards, still the second-most receiving yards in a single game in school history. A fifth-round pick by the Houston Oilers in the 1993 NFL Draft, he played seven seasons in the NFL with Houston, Oakland and Minnesota. In 1996, while with the Oilers, he earned All-Pro honors as a special teams player. Mills is originally from Jacksonville, Fla., but he now lives in Houston, Texas.


Tickets to the ACC Football Championship are on sale now at www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com !

Admission to the Coaches & Awards Luncheon and ACC Night of Legends reception is available through purchasing club packages. Club packages are on sale now at www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com !

2008 ACC Football Championship tickets at International Plaza!!

2008 ACC Football Championship Tickets Available at International Plaza!

Starting October 1st, tickets to the 2008 ACC Football Championship Game will be available for purchase at International Plaza’s Ticket Master kiosk (located on the first floor, next to Champs Sports). For as low as $25 not only will you receive tickets to the 2008 Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship (one of the best values in all of college football), you will also receive free ACC Football Championship merchandise!

  • Buy a pair of ACC Football Championship game
    tickets from the International Plaza Ticketmaster
    location and receive two Champps Sports coupons,
    two Champps Americana coupons, a Road to Tampa
    Bay shirt and a Road to Tampa Bay coozie

  • Buy a four-pack of ACC Football Championship game
    tickets from the International Plaza Ticketmaster
    location and receive four Champs Sports coupons,
    four Champps Americana coupons, two Road to
    Tampa Bay shirts, two Road to Tampa Bay coozies and
    a special gift from International Plaza*

  • Buy any ACC Football Championship game ticket
    and enter for a chance to win an International Plaza
    VIP package for two, which includes a one night stay
    at the Renaissance Hotel International Plaza, dinner
    for two at Pelagia Trattoria, a limo ride to the game,
    VIP access to the post-game concert and escorted
    field access to the game. Winner will be selected
    November 15.
    *Promotional materials available while supplies last.

For those interested in club seats to the game, from October 1st-October 15th, the International Mall kiosk will also be the only place you can take advantage of the exclusive ACC Championship Club pre-sale and have the ability to purchase individual club seats for only $120.00!

Be sure to visit International Plaza starting October 1st for 2008 ACC Football Championship tickets, and stop by www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com for all the things you need to know about the 2008 ACC Football Championship. This special ticket offer ends November 15th.

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