ACC Football Blog

2008 ACC Football Championship concludes

2008-12-15T06:10:00.000-08:00

A long 365 days later and another ACC Football Championship has concluded. The 2008 game mirrored the same matchup with Boston College taking on Virginia Tech, and concluded in the same result with Virginia Tech winning--this time 30-12. A total of 53,927 tickets were sold and distributed for the game's first year in Tampa. The game will return to Tampa next year at Raymond James Stadium...will you be there? Follow http://www.theroadtotampabay.com/ for all things related to the ACC Football Championship.

The Road To Tampa Bay players of the Week 13....

2008-11-26T06:47:00.000-08:00

Below are the players of Week 13...

CO-OFFENSIVE BACK—Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech, B-Back, 6-0, 228, So., Marietta, Ga. Dwyer ran for 128 yards and 2 touchdowns on just 10 carries in Georgia Tech’s 41-23 win over No. 23 ranked Miami on Thursday. Dwyer, who sat out most of the second half, helped the Yellow Jackets produce 472 yards of rushing offense – Tech’s highest total in an ACC game. For Dwyer, it was his eighth 100-yard rushing performance of the season and he remains the ACC’s leading rusher (by 13 yards per game).

CO-OFFENSIVE BACK— Russell Wilson, NC State, QB, 5-11, 191, R-Fr., Richmond, Va. Wilson threw for a career-high 279 yards on 17-of-28 passing and two touchdowns in NC State’s 41-10 win over North Carolina. This was the fifth consecutive game he has thrown for multiple touchdowns, the longest such streak since Philip Rivers threw multiple TDs in six straight games in 2003. Wilson also extended his string of consecutive pass attempts without an interception to 203. Last week, Wilson was honored as ACC Rookie of the Week.

CO-OFFENSIVE LINEMAN—Meares Green, NC State, G/T, 6-4, 306, R-Sr., Wilmington, N.C.
Green led the NC State rushing attack that produced season highs in rushing yards (187), passing yards (279) and total yards (466) in the Pack’s 41-10 win over North Carolina. Green graded out at 82% for the game. The offensive line allowed just two sacks of quarterback Russell Wilson.

CO-OFFENSIVE LINEMAN—Thomas Austin, Clemson, Guard, 6-3, 295, Jr., Camden, S.C. Austin helped the Clemson offense to a 13-3 victory over Virginia with 11 knockdown blocks in 71 plays. He did not miss a snap and received a grade of 86 percent from the coaching staff. The Tiger offensive line held tough, not allowing a sack in 29 passing attempts.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN— Everette Brown, Florida State, DE, 6-4, 248, Jr., Stantonsburg, N.C. Brown was named the Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week for his dominating performance in FSU’s 37-3 win over Maryland. For the third time this season Brown recorded three or more sacks in a game as he recorded a career-high 3 ½ sacks. He also forced the fumble that linebacker Derek Nicholson scooped up and returned for a TD to put the Seminoles up 14-0. His career-high 4.5 tackles for loss upped his season total to 20.5 which leads the nation in tackles for loss. He is tied for second in the FBS with 12.5 sacks this season.

DEFENSIVE BACK—Mark Herzlich, Boston College, LB, 6-4, 238, Jr., Wayne, Pa. Herzlich picked off two Riley Skinner passes, returning one 34-yards for a touchdown and setting up an Eagle field goal with the other in Boston College’s 24-21 win over Wake Forest. The junior finished with nine tackles, seven solo, as BC held Wake to 191 net yards of total offense. Herzlich’s interception return for a touchdown marked the sixth consecutive game in which the Eagles have scored a non-offensive touchdown.

SPECIALIST— Graham Gano, Florida State, PK/P, 6-1, 197, Sr., Pensacola, Fla. Gano was 3-for-3 in field goal attempts in the Seminoles upset win over No. 22 Maryland. Gano improved to 21-for-23 this year in field goals and for the sixth time this year (in nine games played) he had double digit points (13). Gano handled all the kicking for FSU and none of his three punts were returned by Maryland. Gano converted on field goal tries from 22, 34 and 48 yards, respectively.

ROOKIE—Dominique Davis, Boston College, QB, 6-4, 198, R-Fr., Lakeland, Fla. Davis was forced into action on Saturday when starting Eagle quarterback Chris Crane went down with a broken collarbone. He came in and completed 13-of-23 for 103 yards as Boston College defeated Wake Forest, 24-21. Davis engineered a 9-play, 70-yard drive that included a 36-yard and 21-yard completion. Ultimately, Davis scored the winning touchdown on a QB sneak.

NOW IS THE LAST CHANCE TO ENSURE YOUR TICKETS TO THE ACC FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME! www.THEROADTOTAMPABAY.com

48-Hour Celebration of Football begins December 5th

2008-11-24T07:24:00.000-08:00

With less than two weeks remaining until the kickoff of the 2008 Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship, the Tampa Bay Local Organizing Committee has announced the release of individual tickets to the ACC Coaches & Awards Luncheon presented by Tampa Bay & Company and the ACC Night of Legends presented by The Florida Sports Foundation.

The luncheon will take place at the Marriott Waterside on Friday, December 5 at 12:00pm and will feature one-on-one interviews with the two participating coaches as well as the announcements of the league’s Most Valuable Players, Coach of the Year and Rookie of the Year. Individual tickets and tables of 10 can be purchased by contacting Josh Jones at jojones@visittampabay.com or 813-218-3814. Please click here for more information on the ACC Coaches & Awards Luncheon.

The ACC Night of Legends is an exclusive party that will honor outstanding football legends from each ACC institution. Held at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay on Friday, December 5 at 7:00pm, this event will celebrate the careers of the 2008 ACC Legends Class and feature food, beverage and entertainment indigenous to the Tampa Bay community. Individual tickets and parties of 10 can be purchased by contacting Josh Jones at jojones@visittampabay.com or 813-218-3814. Please click here for more information on the ACC Night of Legends.

Week 13 Summary on the Road To Tampa Bay

2008-11-24T06:24:00.000-08:00

The smoke has cleared and there are four teams racing down The Road To Tampa Bay to the 2008 Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship. Florida State, Boston College, Georgia Tech, and Virginia Tech will all be full speed ahead this weekend as they look to close out the race. Here are the updated standings.

Atlantic Division (Conference/Overall)
Florida State (5-3) (8-3)
Boston College (4-3) (8-3)
Maryland (4-3) (7-4)
Clemson (4-4) (6-5)
Wake Forest (4-4) (6-5)
NC State (3-4) (5-6)

Coastal Division
Georgia Tech (5-3) (8-3)
Miami (4-3) (7-4)
Virginia Tech (4-3) (7-4)
North Carolina (3-4) (7-4)
Virginia (3-4) (5-6)
Duke (1-6) (4-7)

*teams in Bold with opportunities to play.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME FOR ONLY $25 AT www.THEROADTOTAMPABAY.com

Week 13 on the Road To Tampa Bay

2008-11-20T08:35:00.000-08:00

A tight race to the finish, and a possible clinching weekend for two teams. With a Maryland win and a BC loss, the Terps can clinch the Atlantic side. With a Miami win and a Carolina loss, the Canes can clinch the Coastal side. Let's see how the teams stack up this weekend....

Thursday
Miami (7-3) at Georgia Tech (7-3)

Friday
Clemson (5-5) at Virginia (5-5)
NC State (4-6) at North Carolina (7-3)
Boston College (7-3) at Wake Forest (6-4)
Duke (4-6) at Virginia Tech (6-4)
Florida State (7-3) at Maryland (7-3)

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW AT www.THEROADTOTAMPABAY.com for only $25!

Blake Shelton's Battle of the Bands at the ACC Championship game

2008-11-18T08:48:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for your big break? US 103.5 FM is giving you the chance to play in front of thousands at the ACC Football Championship game as you open for Blake Shelton!

Click on the link to enter your band

http://www.us1035.com/cc-common/globalcontestfinder.html?contest=35314

Tickets to the ACC Football Championship are on sale now for only $25! All ticket holders will receive free admission to the Blake Shelton concert following the game. Log on to www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com now!

Players of Week 12

2008-11-18T05:49:00.000-08:00

Below are the players of Week 12...

OFFENSIVE BACK--C.J. Spiller, Clemson, Running Back, 5-11, 190, Jr., Lake Butler, Fla. Clemson running back C.J. Spiller established a Clemson record for reception yardage by a Tigers running back in the victory over Duke. Spiller had seven receptions for 108 yards, breaking the record held by himself (105 vs. BC two weeks ago), and Ray Mathews, who had 105 receiving yards against Mississippi State in 1948. Spiller also had 10 rushes for 71 yards and two punt returns for 22 yards. That gave him 19 touches for 201 all-purpose yards. His seven pass receptions also tied a Clemson record for a running back. His 83-yard reception was the longest in Clemson history by a running back (breaking his own record of 82 yards against Boston College in 2006), and it was the fourth longest scoring pass in Clemson history overall.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN--Edwin Williams, Maryland, Center, 6-3, 315, Sr., Washington, D.C. Williams graded out as the Terps' top offensive linemen in Saturday's win over North Carolina. The senior saw action in all 85 offensive plays and was credited with five big blocks. He helped open holes for running backs Da'Rel Scott (129) and Davin Meggett (86), who combined for 215 rushing yards (5.1 ypc) in less than ideal playing conditions. Williams and the offensive line also allowed just one sack of quarterback Chris Turner in his 31 pass attempts.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN-- Marcus Robinson, Miami, DE, 6-1, 231, Fr., Homestead, Fla.
Robinson led a Miami defense that held Virginia Tech to 77 yards rushing on Thursday night. He recorded a career-best three sacks in his second career start and finished the game with a team-high seven tackles which included four tackles for loss. He had a sack just before halftime which knocked Virginia Tech out of good field position and resulted in a missed 51-yard field goal. He added two sacks in the third quarter as Virginia Tech had minus-11 yards of total offense in the quarter.

DEFENSIVE BACK--Marcellus Bowman, Boston College, Safety, 6-2, 217, Jr., Girard, Ohio Bowman returned an interception 87 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter of Boston College's 27-17 win over Florida State. It was the Eagles' third interception return for a touchdown of the season and marked the sixth consecutive game in which Boston College defense or special teams have scored a touchdown. Bowman also recorded a sack for a nine-yard loss in the second quarter to force a FSU field goal.

SPECIALIST-- Matt Bosher, Miami, P/PK, 6-0, 202, So., Jupiter, Fla.
Bosher averaged 42.0 yards on five punts, which included a long of 45 yards in Miami's 16-14 win over Virginia Tech on Thursday night. The Lou Groza Award semifinalist also was a perfect 3-for-3 on field goals. He made kicks from 21 yards, 31 yards and 23 yards. His 23-yarder with 11:58 left in the fourth was the eventual game-winner. He is now 16-of-18 in field goal attempts this season.

ROOKIE-- Russell Wilson, NC State, Quarterback, 5-11, 191, R-Fr., Richmond, Va.
Wilson passed for 152 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions, in NC State's upset win over Wake Forest. He completed 16 of 33 pass attempts and also carried the ball 14 times for 69 yards and a touchdown. He was NC State's leading rusher for the game. Wilson was responsible for all three of the Wolfpack's touchdowns and 221 yards of total offense. He ran for 69 yards on 14 carries including a four-yard scamper for a touchdown. In attempting 33 passes without an interception against the Demon Deacons, Wilson extended his streak of consecutive passes without an interception to 175, second-longest in school history, four short of the school record.

Tickets on sale now for only $25!

Road To Tampa Bay Week 12 Summary

2008-11-17T14:05:00.000-08:00

After last week's game play, this is how the team's stack up in the race to the Road To Tampa Bay....Maryland crept into the Top 25 at # 22, Miami is back in at # 23, and North Carolina remains in at # 25.

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

Atlantic Division
Maryland (4-2) (7-3)
Florida State (4-3) (7-3)
Wake Forest (4-3) (6-4)
Boston College (3-3) (7-3)
Clemson (3-4) (5-5)
NC State (2-4) (4-6)

Coastal Division
Miami (4-2) (7-3)
Georgia Tech (4-3) (7-3)
North Carolina (3-3) (7-3)
Virginia Tech (3-3) (6-4)
Virginia (3-3) (5-5)
Duke (1-5) (4-6)

TICKETS TO THE ACC FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FOR ONLY $25 AT http://www.theroadtotampabay.com/

Week 12 on The Road To Tampa Bay

2008-11-12T08:26:00.000-08:00

Another elimination weekend for the 12 ACC schools as each fights its way down the Road To Tampa Bay.

Thursday, November 13
Virginia Tech at Miami

Saturday, November 15
Duke at Clemson
Wake Forest at NC State
North Carolina at Maryland
Boston College at Florida State

Will you be there? Tickets on sale for the ACC Championship game now!

RTTB Street Team hits Miami and Tallahassee

2008-11-12T08:20:00.000-08:00

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

Look for The Road To Tampa Bay booth and street team in Miami on Thursday night and in Tallahassee on Saturday.

Stop by the booth for pictures with the Championship trophy, grab some cool stuff, enter to win ACC Championship Tickets.

Tickets are on sale now at www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com !

Outstanding Players of Week 11

2008-11-11T05:58:00.000-08:00

Here are the players of the week from Week 11....

OFFENSIVE BACK—Darren Evans, Virginia Tech, RB, 6-0, 215, r-Fr., Indianapolis, Ind. Evans ran for a school-record 253 yards on 32 carries in Tech's 23-13 win over No. 23 Maryland on Thursday night at Lane Stadium. He also caught two passes for 20 yards for 273 all-purpose yards. Evans ripped off runs of 50 and 45 yards en route to breaking the record. He also broke 12 tackles and scored a touchdown, his ninth of the season.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN—Rodney Hudson, Florida State, OT, 6-2, 290, S., Mobile, Ala.
Hudson once again recorded the best grade on the line as he helped FSU rush for 266 yards and three TDs against Clemson. Hudson led the team for the fifth time in nine games with an 89% grade overall and an unprecedented 98% grade versus the run. He had two knockdowns and in 40 run plays he received a passing grade 39 times. The 266 yards rushing by the FSU offense marked the third-highest rushing total of the season for the Seminoles and the fourth time overall FSU has eclipsed 200 yards on the ground.

CO-DEFENSIVE LINEMAN— Neefy Moffett, Florida State, DT, 6-1, 255, Sr., Palm Bay, Fla. Moffett only recorded two tackles in the game, but his game-tying 18-yard interception return touchdown knotted the score at 10-10. The interception return for points was the first by a FSU interior lineman in almost two decades. Moffett also recorded his third sack of the season when he dropped Clemson quarterback Cullen Harper for a 13-yard loss. Overall, Moffett and the Seminole defensive line limited the Tigers to a total of 79 yards rushing combined.

Mark Herzlich, Boston College, LB, 6-4, 238, Jr., Wayne, Pa.
Herzlich recorded 11 tackles, 10 solos, and three pass breakups in the Eagles’ 17-0 win over Notre Dame. The junior linebacker was instrumental in Boston College’s first shutout win over the Irish in series history and the first time that Notre Dame has been held scoreless this season. The Eagles forced five turnovers and held the Notre Dame rushing attack to just 66 yards rushing, their second lowest total of the season.

DEFENSIVE BACK—Paul Anderson, Boston College, SS, 6-11, 211, Sr., Staten Island, N.Y. Anderson picked off two passes, returning one for 76 yards for a touchdown and intercepting another in the endzone as the Eagles shutout Notre Dame, 17-0 on Saturday. The interception return was the longest of his career and his first defensive touchdown. The Eagles now have three interception returns for over 60-yards, two for touchdowns.

SPECIALIST— Graham Gano, Florida State, PK/P, 6-1, 197, Sr., Pensacola, Fla.
Gano handled the placekicking and punting duties on Saturday against Clemson, kicking a total of 18 times in the 41-27 win over the Tigers. He made his 16th and 17th consecutive field goals from 52 and 37 to extend his streak of consecutive games with a 50+ yard field goal to five. His hang time on eight kickoffs and three punts held Clemson to only 87 yards on returns.

ROOKIE— Brandon Pendergrass, Wake Forest, RB, 5-9, 200, R-Fr., Royal Palm Beach, Fla. Pendergrass posted his first career 100-yard rushing game with 110 yards on a career-high 27 carries against Virginia on Saturday. Pendergrass rushed for a 1-yard touchdown run that put the Deacons ahead 21-3 late in the second quarter. During that touchdown drive, Pendergrass rushed for 59 yards including a 19-yard gain to the Virginia nine-yard line.

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

Road To Tampa Bay Week 11 Summary

2008-11-10T10:29:00.000-08:00

The race is shaping up and it looks to be a photo finish down the Road To Tampa Bay. The ACC keeps two teams in the Top 25 this week with North Carolina at # 17 and Florida State at # 20.

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

Atlantic Division
Florida State (4-2) (7-2)
Wake Forest (4-2) (6-3)
Maryland (3-2) (6-3)
Boston College (2-3) (6-3)
Clemson (2-4) (4-5)
NC State (1-4) (3-6)

Coastal Division
North Carolina (3-2) (7-2)
Miami (3-2) (6-3)
Virginia Tech (3-2) (6-3)
Georgia Tech (4-3) (7-3)
Virginia (3-3) (5-5)
Duke (1-4) (4-5)

TICKETS TO THE ACC FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FOR ONLY $25 AT www.THEROADTOTAMPABAY.com

RTTB street tour continues to Blacksburg and Chapel Hill

2008-11-06T09:50:00.000-08:00

The Road To Tampa Bay Street Team is heads to Blacksburg, VA and Chapel Hill, NC this
weekend to help fans get ready for the 2008 ACC Football Championship in Tampa, Florida!
Look for The Road To Tampa Bay booth and street team in Blacksburg on Thursday night and in Chapel Hill on Saturday.

Stop by the booth for pictures with the Championship trophy, grab some cool stuff, enter to win ACC Championship Tickets.

Log on to http://www.theroadtotampabay.com/ now!

Week 11 on the Road To Tampa Bay

2008-11-06T09:42:00.000-08:00

A huge weekend for ACC teams as they travel on their way down the Road To Tampa Bay. With a 5-way tie in the Coastal Division and two teams on the brink of being eliminated in the Atlantic Divison, this could serve as the separation Saturday.

Thursday, Nov. 6th
# 23 Maryland at Virginia Tech

Saturday, Nov. 8th
#20 Georgia Tech at #19 North Carolina
Clemson at # 22 Florida State
Virginia at Wake Forest
NC State at Duke
Notre Dame at Boston College

The race is heating up...will you be there? Tickets to the ACC Championship only $25 at www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com

Week 10 Players of the Week

2008-11-04T05:56:00.000-08:00

Week 10 has passed and with only 4 weeks to go on the Road To Tampa Bay, we take a look at last week's standouts...

OFFENSIVE BACK--C.J. Spiller, Clemson, Running Back, 5-11, 190, Jr., Lake Butler, Fla. Spiller had 242 all-purpose yards to lead the way in Clemson's 27-21 win over Boston College. The junior had six receptions out of the backfield for 105 yards, a Clemson record for reception yards by a running back in a single game. Spiller also had 8 carries for 55 yards, a 64-yard kickoff return that changed the momentum of the game in the fourth period and led to Clemson's winning touchdown. He also added an 18-yard punt return.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN--Thomas Austin, Clemson, OG/C, 6-3, 295, Jr. Camden, S.C.
Austin graded 82 percent with five knockdowns and did not allow a sack in playing two different positions in Clemson's win over Boston College. Austin had started the first seven games at center, he moved to left guard for the Boston College game. Austin played all 69 snaps, 60 at guard and nine at center in the victory.

CO-DEFENSIVE LINEMAN--Boo Robinson, Wake Forest, DL, 6-2, 325, R-Jr., Monroe, La. Robinson led all of Wake's defensive linemen with nine tackles including two solos and seven assists in the Deacon's 33-30 overtime win over Duke. Robinson also recorded a tackle for loss of one yard.

--Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech, DE, 6-7, 260, Sr., Selma, Ala.
Johnson sacked Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder for a loss of 10 yards and forced a fumble in the process in Georgia Tech's 31-28 win over 16th ranked Florida State. The Yellow Jackets recovered the fumble and went on to score a touchdown on the next possession. He also added a solo tackles in the game.

DEFENSIVE BACK--Alphonso Smith, Wake Forest, CB, 5-9, 190, R-Sr., Pahokee, Fla.
Smith had two interceptions, a blocked punt and a pair of tackles in Wake Forest's 33-30 overtime win over Duke. Smith's first interception of the day came with 12:44 remaining in the third quarter and led to a touchdown that gave Wake Forest a 19-7 lead. His second interception came in overtime and sealed the Deacon win. Smith's blocked punt came with 1:59 to play in the first quarter and went out of the end zone for a safety to give Wake Forest a 9-7 lead.

SPECIALIST--Shane Popham, Wake Forest, PK, 5-11, 192, R-Fr., Crestview Hills, Ky.
Popham, a redshirt freshman, booted a career-high three field goals and scored 11 points in Wake Forest's 33-30 win over Duke. Popham hit from 24 and 44 yards in regulation and added a 28-yarder in overtime to provide Wake Forest's winning points. Popham was a perfect 3-for-3 on the day in field goal attempts.

ROOKIE--Jacory Harris, Miami, Quarterback, 6-4, 185, Fr., Miami, Fla.
Harris rallied the Hurricanes on the road at Virginia throwing two touchdowns - a game-tying TD in the final minutes of regulation and the go-head score in overtime as Miami defeated the Cavaliers, 24-17, in overtime. He completed 12-of-21 passes (57.1 percent) for 160 yards and two touchdowns.

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

The Road To Tampa Bay Week 10 summary....

2008-11-03T06:27:00.000-08:00

Plenty of upsets this weekend have now sent the conference back into a scramble for first place in both divisions. The ACC heads into this week with 4 teams in the Top 25...North Carolina # 19, Georgia Tech # 22, Maryland # 23, and Florida State # 24.

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

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

Coastal Division
Georgia Tech (4-2) (7-2)
Miami (3-2) (6-3)
Virginia (3-2) (5-4)
North Carolina (2-2) (6-2)
Virginia Tech (2-2) (5-3)
Duke (1-3) (4-4)

ACC Championship tickets for only $25 at www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com

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

2008-10-31T07:39:00.000-07:00

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!

Week 10 on the Road To Tampa Bay...

2008-10-30T11:31:00.000-07:00

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 !

Official Tiebreaker Rules

2008-10-29T12:15:00.000-07:00

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!

Week 9 Players of the Week

2008-10-28T06:25:00.000-07:00

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.

The Road To Tampa Bay update week 9...

2008-10-27T06:27:00.000-07:00

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

Road To Tampa Bay Street Team headed Back to Tallahassee!

2008-10-23T08:43:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-23T07:09:00.000-07:00

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

He said it...

2008-10-22T06:09:00.000-07:00

“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.

Week 8 Players of the Week

2008-10-21T06:23:00.000-07:00

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!

The Road To Tampa Bay summary week 8...

2008-10-20T06:13:00.001-07:00

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!

Road To Tampa Bay street team hits Maryland!

2008-10-17T10:14:00.000-07:00

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!

Week 8 on the Road To Tampa Bay

2008-10-16T05:40:00.000-07:00

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

Players of the Week for Week 7

2008-10-14T05:33:00.000-07:00

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

Blake Shelton's interview about the ACC Championship game

2008-10-13T10:32:00.001-07:00

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...

2008-10-13T06:08:00.000-07:00

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/ !

Blake Shelton to play ACC Championship game!

2008-10-08T05:33:00.000-07:00

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.

Splitsville Kicks-off celebration with Road To Tampa Bay party

2008-10-07T11:58:00.000-07:00

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!

Players of Week 6

2008-10-06T10:48:00.001-07:00

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...

2008-10-06T06:30:00.000-07:00

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/ !

Road To Tampa Bay street team hits Miami

2008-10-02T14:07:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-10-02T09:22:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-02T05:58:00.000-07:00

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 !

2008 ACC Legends announced...

2008-10-01T10:47:00.001-07:00

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!!

2008-10-01T07:21:00.000-07:00

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.

Week 5 Players of the week

2008-09-30T06:26:00.000-07:00

With only 9 weeks to go down the Road To Tampa Bay, we take a look at the headlining players from Week 5!

OFFENSIVE BACK—Cameron Sexton, North Carolina, QB, 6-1, 190, Jr., Laurinburg, N.C.
Was 11 of 19 for 242 yards and two touchdowns, With time winding down and Carolina trailing by three, he led the Tar Heels on a 56-yard scoring drive, going 3 for 4, including a perfectly thrown pass in the corner of the end zone to Brooks Foster for the game-winning touchdown.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN—Ryan Shuman, Virginia Tech, Center, 6-3, 313, R-Sr., Fork Union, Va. Shuman had a season-high seven knockdown blocks in helping lead a line that opened holes for Tech’s offense in the road win at Nebraska. Tech rushed for 206 yards as a team and put up a season-high 377 yards of total offense on the evening.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN—Michael Tauiliili, Duke, MLB, 5-11, 235, Sr., Houston, Texas
Tauiliili led Duke to a 31-3 win over Virginia by collecting a career-high 16 total tackles. He was named the National Defensive Player of the Week by the Walter Camp Football Foundation. He had a hand in three of the six turnovers forced by the Duke defense, a fumble recovery in the second quarter, an interception in the fourth quarter and a forced fumble. Tauiliili leads the ACC in tackles (46) and tackles per game (11.5).

DEFENSIVE BACK—Trimane Goddard, UNC, S, 5-11, 195, Sr., Robersonville, N.C.
Senior safety Trimane Goddard posted a team-high eight tackles, intercepted two passes and broke up another in Carolina’s come-from-behind 28-24 victory at Miami. On the final play of the game, Goddard picked off a pass in the back of the end zone, knocking it out of the hands of the intended receiver and holding on for his second interception of the day as the game ended.

CO-SPECIALIST—Travis Baltz, Maryland, Punter, 6-2, 200, So., Whitehouse, Ohio
Baltz punted seven times for an average of 43.9 yards per attempt in Saturday’s win over Clemson. Baltz currently ranks second in the ACC and 13th nationally in punting average (44.3).
Michael Ray Garvin, Florida State, KR, 5-8, 182, Sr., Upper Saddle River, N.J. Senior
Michael Ray Garvin earned his first career touchdown on a kickoff return as he gave the Seminoles a 25-14 fourth quarter lead over Colorado lead with a career-long 94-yard return. For the game, Garvin earned a career-high 119 kickoff return yards and increased his career total to 1,195 yards.

ROOKIE—Montel Harris, Boston College, RB, 5-10, 192, Fr., Jacksonville, Fla.
The true freshman had 18 carries for a career-best 143 yards and 3 touchdowns in Boston College’s 42-0 win over Rhode Island, as the Eagles rushed for 289 yards on a rain-soaked day in Alumni Stadium. Harris averaged 7.9 yards per carry.

Who will lead their team to Raymond James Stadium on December 6th? Stay tuned down the Road To Tampa Bay!! Tickets only $25!

The Road To Tampa Bay Week 5 Summary...

2008-09-29T07:02:00.000-07:00

Another weekend has gone by as we drive closer down the Road To Tampa Bay. The ACC conference pulled out 3 non-conference victories, and still has two teams remaining in the top 25 with Virginia Tech at # 20 and Wake Forest at # 25.

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

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

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

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/ !

Road To Tampa Bay spreads to two more schools....

2008-09-26T08:40:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, Duke and Miami will be on the Road to Tampa Bay as their fans will receive ACC Championship flyers and magnets. All staff at each game will also be showing their support of the championship game by wearing Road To Tampa Bay pins. Duke will have their ACC home opener against Virginia and Miami will play host to North Carolina.

Are you on the Road To Tampa Bay? www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com !

ACC Hospitality Committee pushes down Road To Tampa Bay

2008-09-26T06:35:00.000-07:00

The ACC Hospitality Committee, one of the local organizing committee's marketing council, gained recognition in last week's Tampa Bay Business Journal. The committee is made up of local members from various hospitality concepts.

In promoting ACC Football Championship, local outlets are implementing signage, team jerseys, posters and offering free ticket contests. Area hotels will have banners and posters displayed in the lobbies, bars, restaurants, and other public places.

Some venues are purchasing hospitality packages to use for entertaining top clients and rewarding employees. Prices for these packages range from $2,500 to $18,500 and include game tickets, parking passes, reception and hospitality invitations and advertising opportunities.
Local beverage distributors have helped produce several hundred posters to hang around local establishments. Other restaurants holding watch parties for local alumni groups have signage and ticket promotional opportunities throughout the season.

Splitsville in Channelside, one concept for the December 5th "Toast to the Atlantic Coast" celebration, has servers wearing Road To Tampa Bay t-shirts and has a Road To Tampa Bay banner above each of the 12 bowling lanes.

See what Bridgette Mill, publisher of the Tampa Bay Business Journal has to say about the various marketing initiatives for the 2008 ACC Football Championship here (scroll to 1:25).

Tickets for the 2008 ACC Championship game are on sale now for only $25! Club packages are on sale now! Whatever your need, don't wait, get your tickets now at www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com !

Week 5 on the Road To Tampa Bay

2008-09-25T06:30:00.000-07:00

The ACC looks towards a big Saturday with 5 non-conference games, and 3 teams beginning conference play. Who will drive their team further down the Road To Tampa Bay? Tune in and find out.

Saturday, September 27
Maryland (3-1) at Clemson (3-1)
North Carolina (2-1) at Miami (2-1)
Virginia (1-2) at Duke (2-1)
Rhode Island (1-3) at Boston College (2-1)
Colorado (3-0) at Florida State (2-1)
Navy (2-2) at Wake Forest (3-0)
South Florida (4-0) at NC State (2-2)
Virginia Tech (3-1) at Nebraska (3-0)

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

The Road To Tampa Bay recognizes Hillsborough County Players of Week

2008-09-23T07:27:00.000-07:00

The Road to Tampa Bay recognizes the Champions of Week 3 from Hillsborough County...

Click here to view Hillsborough County's players of the week and future Under Armour Hillsborough County All-Star game participants. The Under-Armour Hillsborough County All-Star Game will be played December 6th, following the ACC Football Championship at Raymond James Stadium.

Tickets are on sale now for the 2008 ACC Football Championship.
The 2008 Under-Armour All-Star game is open to all general public.

ACC Award Winners of Week 4...

2008-09-22T11:44:00.001-07:00

After a huge week of wins from the ACC, Georgia Tech's Andrew Gardner earned his second offensive lineman of the week award. Below are others who join him in helping their teams advance down the Road To Tampa Bay.

OFFENSIVE BACK--Russell Wilson, NC State, QB, 5-11, 191, Fr., Richmond, Va.
Wilson completed 21 of 31 pass attempts for 210 yards and three touchdowns. All three of his touchdown passes tied the game.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN--Andrew Gardner, Georgia Tech, T, 6-6, 305, Sr., Tyrone, Ga. Gardner was instrumental in Georgia Tech producing 438 rushing yards. Gardner played every significant snap in the 38-7 Yellow Jacket victory as Tech rolled up 500 yards of total offense.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN-- Glen Cook, Miami, ILB, 6-0, 228, Sr., Hollywood, Fla.
Cook picked up a season-high nine tackles (three solo and six assisted) and returned a fumble for a touchdown. It was his second career fumble return for a TD. Cook leads the Hurricanes with 18 total tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss.

DEFENSIVE BACK--Kevin Patterson, Wake Forest, S, 5-10, 191, Sr., Kingsland, Ga.
Patterson accounted for three of Wake Forest's seven takeaways in the 12-3 win over Florida State. Patterson had two interceptions and forced a fumble. Patterson had six tackles in the game including three solos and three assists.

SPECIALIST--Sam Swank, Wake Forest, PK, 6-2, 201, Sr., Jacksonville Beach, Fla.
Swank booted a career-high four field goals in leading Wake Forest to a 12-3 win over No. 24/25 Florida State in Tallahassee on Saturday. Swank converted on tries from 48, 29, 49 and 31 yards to set a new career high and move into third place on the ACC career field goal list. Swank also set a Wake Forest school record with seven attempts in the game.

ROOKIE--Rookie - Robert Marve, Miami, QB, 6-1, 220, Fr., Tampa, Fla.
Tampa Plant High School graduate Marve, making his second career start, completed 16-of-22 passes for 212 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in helping lead Miami to a 41-23 win over Texas A&M. Marve completed 13 of his first 16 passes. For the game, he completed 72.7 percent of his passes and had a passer efficiency of 174.58.

Who will lead their team to victory next week? Find out down the Road To Tampa Bay.

Tickets for the 2008 ACC Football Championship are on sale now! www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com

The Road To Tampa Bay...Week 4 Summary

2008-09-22T07:22:00.000-07:00

Another successful weekend for the Atlantic Coast Conference as teams combined for 6 out of conference wins, and 8 overall. Clemson moved up in the rankings to #20 after a win over South Carolina State. Wake Forest jumped to #16 as well after beating a previously ranked Florida State team. Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Miami and North Carolina also received votes.

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

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

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

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/ !

Road To Tampa Bay street team hits Tallahassee!

2008-09-18T12:06:00.000-07:00

The Road To Tampa Bay Street Team will be in Tallahassee, Florida this weekend to help kick off the 2008 ACC Football season and 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 in the Seminole Village from 12-7 on Saturday leading up to the night's main event when two undefeated Atlantic Division powerhouses Florida State and Wake Forest battle it out down the Road To Tampa Bay.

Stop by the booth for pictures with the Championship trophy, the Warchant.com cowgirls, 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!

Players of the week through week 3...

2008-09-16T15:19:00.000-07:00

Some new faces took home the player of the week award for week 3 as each team continues down the Road To Tampa Bay.

OFFENSIVE BACK--Thaddeus Lewis, Duke, QB, 6-2, 200, Jr., Opa-Locka, Fla.
Lewis accounted for a total of 358 yards in the Blue Devil's 41-31 victory over Duke. He completed 25-of-35 (.714) passes for 317 yards and 3 touchdowns and led Duke in rushing with a career-high 41 yards on 12 carries.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN--Thomas Austin, Clemson, C, 6-3, 315, Jr., Camden, SC
Austin graded 85 percent and had 12 knockdown blocks in Clemson's win over NC State as the Tigers gained 428 yards of offense.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN-- Brett Warren, Virginia Tech, ILB, 6-1, 223, r-Sr., Warrenton, Va. Warren recorded a career-high 15 tackles (five solo) with a half a tackle for loss and a forced fumble in Virginia Tech's 20-17 ACC win over Georgia Tech.

DEFENSIVE BACK--Vincent Rey, Duke, OLB, 6-0, 240, Jr., Far Rockaway, N.Y.
Rey made 12 tackles in Duke's 41-31 victory over Navy. Rey also tallied four tackles for loss, a sack and a 37-yard fumble return for a touchdown.

SPECIALIST--Jay Wooten, North Carolina, PK, 6-3, 185, Fr., Laurinburg, N.C.
Wooten kicked three field goals and pinned Rutgers deep on kickoffs several times in the 44-12 win in Piscataway. Wooten's first career attempt was a 43-yarder in the second quarter which tied the game at 3. He later converted kicks of 29 and 27 yards.

ROOKIE--Darren Evans, Virginia Tech, RB, 6-0, 215, r-Fr., Indianapolis, Ind.
Evans ran for a career-high 94 yards on 19 carries in Tech's win over Georgia Tech.

Click here to view Hillsborough County's players of the week and future Under Armour All-Star game participants. The Under-Armour All-Star Game will be played December 6th, following the ACC Football Championship at Raymond James Stadium.

Tickets for the 2008 ACC Football Championship are on sale now!

Sign-up for The Road To Tampa Bay newsletter...

2008-09-15T06:47:00.000-07:00

Want to stay informed down The Road To Tampa Bay? Click below to sign up for The Road To Tampa Bay newsletter, the official newsletter of the 2008 ACC Football Championship. Receive information, weekly updates, and special ticket promotions for the championship game!

http://emailadmin.performixmarketing.com/emails/new?

Tickets on sale now for only $25!

The Road To Tampa Bay week 3 summary....

2008-09-15T06:39:00.000-07:00

A big weekend for the Atlantic Coast Conference as three teams are now ranked the in Top 25. Wake Forest moved up to # 18, Clemson jumped back into the rankings at #23 and Florida State is now # 24. North Carolina and Virginia Tech received votes.

Beginning with an explosive win by North Carolina over Rutgers on Thursday night, the ACC had 6 winners this past weekend. North Carolina (2-0), Clemson (2-1), Duke (2-1), Maryland (2-1), Virginia Tech (2-1), and Florida State (2-0) moved one step closer down the Road To Tampa Bay.

Boston College, Miami, and Wake Forest had the week off.

It looks like a close race so far. Who will be in the driver's seat on the Road To Tampa Bay?
Tickets on sale now for just $25 at www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com !

Behind the numbers of UNC's #87....

2008-09-11T06:33:00.001-07:00

Since entering North Carolina, All-purpose receiver Brandon Tate has elevated his name to a national stage, already breaking UNC records and holding NCAA records. Tonight’s game with Rutgers will give Tate the chance to showcase his talents in a Thursday night game on national television, where UNC has not played since 2006. Here are a few of Brandon Tate’s accolades through game 1:

Tate broke UNC’s single game record for all-purpose yards with 397. This marked the second most single game all-purpose yards in ACC history.
Tate became the first wide receiver to rush for 100 yards in a game in UNC history with 106.
Tate set the UNC single-game record for highest average punt return (min. three) with 47.3 yards per return.
Tate posted his career long reception (57 yards), his career best punt return (82 yards) and matched his career long rush (54 yards).
Tate put the Tar Heels on the board with his UNC-record sixth career touchdown return in the first quarter (three punt, three kickoff). The 82-yard punt return was the longest of his career and matched the ninth longest in school history.
Tate’s go-ahead 57-yard touchdown reception from T.J. Yates in the third quarter was the sixth of his career. He finished with four catches for 93 yards on the night.
Tate had three touches (all returns) in the first quarter for 176 yards (120 punt return, 56 kickoff return). He had four touches of more than 50 yards on the night.

Other Records Tate holds:
The nation’s active career return yardage leader
UNC’s record of punt and kickoff return yardage in a single game (208 yards vs Duke 2006)
UNC’s record of kick returns for touchdowns

If North Carolina can win tonight, it will mark their first 2-0 start since 2000 when Carl Torbush began the season beating Tulsa and Wake Forest. They are 0-3 all time vs Rutgers.

Brandon Tate might be on his way to Tampa? Are you on the Road to victory? Get your tickets now at www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com for as low as $25!

Week 3 on the Road To Tampa Bay

2008-09-10T07:10:00.001-07:00

Below is the schedule for this week's ACC football games. Who go the extra mile and push themselves further down the Road To Tampa Bay? Tune in and find out.

Thursday, September 11

North Carolina (1-0) at Rutgers (0-1)

Saturday, September 13

NC State (1-1) at Clemson (1-1)
Navy (1-1) at Duke (1-1)
California (2-0) at Maryland (1-1)
Georgia Tech (2-0) at Virginia Tech (1-1)
Chattanooga (1-1) at Florida State (1-0)
Virginia (1-1) at Connecticut (2-0)

Who's year is it? Will you be at the end of the road? Tickets on sale now for as low as $25!

The Road To Tampa Bay Week 2 Summary....

2008-09-08T11:12:00.001-07:00

It looks to be anyone's game as the race down the Road To Tampa Bay continues.

Wake Forest (2-0) and Georgia Tech (2-0) moved once step closer down the road as they picked up their second wins on Saturday.

Two other unbeatens, Florida State (1-0) picked up their first win and North Carolina (1-0)remained undefeated with the week off.

Clemson (1-1), NC State (1-1), Virginia (1-1), and Virginia Tech (1-1) also picked up their first wins of the season.

Tickets to the 2008 ACC Football Championship are on sale now!

Players of the week through Week 2.......

2008-09-08T10:57:00.000-07:00

Skinner drives Wake Forest closer with another Player of the Week honor...Joining him are some of the other players of the week in their respective areas.

OFFENSIVE BACK--Riley Skinner, Wake Forest, QB, 6-1, 205, Jr. Jacksonville, Fla.
Skinner set career highs with 32 completions and 43 attempts to finish with his second Player of Week honor in two weeks.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN--Rodney Hudson, Florida State, T, 6-2, 290, So., Mobile, Ala. Hudson graded out at 89% and played more snaps than any other lineman. He recorded five knockdowns and graded out at 91% in run blocking situations.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN--Darryl Richard, Georgia Tech, DT, 6-4, 290, Sr., Destrehan, La. Richard recorded a team-high three tackles-for-loss, forced a fumble and batted down a pass. Richard had four solo tackles and five tackles total.

DEFENSIVE BACK--Nate Irving, NC State, OLB, 6-1, 225, So., Wallace, N.C.
Irving led NC State in total tackles for the second week in a row, amassing 13 total tackles, including 1.5 for losses totaling six yards. He added a fumble recovery, which he returned for 13 yards, and an interception.

SPECIALIST--Sam Swank, Wake Forest, P/PK, 6-2, 201, Sr., Jacksonville Beach, Fla.
Swank scored 12 points on three field goals and three PATs. Swank was good on field goals of 21 and 27 yards before hitting the game-winner from 41 yards out with three seconds remaining in the game. Swank is five for five on field goal attempts this year and has made nine straight field goal attempts dating back to last season. He is the NCAA's active career leader, now has 65 field goals for his career and has been successful on all 114 of his career PAT attempts.

ROOKIE--Johnny Williams, Duke, WR, 5-10, 190, Fr., St. Stephens, Ala.
Williams caught a game-high 11 passes for 135 yards. His 11 catches is the top single-game performance by a freshman in the nation this season.

See who is in the driver's seat next week down the Road To Tampa Bay

Tickets on sale now!

Road To Tampa Bay Street Team hits Gainesville, Florida

2008-09-05T06:02:00.000-07:00

The Road To Tampa Bay Street Team will be in Gainesville, Florida this weekend at the Official Miami Pregame Celebration, helping to get fans ready for the 2008 ACC Football Championship in Tampa, Florida. Look for The Road To Tampa Bay booth at the University Hilton on Saturday from 5-7 pm leading up to the ACC's Miami Hurricanes taking on the SEC's Florida Gators.

Stop by the booth for pictures with the Championship trophy, grab some free cool stuff, play corn hole, enter to win ACC Championship Tickets and grab information about the our promotions going on all season long.

Tickets to the ACC Championship are on sale now for as low as $25!

www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com

Local Organizing Committee covers three schools in 1 Week

2008-09-04T06:26:00.001-07:00

Helping to spread the Road To Tampa Bay spirit, members of the Tampa Bay Local Organizing Committee were able to attend three separate games last week...

The Road To Tampa Bay street team showcased the Championship trophy, held enter to win contests and gave out Road To Tampa Bay merchandise at Georgia Tech on Thursday night, and with Clemson fans on Saturday in Centennial Park. Ronde Barber, special advisor to the ACC- Tampa Bay Football Partnership, showed his support for the Championship game at the Virginia vs USC game on Saturday.

Look for the local organizing committee members and the Road To Tampa Bay street team at your stop down the Road To Tampa Bay. Tickets are on sale now for only $25!

Milestones passed down the Road To Tampa Bay...

2008-09-03T09:54:00.000-07:00

North Carolina's Brandon Tate is the first to smash a current record this season...

With a first-quarter punt return, he broke legendary Tar Heel Charlie "Choo Choo" Justice's school record for overall touchdown returns. Justice had five from 1946 to 1949, four on punts and one on a kickoff. Tate has six --three on punts and three on kickoffs.

Tate is currently chasing the ACC record of all-purpose yards, and is 483 yards away from the NCAA record for kickoff return yards.

Follow Tate as he tries to capture all of his milestones and lead the Tar Heels down the Road To Tampa Bay?

Tickets are on sale now for only $25!

Who's race is it to Tampa?

2008-09-02T13:33:00.000-07:00

Through Week 1 we can see who the engines are, driving their teams down the Road To Tampa Bay....below are the ACC Players of the Week for Week 1.

OFFENSIVE—Riley Skinner, Wake Forest, QB, 6-1, 250, Jr. Jacksonville, Fla.
Skinner completed 27 of 36 passes (75%) for 220 yards, no interceptions and a career-high three touchdowns in leading the Deacons to a 41-13 season-opening win at Baylor last Thursday.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN—Andrew Gardner, Georgia Tech, G, 6-6, 297, Sr., Tyrone, Ga.
Georgia Tech rushed for a league-best 249 yards and produced 484 yards of total offense. The four-year senior made his 40th consecutive start.

CO- DEFENSIVE LINEMAN—Spencer Adkins, Miami, ILB, 5-11, 235, Sr., Naples, Fla.
Adkins tallied three solo tackles – two tackles for loss and recorded two sacks from his middle linebacker position.

E.J. Wilson, North Carolina, DE, 6-2, 280, Jr., Lawrenceville, Va. Junior E.J. Wilson posted eight tackles, including three for loss in North Carolina’s 35-27 victory over McNeese State.

DEFENSIVE BACK—Stephan Virgil, Virginia Tech, CB, 5-11, 177, Jr., Rocky Mount, N.C.
Virgil scored a touchdown on a fumble and blocked an extra point and returned it for a defensive PAT.

SPECIALIST—Brandon Tate, North Carolina, WR/KR, 6-1, 195, Sr., Burlington, N.C.
Tate posted a new UNC school record with 397 all-purpose yards on Saturday night in the win against McNeese St. Tate caught four passes for 93 yards and ran the ball three times for 106. He also tallied three punt returns for 142 yards and a 56 yard kickoff return.

ROOKIE—Jacory Harris, Miami, QB, 6-4, 175, Fr., Miami, Fla.
Harris started his first collegiate game and completed 16-of-26 passes for 190 yards while accounting for two touchdowns – one through the air and one on the ground -- in leading Miami to a 52-7 win over Charleston Southern. He finished with 212 yards of total offense.

Who will be in the driver's seat in Week 2? Stayed tuned down the Road To Tampa Bay!

Tickets on sale now for only $25!

The Road To Tampa Bay Week 1 Summary...

2008-09-02T05:44:00.000-07:00

No conference games were played over the weekend so its still anyone’s race to the finish line...

However in the Atlantic Division Boston College, Maryland, and Wake Forest took a few steps closer with wins. On the Coastal side Duke, Georgia Tech, Miami, and North Carolina all ended the weekend victorious.

This week, look for Georgia Tech and Boston College to move closer down the Road To Tampa Bay as they begin conference play.

For more Week 1 Highlights click here

Tickets for the Championship game are on sale now for only $25!

ACC Teams begin Road To Tampa Bay this weekend!

2008-08-27T05:36:00.000-07:00

Football season is here! Here is this weekend's ACC schedule...

Thursday

Georgia Tech vs Jacksonville State
Miami (FL) vs Charleston Southern
Wake Forest at Baylor
North Carolina State at South Carolina

Saturday

Virginia Tech at East Carolina
Virginia vs USC
Maryland vs Delaware
North Carolina vs McNeese State
Duke vs James Madison
Boston College at Kent State
Clemson vs Alabama

Are you on the Road To Victory?

Get your tickets to the 2008 ACC Football Championship game now! www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com

The Road To Tampa Bay Street Team will be in Atlanta, Georgia this weekend...

2008-08-25T12:40:00.000-07:00

The Road To Tampa Bay Street Team will be in Atlanta, Georgia this weekend to help kick off the 2008 ACC Football season and get fans ready for the 2008 ACC Football Championship in Tampa, Florida. Look for The Road To Tampa Bay booth at “Wreck Fest” at Georgia Tech on Thursday night, the Grand Hyatt Downtown all day Friday, and tailgating in Centennial Park on all day Saturday leading up to the Chick-Fil-A College Kickoff when preseason ACC-favorite Clemson takes on Alabama in the Georgia Dome.

Stop by the booth for pictures with the Championship trophy, grab some cool stuff, play corn hole, enter to win ACC Championship Tickets and grab information about the “ACC Road Warrior of the Week” Contest.

Tickets are on sale now for the 2008 ACC Championship. www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com

Former Plant stars work down Road To Tampa Bay

2008-08-21T13:35:00.001-07:00

Three former Plant Panthers battling to return home…An advertisement in the Plant High School game program showcases Robert Marve (Miami), Lovell Jackson (Wake Forest), and Rhonne Sanderson (Florida State), three former stars of Tampa’s Plant high school, and former Hillsborough County All-Stars who are now trying to push their teams to the ACC Championship game. The Under Armour Hillsborough County High School All-Star game will follow the ACC Championship on December 6th at Raymond James Stadium.

Admission to the all-star game is free. ACC Championship tickets are on sale now!

The "U" stressing "A"s

2008-08-21T11:53:00.000-07:00

Miami among top football programs academically in the nation...

Since 1991, UM’s average AFCA (American Football Coaches Association) rate is 71.52 percent, and far exceeds the national average of 58 percent.

In the latest release of the NCAA Academic Progress Report, the Miami Hurricanes scored a 969, which put them as the eight-highest out of 119 bowl sub-division football programs. Miami follows two other ACC schools (Duke # 3, Boston College # 7) in the top 10.

On this year’s Hurricane team, there are 23 seniors, 13 have already earned degrees and the other 10 are on course to graduate either in December 2008 or May 2009. Last season, Miami had 12 early graduates (the second highest total nationally behind Boston College).

Click here to see the NACDA press release on the Miami Hurricane’s academic success.

ACC Quotables...

2008-08-21T05:32:00.000-07:00

They said what?

“Not being brash or overconfident, but I would be disappointed with anything less than a trip to Tampa (for the ACC championship game)" --Sean Glennon, Virginia Tech quarterback

Check out this article on how Virginia Tech plans to return to the ACC Championship game this year
http://www.newsadvance.com/lna/sports/college/virginia_tech/article/virginia_tech_football_preview_dedication_to_offseason_conditioning_could_l/7608/

Tickets for the ACC Championship on sale now at www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com!

Day 12, 12 days, 12 schools of ACC Football...

2008-08-15T08:35:00.001-07:00

Check out what theACC.com has to say about each team's travels down the Road To Tampa Bay.
Giving you a link to the defending ACC Champion Virginia Tech Hokies, including interviews with Sean Glennon and Orion Martin.

That concludes the 12 day, 12 team preview of ACC Football. Find everything you need for this upcoming season here as each team travels down the Road To Tampa Bay!

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

Day 11, 12 teams, 12 schools of ACC Football

2008-08-14T11:17:00.000-07:00

Check out what theACC.com has to say about each team's travels down the Road To Tampa Bay.

Giving you a link to today's USA Today predicted 2008 champion...Clemson Tigers--including interviews with Cullen Harper and Michael Hamlin.

Tune in tomorrow for Virginia Tech.

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

ACC Football Championship receives help from former alums

2008-08-13T11:04:00.001-07:00

Ten current Tampa Bay Buccaneers are helping out another sporting event coming to the Tampa Bay area this fall...the 2008 ACC Football Championship.

The local organizing committee for the game has assembled the Buccaneer ACC Alumni Council, headed by Ronde Barber, for assisting with the game. The group helped shoot the tv commercial for the game. The committe members are:

Gaines Adams, Clemson

Ronde Barber, Virginia

Derrick Brooks, Florida State

Phillip Buchanon, Miami

Anthony Davis, Virginia Tech

Warrick Dunn, Florida State

Chris Hovan, Boston College

Dre Moore, Maryland

Ryan Sims, North Carolina

Jeremy Trueblood, Boston College

Rob Higgins, executive director for the local organizing committee stands on with Ronde Barber.

Click here to view the behind the scenes photos from the commercial:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/accfootballl/

Click to the view the general version of the commercial:

Tickets to the 2008 ACC Football Championship are on sale now at www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com !

Day 10, 12 days, 12 schools of ACC Football

2008-08-13T08:32:00.000-07:00

Check out what theACC.com has to say about each team's travels down the Road To Tampa Bay.

Giving you a link to today's featured...North Carolina Tar Heels --including interviews with Hakeem Nicks and Deunta Smith.

Tune in tomorrow for Clemson.

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

Day 9, 12 Days, 12 teams of ACC Football

2008-08-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

Check out what theACC.com has to say about each team's travels down the Road To Tampa Bay.

Giving you a link to today's featured.. Wake Forest Demon Deacons --including interviews with Aaron Curry and Alphonso Smith.

Tune in tomorrow for North Carolina.

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

Day 8, 12 days, 12 teams of ACC Football

2008-08-11T13:02:00.000-07:00

Check out what theACC.com has to say about each team's travels down the Road To Tampa Bay.

Giving you a link to today's featured.. Miami Hurricanes, --including interviews with Jason Fox and Eric Moncur.

Tune in tomorrow for Wake Forest.

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

Day 7, 12 Days, 12 Teams of ACC Football...

2008-08-11T07:17:00.000-07:00

Check out what theACC.com has to say about each team's travels down the Road To Tampa Bay.

Giving you a link to today's featured...Florida State Seminoles, --including interviews with Drew Weatherford and Everette Brown.

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

Day 6, 12 Days, 12 Teams of ACC Football...

2008-08-11T06:31:00.000-07:00

Check out what theACC.com has to say about each team's travels down the Road To Tampa Bay.

Giving you a link to today's featured....Georgia Tech Yellowjackets, --including interviews with Andrew Gardner and Vance Walker.

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

Day 5, 12 Days...12 Teams...2008 ACC Football

2008-08-08T10:38:00.000-07:00

Check out what theACC.com has to say about each team's travels down the Road To Tampa Bay.

Giving you a link to today's featured....Boston College Eagles, --including interviews with Ryan Purvis and Ron Brace.

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

Former Florida State athlete inducted to Humanitarian Hall of Fame

2008-08-08T07:03:00.000-07:00

Former Florida State football player and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Warrick Dunn was inducted to the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame in June. Dunn is entering his 12th NFL season and was honored for his work in assisting single-parents and their children realize the dream of home ownership through the Warrick Dunn Foundation.

“I’m truly honored to be inducted into the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame. I try to follow my works from my mom’s heart and dreams,” said Dunn. The program has helped 78 single-parents and 205 children and dependents in Tampa and Tallahassee, Florida; Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Atlanta, Georgia by providing initial down payment funding and furnishings.

The World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame is located on the Boise State University campus in Idaho, recognizes individuals and organizations from the world of amateur and professional athletics who, through their humanitarian efforts, distinguish themselves as role models in the community.

Dunn also has participated on the ACC Buccaneers Alumni Council, a group of players assisting the local organizing committee with the ACC Football Championship.

Click here to view the full article on Warrick Dunn's award

To purchase tickets to the 2008 ACC Football Championship log on to www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com

Rob Higgins speaks on 2008 ACC Football Championship

2008-08-07T08:15:00.000-07:00

Rob Higgins, executive director for the 2008 ACC Football Championship Local Organizing Committee discusses his thoughts on the upcoming game.

The game will be played on December 6th in Tampa, Florida at Raymond James Stadium.

http://www.youtube.com/v/0pxf194YYq0&hl=en&fs=1"">

Tickets for the game are on sale now at www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com and begin at just $25!

Day 4...12 Days, 12 Teams, 2008 ACC Football....

2008-08-07T08:08:00.000-07:00

Check out what theACC.com has to say about each team's travels down the Road To Tampa Bay.

Giving you a link to today's featured....Virginia Cavaliers ,
--including interviews with John Phillips and Clint Sintim.

Tune in tomorrow for the Boston College Eagles.

Tickets on sale now at www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com for only $25!

One sport not an option for Russell Wilson...

2008-08-06T12:15:00.000-07:00

Russell Wilson maintains complete balance in two sports and in the classroom.

In his second year at NC State, he participates as an infielder on the baseball team and quarterback on the football team. Russell started 16 games and hit .296 with two home runs, eight RBIs, and six stolen bases while helping the Wolfpack baseball team to the super regionals this past season. Wilson will look to be in the competition at quarterback for NC State this upcoming season.

Wilson is in good company of two-sport athletes within his family. His grandfather, Harrison B. Wilson Jr., played both football and basketball at Kentucky State, and his father, Harrison III, was a baseball and football player at Dartmouth. His brother Harry completed an accomplished career at the University of Richmond as a wide receiver/punt returner for the football team and an outfielder on the baseball team.

But being a two-sport athlete is no easy task for Russell. He began baseball practice on January 10th, only to leave mid-season in late March for football spring practice. After spring football practices had adjourned Wilson went back to baseball, eventually working himself back into the lineup. Along with playing two sports, Wilson also maintains a 3.6 grade-point average.

To view ESPN writer Chris Preston’s full article on Russell Wilson
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=3512366

Can Russell Wilson help the NC State Wolfpack move down the Road To Tampa Bay? Stay tuned this season.

Tickets are on sale now for the 2008 ACC Football Championship at www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com !

Day 3! ACC Football 12 Teams in 12 Days

2008-08-06T08:13:00.000-07:00

Check out what theACC.com has to say about each team's travels down the Road To Tampa Bay.

Giving you a link to today's featured team....Maryland Terrapins.

Tune in tomorrow for the Virginia Cavaliers.

Tickets on sale now for the 2008 ACC Football Championship at www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com !

ACC Football 12 Teams in 12 Days...Day 2...

2008-08-05T08:34:00.000-07:00

Check out what theACC.com has to say about each team's travels down the Road To Tampa Bay.

Giving you a link to today's featured team....Duke Blue Devils

Tune in tomorrow for the Maryland Terrapins.

Virginia Tech maze creates quite the craze...

2008-08-05T05:44:00.000-07:00

If being predicted by the media to win the Coastal division has not given the defending ACC Champion Hokies a jump start, maybe this will...

Virginia Tech fans will play on another field this fall, this one at the Layman Family Farm in Bedford, Virginia. This field is completely dominated by Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer (pictured left).

Each summer the Layman family turns one of their cornfields into a work of art. They create a maze, which is used as the center piece of their annual Pumpkin Festival (Sept 8 - Nov 5). This year they chose to celebrate coach Beamer's success.

To read more on the dedication to coach Beamer check out
http://www.beamerball.com/free/laymanfarms.htm

Tickets on sale now for the 2008 ACC Football Championship at www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com

Road To Tampa Bay begins the promotional tour...

2008-08-04T11:09:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, the Road To Tampa Bay street team stopped in Orlando at its inaugural Heritage Bowl Block Party to promote the upcoming 2008 ACC Championship game.

The Orange County Regional History Center’s Young Professional’s Advisory Council partnered with MetroMix.com (a division of the Orlando Sentinel) to throw a pre-season football tailgate in Heritage Square Park. The festivities included a look at football throughout the state of Florida over the years, music, games, food, and beverages. All Florida schools in the BCS conferences were represented by their local alumni.

Among them representing the ACC was the Seminole Club of Greater Orlando and the University of Miami Orlando Club.

http://www.orlandosentinel2.com/contests/heritagebowl/

Keep a lookout for the Road To Tampa Bay street team coming to an event near you!

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

2008 ACC Football Championship will be played on December 6th at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

ACC Football...12 Teams, 12 Days!

2008-08-04T08:48:00.000-07:00

August has begun, and the season is less than a month away. The Road To Tampa Bay is on each team's navigation system with the championship game only 4 months away! Kicking off conference coverage for the upcoming season is ACC's 12 team previews in 12 days.

First up is the North Carolina State Wolfpack. Check in for a new team preview and video each day.

ACC Quotables...

2008-08-04T06:05:00.001-07:00

They said what?

"I think (in previous years) they were content with a 5-6 season or a 4-7 season," said Riley Skinner, a redshirt junior. "It kind of lost the drive on the team to go out and dominate. I think now, we're looking to get to Tampa, the ACC championship, every year, and that's our expectation. Just the work ethic that we had this summer, the work and our offseason training was miles apart from what it's been like when I first got here."

Check out this AP article on how Wake Forest is shaping up in hopes of traveling to Tampa Bay
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/08/02/sports/FBC-Rebuilding-Wake-Forest.php

For tickets to the ACC Championship check out www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com

For some at Georgia Tech, the Road To Tampa Bay ends back home…

2008-08-01T13:03:00.000-07:00

Tampa Jesuit alums and former Hillsborough County All-Stars Andrew Smith, A.J. Smith, Michael Peterson, Anthony Allen, and Phil Smith will help push their team while on their journey back home to Tampa, Florida, the site of the 2008 ACC Football Championship. This is the last chance at a championship for Andrew and A.J. (no relation) who enter their senior seasons. Both played in the Yellow Jackets 2006 championship appearance against Wake Forest.

And The Road To Tampa Bay has been longer for some than others. After being awarded two varsity letters in high school, Andrew Smith, entered the Georgia Tech program as a walk-on before his hard work earned him a scholarship. Injuries held back Andrew’s 2006 season, but in 2007 he saw action in 11 games. Smith will be looked upon this season to be the veteran leader among a young group of receivers for the Yellow Jackets, and could see some time on special teams as punt returner and an “A-back” in coach Paul Johnson’s new triple option offense. Andrew also has been named on the ACC Academic Honor Roll four times and will graduate with honors in December.

Wide receiver was also the position played by Smith’s father, Barry Smith, who played collegiate football at Florida State before playing four NFL seasons for Green Bay and Tampa Bay and now serves on the board of directors for the Tampa Bay Sports Commission.

Stay tuned to follow all teams as they journey down the road to Tampa Bay.

Are you on the Road To Tampa Bay? Get your tickets now at http://www.theroadtotampabay.com/ for only $25!

ACC strong with three top 25 teams, six others receiving votes

2008-08-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

The newly released USA Today Top 25 Preseason Coaches’ Poll ranks Clemson, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest in the Top 25 for the 2008 football season. Six other ACC schools also received votes. This places the ACC alongside the SEC and Big 12 as the top conference to have teams ranked and receiving votes (nine total).

Clemson, who finished 9-4 last season and is predicted to win the ACC Championship, will begin the season ranked 9th. Defending ACC Champion Virginia Tech, who finished 11-3 last season, is predicted to be the ACC coastal division champion and begins the season ranked 15th. The 2006 ACC Champion Wake Forest, who finished last season with a 9-4 record, will begin this season ranked 23rd. The other schools receiving votes were Florida State, Boston College, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, and Georgia Tech.

It’s anyone’s race to the finish. Will you be there to see who finishes first down the Road To Tampa Bay? Get your tickets now, starting at only $25! http://www.theroadtotampabay.com/

Click here to see the entire USA Today Top 25 Poll

For Florida State's Rolle, the Road doesn't end in Tampa Bay

2008-07-31T10:47:00.000-07:00

Florida State safety Myron Rolle has more in store for his future than just football. Even though his Florida State Seminole's road may be to Tampa Bay, he has many roads that he plans on traveling down. Rolle has a 3.75 GPA, and has completed a premed degree in only 2 1/2 years, while playing football!

Many future paths have opened up for Myron, who is nominated for a Rhodes scholarship, looking to go to medical school, and is expected to go in the first round of the NFL draft. Rolle is not sure which road he will choose to take after graduation, but Seminole fans look for one to help Florida State get in the fast lane down The Road To Tampa Bay on September 6th, in hopes of capturing the 2008 ACC Football Championship.

For more from David Whitley's article on Myron Rolle's inspiring off the field story click on:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/college/seminoles/orl-whitley3108jul31,0,5411077.column?page=1&track=rss

Tickets are on sale now! To purchase tickets to the 2008 ACC Football Championship click on http://www.theroadtotampabay.com/

ACC Quotables

2008-07-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

They said what?

All together coach Jim Grobe and his staff have 27 Floridians on the team. "Florida in general is a great area for us," Grobe said. "You can find kids that have good academics and kids that are in championship football programs and guys that have spring ball, and all of the sport they can possibly get. There are just so many good players from Florida you have to spend time down there."
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/acc/0-1-130/The-rabbit-chaser.html

ACC Football Championship tickets on sale!

2008-07-28T07:47:00.001-07:00

Tickets for the 2008 ACC Football Championship are currently on sale at www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com !

"The Tampa Bay community could not feel more privileged to serve as proud host of the 2008 Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship. We are looking forward to early December for an incredible 48 hour celebration of ACC Football," says Rob Higgins, executive director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. Will you be on the Road to Tampa Bay?

Be one of the first to get your tickets to the 2008 Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship Game on December 6, 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.

In addition to the championship game ticket holders will also be treated to ACC FanFest and its post game concert, the Under Armour Hillsborough County High School All Star Football Game, and the Under Armour Youth Football Game Day of Champions.

Simply log on to www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com to get your tickets now!

2008 ACC Football Season Preview

2008-07-25T10:11:00.000-07:00

Clemson and Virginia Tech picked to lead ACC battle in Tampa Bay, Florida…

The Pre-season Poll was taken at the ACC Media Kickoff in Greensboro, GA this week. The Tampa Bay Sports Commission was there.

Atlantic Division
1. Clemson (59)
2. Wake Forest (5)
3. Florida State (1)
4. Boston College
5. Maryland
6. NC State

Coastal Division
1. Virginia Tech (58)
2. North Carolina (4)
3. Miami (1)
4. Georgia Tech (1)
5. Virginia (1)
6. Duke

This is my inexpert preview of the media predicted front runners for the 2008 ACC Champion to be crowned December 6th in Tampa Bay, Florida. The media have chosen Clemson and Virginia Tech to take the poll.

Clemson— Atlantic

The scoop:
· Clemson fans have been watching the program build and build for years and it seems this year’s team could be the best the Tigers have seen. Can they live up to the hype?

Look for:
· Points, points and more points. Cullen Harper, James Davis, C.J. Spiller, Aaron Kelly are possible picks for ACC offensive player of the year.
· A defensive attack, led by Michael Hamlin to represent Clemson and the ACC in the spotlight.

Virginia Tech— Coastal

The scoop:
· Virginia Tech lost some of its starters from last year’s ACC championship team, do they have enough depth at each position to fill the voids and stand as the Coastal Division favorite again?

Look for:
· Victor “Macho” Harris to shine throughout the season and ensure his status as a future NFL corner.
· The continuation of the two quarterback platoon from last season. No matter which is named the starter, Taylor or Glennon, both will see playing time as fit to keep teams off balance between run and pass.

Wake Forest— Atlantic

The scoop:
· The Deacons have plenty of talent. Will their starting lineup, if kept healthy, show how much more dangerous it is with another year of experience under its belt?

Look for:
· Wake’s corners to succeed against opposing passing attacks. Alphonso Smith will challenge Victor Harris (see above) for status as top corner in the ACC, and possibly break his own previous season high of 8 interceptions.
· Ball control from a matured Riley Skinner at quarterback, big breaks from playmaker Josh Adams at tailback, and a defense that returns 9 of its starters.

North Carolina— Coastal

The scoop:
· North Carolina has the talent, and edge to contend for the title this year under coach Butch Davis. But will their players mature in time to keep up with Virginia Tech?

Look for:
· An aerial assault. Quarterback T.J. Yates becoming more consistent in his highlight performances and as a game manager, and allowing the talented trio of Hakeem Nicks, Brooks Foster, and Brandon Tate flourish as his targets.
· The highly talented, yet young defense of the Tar Heels will look to revamp around star Deunta Williams.

Florida State— Atlantic

The scoop:
· Can the return of some key players should put in place a very balanced and solid package on the field?

Look for:
· Playmakers making plays. There is potential talent on offense, and if the offensive line can hold up, there will be a large amount of success in a balanced attack between running with Antone Smith, passing with Drew Weatherford, and receiving with Greg Carr and Preston Parker.
· A defense giving the offense a chance to win the game. There is strong enough potential with Myron Rolle and company to hold down opponents and put the game in the offense’s hands.

Miami— Coastal

The scoop:
· With the top recruiting class and talented youth at all positions, you can see Miami is a team of the future. Can they be back on track this season?

Look for:
· Another running back to come from Miami as a future top draft pick. Whether it is Graig Cooper or Javarris James carrying the ball, each can be expected to make big plays.
· Competition at all spots to push the talented young stars to emerge.
· The defense to be pushed to the limit each week as its grows with experience.

Who do you think will be crowned ACC Champion in Tampa, Florida?

Don’t miss it! Log on to http://www.theroadtotampabay.com/ for tickets!

ACC shows significant influence on Hillsborough County...

2008-07-24T14:03:00.000-07:00

The numbers speak for themselves when someone says that Florida has a significant presence in college football. From 2007-2008, 11% of NCAA Division I-A football players were from the state of Florida. Of those players, 31% were from the Tampa Bay area.

More relevant is the significance the state of Florida has on the Atlantic Coast Conference. In the Atlantic Coast Conference, which houses two universities from the state of Florida, it was found that 20% of players in the conference were from the state of Florida and of those players, 29% were from the Tampa Bay area.

In the 2008 season, there will be 12 ACC players battling down the Road to return home to Hillsborough County for the ACC championship game.

Name/School/Position/Class/High School

Some Tampa Bay area (non-Hillsborough County) graduates also racing down the Road To Tampa Bay are:

Name/School/Position/High School

In Raymond James Stadium, the Hillsborough All-Star Game will follow the ACC Championship game on December 6th. The Under Armour High School All-Star Game will feature the top players in Hillsborough County. In between the two games will be a post-game concert performed by a premier country artist outside the stadium at FanFest.

The ACC Football Championship game will kickoff at 1pm. Tickets go on sale July 26th at http://www.theroadtotampabay.com/ ! For just $25 you receive admission to both the ACC Championship, the All-Star game, and FanFest!

Did you know?

2008-07-24T11:41:00.000-07:00

This season could be record breaking for both the ACC and Tampa Bay...

Tickets go on sale July 26th, with half the stadium already sold through the pre-sale, the ACC Football Championship game could be sold out for the first time in since its inaugural game in 2005! Log on to http://www.theroadtotampabay.com/ to purchase your seats.

In this 2008 ACC football season:

Clemson’s James Davis can become the nation’s active career overall touchdown, rushing touchdown, and rushing yards leader
Florida State’s Drew Weatherford could become just the 2nd player in ACC history to top 10,000 career passing yards
Wake Forest’s Riley Skinner has the opportunity become the active career passing percentage leader in the nation

Currently holding records going into the 2008 season:

Florida State’s Greg Carr is the nation’s active career leader in reception yardage per catch
North Carolina’s Brandon Tate is the nation’s active career return yard leader
Wake Forest’s Alphonso Smith is the active career leader in both interceptions and interceptions for touchdowns in the nation

In last year's NFL Draft:

34 ACC players were drafted
(The most from any conference, 13% of the entire draft)
11 first and second round draft picks from the ACC

Look to http://www.theroadtotampabay.com/ to be the site keeping up with all the exciting ACC action on December 6th.

ACC first to model after NFL

2008-07-24T10:50:00.000-07:00

ACC makes change to injury reports...

It was released at the ACC Media Days that the Atlantic Coast Conference will be the first to implement NFL-style injury reports. What does that mean?

Coaches only have to address injuries twice a week, helping to identify players who are out for the season or looking at surgery. At the end of each Monday and Thursday practice each coach will provide status of injured players, but not specifics.

The five categories are defined as:

Definitely will play; Probable; Questionable; Doubtful; and Out

Both the ACC and its coaches agree it will benefit coaches and spokespersons who will no longer have to answer daily questions about player injuries or their specifics. Even though no coaches seemed opposed, the rule change is not subject to enforcement.

View other rule modifications coming from the ACC Media Kickoff

Check out http://www.theroadtotampabay.com/ for all things ACC Football

Media vote Cullen Harper for ACC Player of the year

2008-07-23T14:10:00.000-07:00

The media released their picks today for the 2008 Preseason All-ACC Football Team, naming Cullen Harper the predicted conference player of the year. The Offensive and Defensive players of the year will be awarded at the Coaches & Awards Luncheon. The awards luncheon will be held on December 5th, the day before the 2008 ACC Football Championship in Tampa, Florida.

2008 Preseason All-ACC Football Team

Offense
QB - Cullen Harper, Clemson
RB - Josh Adams, Wake Forest
RB - James Davis, Clemson
WR - Aaron Kelly, Clemson
WR - Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina
TE - Ryan Purvis, Boston College
T - Andrew Gardner, Georgia Tech
T - Eugene Monroe, Virginia
G - Rodney Hudson, Florida State
G - Sergio Render, Virginia Tech
C - Edwin Williams, Maryland

Defense
DE - Everette Brown, Florida State
DE - Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech
DT - Ron Brace, Boston College
DT - Vance Walker, Georgia Tech
LB - Aaron Curry, Wake Forest
LB - Clint Sintim, Virginia
LB - Brian Toal, Boston College
CB - Victor Harris, Virginia Tech
CB - Alphonso Smith, Wake Forest
S - Michael Hamlin, Clemson
S - Myron Rolle, Florida State

Specialists
PK - Sam Swank, Wake Forest
P - Graham Gano, Florida State
RET - Brandon Tate, North Carolina

As always check in to http://www.theroadtotampabay.com/ for more stops down the road!

ACC begins The Road To Tampa Bay!

2008-07-23T09:03:00.000-07:00

Reynolds Plantation ACC Media Days overview:

The ACC Football Media Days kicked off at Reynolds Plantation on July 20th. Players, and coaches from all 12 Atlantic Coast Conference schools gathered Sunday with over 200 members of the media for full of print, radio, and television interviews. Sunday was all about the players at the ACC festival; two representatives from each team will meet with reporters. On Monday, the coaches previewed their clubs. The event ended Tuesday with Commissioner John Swofford's annual summer address. Many miles are upcoming in the distance as all teams head down the Road To Tampa Bay in less than six weeks.

The players in attendance at the event were:

Boston College—Ryan Purvis, Tight End; Ron Brace, Defensive Tackle
Clemson—Cullen Harper, Quarterback; Michael Hamlin, Defensive Back
Duke—Eron Riley, Wide Receiver; Vince Oghobaase, Defensive Tackle
Florida State—Drew Weatherford, Quarterback; Everette Brown, Defensive End
Georgia Tech—Andrew Gardner, Offensive Tackle; Vance Walker, Defensive Tackle
Maryland—Edwin Williams, Offensive Line; Jeremy Navarre, Defensive Line
Miami—Jason Fox, Offensive Tackle; Eric Moncur, Defensive End
North Carolina—Hakeem Nicks, Wide Receiver; Deunta Williams, Safety
NC State—Anthony Hill, Tight End; Jeremy Gray, Cornerback
Virginia—John Phillips, Tight End; Clint Sintim, Outside Linebacker
Virginia Tech—Sean Glennon, Quarterback; Orion Martin, Defensive End
Wake Forest—Aaron Curry, Linebacker; Alphonso Smith, Cornerback

Here were some of the headlines from the event-filled 4 days:

The ACC expresses its satisfaction with ticket pre-sale results for the game

Parity becoming prominent in ACC

ACC looking for rising stars to step into spotlight

A new Bowden is on top as Clemson steals the media poll

North Carolina seen as this year’s ACC sleeper

Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson gains following in his new system and no-nonsense approach

Florida State’s Bobby Bowden reiterates getting the Noles back to top

Miami’s young team looking to step up

Stay tuned for more coverage of ACC Football!

Look for www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com for more on the 2008 ACC Football Championship!

ACC update

2008-07-23T06:46:00.000-07:00

They said what?

"I think this community is ready and able to step up and really support this game, the rest will take care of itself." -- Rob Higgins, Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission
http://www.tampabay.com/sports/college/article734150.ece

"There's a very concerted effort with the youth and high school markets that's somewhat unprecedented for the ACC." --Michael Kelly, ACC Associate Commissioner for football
http://www.tampabay.com/sports/college/article734150.ece

"That city (Tampa) has shown a propensity to put on and support big events in a very big way." --John Swofford, ACC Commissioner
http://www.thestate.com/sports/story/467980.html

"You want to play that game when it's sold out, for the league's sake and for everybody involved."--Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech head coach
http://www.thestate.com/sports/story/467980.html

"The key will be a smaller venue, bigger city, and cheaper tickets. More ACC alumni, too. But you know the No. 1 rule in real estate--location, location, location. So far the rule seems to apply to ACC football, too--more than half of the seats there are already sold." --Heather Dinich, ESPN.com ACC Blogger
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/acc/0-1-92/ACC-in-the-morning--The-Road-to-Tampa-Bay.html

Log on to www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com for all things ACC Football Championship

Schedule of Events released for 2008 ACC Football Championship

2008-07-23T06:11:00.001-07:00

A 48 hour celebration of ACC Football past, present and future...

Friday, December 5th

ACC Coaches and Player Awards Luncheon
Presented by Tampa Bay & Company
Marriott Waterside
*honoring both participating coaches and ACC Offensive and Defensive players of the year

ACC Night of Legends
Presented by Florida Sports Foundation
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
*exclusive event honoring all 12 named ACC Legends

Channelside’s Toast to the Atlantic Coast
Channelside Bay Plaza
*An all night party for fans including a battle of the bands

Saturday, December 6th

ACC FanFest
Presented by the Official Corporate Partners of the ACC
Raymond James Stadium, Lot 6D
*Interactive games, pep rallies, a mascot challenge, corporate tents

ACC Commissioner’s Brunch
Presented by the Tampa Bay Local Organizing Committee
Raymond James Stadium West Atrium
*exclusive brunch event with ACC Commissioner John Swafford

Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship Game
Raymond James Stadium
1:00 PM kickoff
*Atlantic vs Coastal

ACC Post-Game Concert
Presented by the Tampa Bay Local Organizing Committee
Raymond James Stadium, Lot 6D
*A big name artist to be named

Under Armour High School Football All Star Game
Presented by Tampa Bay Sports Commission
Raymond James Stadium
*The best in Hillsborough County face off in East vs West

Under Armour Game Day of Champions
Presented by Tampa Bay Sports Commission
Raymond James Stadium
*The Super Bowl for the 6 youth league champions around Hillsborough County

Tickets for the 2008 ACC Football Championship go on sale July 26th! For as low as $25 you receive admission to the game, fanfest, the concert and the high school all-star game!

Log on to http://www.theroadtotampabay.com/ to purchase tickets!

Introduction

2008-07-23T05:58:00.000-07:00

ACC Football Fans, ARE YOU READY?

This is Josh delivering the play-by-play action and keeping you all updated on what is going on with the 2008 ACC Football Championship in Tampa Bay, Florida. Here you will see the latest updates of what we are planning, ways for you to get involved, and continuous updates as all 12 teams make their journey down the Road to Tampa Bay! Also check out our website www.TheRoadToTampaBay.com We'll see YOU at the end of the road!