<![CDATA[TZ Take 7-8]]></h1> <article> <h1>TZ Take 7-8</h1> <p>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 06:32:59 GMT</p> click audio below....<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 7-7</h1> <p>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 06:30:44 GMT</p> click audio below....<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 6-30</h1> <p>Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:42:08 GMT</p> click audio below...<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 6-29</h1> <p>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:24:22 GMT</p> click audio below...<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>NHL Entry Draft: Day 2</h1> <p>Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:11:10 GMT</p> First off, in case you missed the news this morning, Jay Bouwmeester has been traded from Florida to Calgary for Jordan Leopold and a third round pick. Rather amazing that the Panthers got a warm body for him this late in the game, although Leopold is a free agent as well and there's no guarantee he'll be resigned.<br /> <br /> Anyway, onto the business at hand.<br /> <br /> With their first pick of the second round, the Canes select Brian Dumoulin, a 6'3" defenseman who continues... </article> <article> <h1>Hurricanes take Phillipe Paradis in the first round of the 2009 draft</h1> <p>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 22:35:11 GMT</p> The Canes have said all along that they were looking for size in the first round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Phillippe Paradis fits the bill. Paradis, from the Shawinigan Cataractes of the Quebec junior league, is a 6'1" 196-pound center who will still grow some more, a real change from the last two first round draft picks, skinny Brandon Sutter and undersized Zach Boychuk.<br /> <br /> Paradis was projected as an early-2nd round selection, and it is somewhat surprising that ... </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 6-17</h1> <p>Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:40:39 GMT</p> click audio below....<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 6-16</h1> <p>Tue, 16 Jun 2009 07:07:26 GMT</p> click audio below....<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 6-12</h1> <p>Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:06:09 GMT</p> click audio below....<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 6-11</h1> <p>Thu, 11 Jun 2009 08:56:18 GMT</p> click audio below....<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 6-10</h1> <p>Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:39:57 GMT</p> click audio below....<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 6-9</h1> <p>Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:38:41 GMT</p> click audio below....<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 6-8</h1> <p>Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:24:00 GMT</p> click audio below....<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 6-5</h1> <p>Fri, 05 Jun 2009 09:21:45 GMT</p> click audio below...<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 6-4</h1> <p>Thu, 04 Jun 2009 08:58:10 GMT</p> click audio below...<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 6-3</h1> <p>Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:43:11 GMT</p> click audio below....<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 6-2</h1> <p>Tue, 02 Jun 2009 08:36:39 GMT</p> click audio below...<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 6-1</h1> <p>Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:33:24 GMT</p> click audio below...<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>Jed Breaks Down The Bee</h1> <p>Fri, 29 May 2009 17:32:18 GMT</p> click audio below....<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>10 Questions: What we learned, and what's in store</h1> <p>Thu, 28 May 2009 21:29:46 GMT</p> <i>Ten questions discussing the just completed 08-09 season and the upcoming 09-10 season...</i><b><br /> <br /> Will Paul Maurice and the coaching staff return next season?</b><br /> If Jim Rutherford's the one making the decision, this is a no brainer. The coaching staff took a team that occupied tenth place in the conference as late as February 15th and not only got them into the playoffs, but led them to a berth in the conference final. Maurice seems to have realized that this... </article> <article> <h1>10 Questions: What we learned, and what's in store</h1> <p>Thu, 28 May 2009 21:29:46 GMT</p> <i>Ten questions discussing the just completed 08-09 season and the upcoming 09-10 season...</i><b><br /> <br /> Will Paul Maurice and the coaching staff return next season?</b><br /> If Jim Rutherford's the one making the decision, this is a no brainer. The coaching staff took a team that occupied tenth place in the conference as late as February 15th and not only got them into the playoffs, but led them to a berth in the conference final. Maurice seems to have realized that this... </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 5-28</h1> <p>Thu, 28 May 2009 08:30:24 GMT</p> click audio below....<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 5-27</h1> <p>Wed, 27 May 2009 09:55:50 GMT</p> click audio below.....<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>TZ and LeBlanc recap the season</h1> <p>Wed, 27 May 2009 09:25:15 GMT</p> click audio below...<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>Game 4: Penguins 4, Canes 1</h1> <p>Tue, 26 May 2009 19:04:58 GMT</p> The Carolina Hurricanes' magical run is over. An underdog in every series they played in this year's NHL playoffs, the Canes finally met their match in the Eastern Conference final as they were swept by the Pittsburgh Penguins after a 4-1 loss in Game 4. While the Canes are understandably upset with their failure to capture the Stanley Cup, they have nothing to be ashamed of after defying the odds and putting the naysayers who left the team for dead on the side of the road in their p... </article> <article> <h1>Game 4: Penguins 4, Canes 1</h1> <p>Tue, 26 May 2009 19:04:58 GMT</p> The Carolina Hurricanes' magical run is over. An underdog in every series they played in this year's NHL playoffs, the Canes finally met their match in the Eastern Conference final as they were swept by the Pittsburgh Penguins after a 4-1 loss in Game 4. While the Canes are understandably upset with their failure to capture the Stanley Cup, they have nothing to be ashamed of after defying the odds and putting the naysayers who left the team for dead on the side of the road in their p... </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 5-26</h1> <p>Tue, 26 May 2009 08:59:40 GMT</p> click audio below....<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 5-25</h1> <p>Mon, 25 May 2009 08:54:58 GMT</p> click audio below...<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>Game 3 Live Blog 5/23/09</h1> <p>Sat, 23 May 2009 19:26:42 GMT</p> Its the Canes biggest game of the year and LeBlanc has gone missing! No worries I will rescue us all....<br /> <br /> Leblanc is at his sister-in-law's wedding and missing game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. I know, I said the same thing.......so? Okay I'm all talk, I would never say that. Thus, we've gone from a guy that dreams about forechecking to an Alabama redneck that played hooky more than I watched hockey. But we will get through it.<br /> <br /> Pre-game thoughts:<br /> <br />... </article> <article> <h1>Game 3 Live Blog 5/23/09</h1> <p>Sat, 23 May 2009 18:52:30 GMT</p> Its the Canes biggest game of the year and LeBlanc has gone missing! No worries I will rescue us all....<br /> <br /> LeBlanc is at his sister-in-law's wedding and missing game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. I know, I said the same thing.......so? Okay I'm all talk, I would never say that. Thus, we've gone from a guy that dreams about forechecking to an Alabama redneck that played hooky more than I watched hockey. But we will get through it.<br /> <br /> Pre-game thoughts:<br /> <br />... </article> <article> <h1>Can the Canes pull it together at home?</h1> <p>Fri, 22 May 2009 22:00:01 GMT</p> Heading into the series, <a href="~/getdoc/ab9f699c-2518-4b16-9b1a-02adcd4f358e/Canes-Penguins-series-preview.aspx">some hack commentator said something</a> about the Canes' defense deciding this series. So far, it's true to form: the defense has been terrible, and the Canes are in a 2-0 hole.<br /> <br /> Of course, the two-headed offensive attack otherwise known as Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin can make any defense in the NHL look like a club team. The luxury for the Penguins i... </article> <article> <h1>Can the Canes pull it together at home?</h1> <p>Fri, 22 May 2009 22:00:01 GMT</p> Heading into the series, <a href="~/getdoc/ab9f699c-2518-4b16-9b1a-02adcd4f358e/Canes-Penguins-series-preview.aspx">some hack commentator said something</a> about the Canes' defense deciding this series. So far, it's true to form: the defense has been terrible, and the Canes are in a 2-0 hole.<br /> <br /> Of course, the two-headed offensive attack otherwise known as Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin can make any defense in the NHL look like a club team. The luxury for the Penguins i... </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 5-22</h1> <p>Fri, 22 May 2009 09:02:29 GMT</p> click audio below...<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>Game 2: Penguins 7, Canes 4</h1> <p>Thu, 21 May 2009 12:36:48 GMT</p> Let's just forget that game happened, shall we? If you want to subject yourself to the live chat of a Swiss cheese defensive game, it's below. Otherwise, we'll see you on Saturday for Game 3.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php?option=com_mobile&task=viewaltcast&altcast_... </article> <article> <h1>Game 2: Penguins 7, Canes 4</h1> <p>Thu, 21 May 2009 12:36:48 GMT</p> Let's just forget that game happened, shall we? If you want to subject yourself to the live chat of a Swiss cheese defensive game, it's below. Otherwise, we'll see you on Saturday for Game 3.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php?option=com_mobile&task=viewaltcast&altcast_... </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 5-21</h1> <p>Thu, 21 May 2009 09:44:13 GMT</p> click audio below....<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 5-20</h1> <p>Wed, 20 May 2009 09:06:39 GMT</p> click audio below......<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 5-19</h1> <p>Tue, 19 May 2009 12:00:12 GMT</p> click audio below....<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 5-18</h1> <p>Tue, 19 May 2009 11:57:26 GMT</p> click audio below....<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>Game 1: Penguins 3, Canes 2</h1> <p>Mon, 18 May 2009 22:06:47 GMT</p> Live chat number two wasn't as successful as the first one. However, if past experience is any guide, the Canes have the Penguins right where they want them. Marc-Andre Fleury was spectacular in net and the Penguins' offense did the rest, keeping the Canes' D off balance just enough to squeeze a victory out in game one. Joe Corvo added some intrigue to the proceedings, scoring a power play goal with a minute and a half left, and Fleury had to be sharp to stop a weird bouncing p... </article> <article> <h1>Game 1: Penguins 3, Canes 2</h1> <p>Mon, 18 May 2009 22:06:47 GMT</p> Live chat number two wasn't as successful as the first one. However, if past experience is any guide, the Canes have the Penguins right where they want them. Marc-Andre Fleury was spectacular in net and the Penguins' offense did the rest, keeping the Canes' D off balance just enough to squeeze a victory out in game one. Joe Corvo added some intrigue to the proceedings, scoring a power play goal with a minute and a half left, and Fleury had to be sharp to stop a weird bouncing p... </article> <article> <h1>Canes/Penguins series preview</h1> <p>Sun, 17 May 2009 21:30:58 GMT</p> Both teams in this year's Eastern Conference finals can be forgiven for considering it old hat to get to this point. The Penguins, of course, defeated the Flyers last year in this round to advance to a six-game loss to Detroit in the Stanley Cup final. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes make their third appearance in this round in franchise history, and all three of those appearances have come in the last seven seasons ('02, '06 and now '09; there were no '05 playoffs due to the lockout).<br ... </article> <article> <h1>Canes/Penguins series preview</h1> <p>Sun, 17 May 2009 21:30:58 GMT</p> Both teams in this year's Eastern Conference finals can be forgiven for considering it old hat to get to this point. The Penguins, of course, defeated the Flyers last year in this round to advance to a six-game loss to Detroit in the Stanley Cup final. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes make their third appearance in this round in franchise history, and all three of those appearances have come in the last seven seasons ('02, '06 and now '09; there were no '05 playoffs due to the lockout).<br ... </article> <article> <h1>Julie Walker diagnosed with cervical cancer</h1> <p>Sat, 16 May 2009 14:48:11 GMT</p> When I went to the RBC Center for today's media session, I certainly wasn't expecting this bombshell to be dropped.<br /> <br /> Scott Walker's wife, Julie, was diagnosed with cervical cancer last week, prior to game 5 of the series against the Bruins. Walker, you'll remember, was the center of controversy in that game, after his one-punch knockout of Aaron Ward late in the game made him public enemy number one in Boston. Walker told his teammates prior to that game, but the team a... </article> <article> <h1>Julie Walker diagnosed with cervical cancer</h1> <p>Sat, 16 May 2009 14:48:11 GMT</p> When I went to the RBC Center for today's media session, I certainly wasn't expecting this bombshell to be dropped.<br /> <br /> Scott Walker's wife, Julie, was diagnosed with cervical cancer last week, prior to game 5 of the series against the Bruins. Walker, you'll remember, was the center of controversy in that game, after his one-punch knockout of Aaron Ward late in the game made him public enemy number one in Boston. Walker told his teammates prior to that game, but the team a... </article> <article> <h1>Canes/Bruins series recap</h1> <p>Sat, 16 May 2009 09:20:34 GMT</p> First off, thanks to everyone who participated in Thursday night's live chat. I hope you had as much fun as I did. We'll do it again in the next round, for sure.<br /> <br /> Now you know why the cliche in hockey circles is that the regular season matchup means nothing when two teams meet in the playoffs. The Hurricanes lost all four games in the regular season to the Bruins, but that very obviously doesn't matter at this point, as the Bruins are sitting at home wondering wha... </article> <article> <h1>Canes/Bruins series recap</h1> <p>Sat, 16 May 2009 09:20:34 GMT</p> First off, thanks to everyone who participated in Thursday night's live chat. I hope you had as much fun as I did. We'll do it again in the next round, for sure.<br /> <br /> Now you know why the cliche in hockey circles is that the regular season matchup means nothing when two teams meet in the playoffs. The Hurricanes lost all four games in the regular season to the Bruins, but that very obviously doesn't matter at this point, as the Bruins are sitting at home wondering wha... </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 5-14</h1> <p>Thu, 14 May 2009 10:35:05 GMT</p> click audio below....<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>Game 7: Canes 3, Bruins 2 (OT)</h1> <p>Wed, 13 May 2009 23:28:28 GMT</p> For the third time in eight seasons, the Hurricanes are in the Eastern Conference final. Scott Walker was the man of the hour, scoring the series winner 18:46 into overtime and sending the TD Banknorth Garden home bitterly disappointed. For the first time, Puck Drops featured a live chat, and this won't be the last one. Recap the game below.<br /> <br /> <iframe height="550" frameborder="0" width="470" scrolling="no" src="http://www.coveritlive.com/index2.php/option=com_altca... </article> <article> <h1>Game 7: Canes 3, Bruins 2 (OT)</h1> <p>Wed, 13 May 2009 23:28:28 GMT</p> For the third time in eight seasons, the Hurricanes are in the Eastern Conference final. Scott Walker was the man of the hour, scoring the series winner 18:46 into overtime and sending the TD Banknorth Garden home bitterly disappointed. For the first time, Puck Drops featured a live chat, and this won't be the last one. Recap the game below.<br /> <br /> <iframe height="550" frameborder="0" width="470" scrolling="no" src="http://www.coveritlive.com/index2.php/option=com_altca... </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 5-13</h1> <p>Wed, 13 May 2009 08:37:42 GMT</p> click audio below....<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>Game 6: Bruins 4, Canes 2</h1> <p>Tue, 12 May 2009 18:49:11 GMT</p> The Canes had three chances to advance to the Eastern Conference finals. They've squandered two of them, and now their backs are against the wall yet again. The Boston Bruins continued their inspired play that started in Sunday's Game 5 and took a 4-2 decision out of the RBC Center and back to Beantown for Game 7 on Thursday. Matt Cullen and Sergei Samsonov scored goals for the Canes, but it wasn't enough as Boston's consistent pressure wore the Canes down and forced the home t... </article> <article> <h1>Game 6: Bruins 4, Canes 2</h1> <p>Tue, 12 May 2009 18:46:25 GMT</p> The Canes had three chances to advance to the Eastern Conference finals. They've squandered two of them, and now their backs are against the wall yet again. The Boston Bruins continued their inspired play that started in Sunday's Game 5 and took a 4-2 decision out of the RBC Center and back to Beantown for Game 7 on Thursday. Matt Cullen and Sergei Samsonov scored goals for the Canes, but it wasn't enough as Boston's consistent pressure wore the Canes down and forced the home t... </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 5-12</h1> <p>Tue, 12 May 2009 08:38:39 GMT</p> click audio below....<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 5-11</h1> <p>Mon, 11 May 2009 11:46:34 GMT</p> click the audio below...<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>Game 4: Canes 4, Bruins 1</h1> <p>Fri, 08 May 2009 18:50:41 GMT</p> It took the better part of the game, but once the Canes get on a roll, no one can stop them. That much was evident tonight in game four, a nail-biting game until the latter portions of the third period that the Canes eventually won 4-1. Their power play, so harmless in the New Jersey series, has been deadly in this series, going 2-for-5 tonight and rolling along at a 30% clip against a Bruins penalty kill that was perfect in round one. The Bruins find themselves with some serio... </article> <article> <h1>Game 4: Canes 4, Bruins 1</h1> <p>Fri, 08 May 2009 18:50:41 GMT</p> It took the better part of the game, but once the Canes get on a roll, no one can stop them. That much was evident tonight in game four, a nail-biting game until the latter portions of the third period that the Canes eventually won 4-1. Their power play, so harmless in the New Jersey series, has been deadly in this series, going 2-for-5 tonight and rolling along at a 30% clip against a Bruins penalty kill that was perfect in round one. The Bruins find themselves with some serio... </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 5-8</h1> <p>Fri, 08 May 2009 11:44:51 GMT</p> click the audio below...<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 5-7</h1> <p>Thu, 07 May 2009 11:43:06 GMT</p> click the audio below....<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>Game 3: Canes 3, Bruins 2 (OT)</h1> <p>Wed, 06 May 2009 19:59:36 GMT</p> Jussi Jokinen has emerged as the go-to guy if you need a clutch goal. The Canes faced the Bruins in Game 3 of their conference semifinal series on Wednesday night, and just like game 3 of the last series, it took extra hockey to decide it. Jokinen's fifth of the playoffs, and his second game-winner (not counting the goal that tied the game late in game 7 of the first round), completed a comeback win for the Canes and gave them a 2-1 lead in the series. Against some high odds pl... </article> <article> <h1>Game 3: Canes 3, Bruins 2 (OT)</h1> <p>Wed, 06 May 2009 19:59:36 GMT</p> Jussi Jokinen has emerged as the go-to guy if you need a clutch goal. The Canes faced the Bruins in Game 3 of their conference semifinal series on Wednesday night, and just like game 3 of the last series, it took extra hockey to decide it. Jokinen's fifth of the playoffs, and his second game-winner (not counting the goal that tied the game late in game 7 of the first round), completed a comeback win for the Canes and gave them a 2-1 lead in the series. Against some high odds pl... </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 5-6</h1> <p>Wed, 06 May 2009 11:38:26 GMT</p> click the audio below....<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 5-5</h1> <p>Tue, 05 May 2009 11:25:46 GMT</p> click the audio below.....<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 5-4</h1> <p>Mon, 04 May 2009 11:22:21 GMT</p> click the audio below....<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>Game 2: Canes 2, Bruins 0</h1> <p>Sun, 03 May 2009 19:26:02 GMT</p> The Canes escape Boston with the split in the series' first two games. Cam Ward posted his second shutout of the postseason and despite a wacky play on a goal that looked to be in but was ruled no goal after a ten-minute review, the Canes put two undisputed goals past Tim Thomas and earned a 3-0 win after an empty net goal. The things that the Canes needed to improve on after Friday's game were much improved, and the Canes will return back to Raleigh with some solid momentum on their... </article> <article> <h1>Game 2: Canes 2, Bruins 0</h1> <p>Sun, 03 May 2009 19:26:02 GMT</p> The Canes escape Boston with the split in the series' first two games. Cam Ward posted his second shutout of the postseason and despite a wacky play on a goal that looked to be in but was ruled no goal after a ten-minute review, the Canes put two undisputed goals past Tim Thomas and earned a 3-0 win after an empty net goal. The things that the Canes needed to improve on after Friday's game were much improved, and the Canes will return back to Raleigh with some solid momentum on their... </article> <article> <h1>Game 1: Bruins 4, Canes 1</h1> <p>Fri, 01 May 2009 19:18:00 GMT</p> The first game in the second round looked a lot like the first game in the first round for the Hurricanes. Old nemesis Marc Savard scored twice and the Bruins had their way with the Canes, skating off with a 4-1 victory to take a 1-0 lead in the series. It was a frustrating night for the Canes, as the Bruins were quick to pounce on every mistake the Canes made and they made them pay with some great shots that Cam Ward had no chance to stop. Fortunately for the Canes, the proble... </article> <article> <h1>Game 1: Bruins 4, Canes 1</h1> <p>Fri, 01 May 2009 19:18:00 GMT</p> The first game in the second round looked a lot like the first game in the first round for the Hurricanes. Old nemesis Marc Savard scored twice and the Bruins had their way with the Canes, skating off with a 4-1 victory to take a 1-0 lead in the series. It was a frustrating night for the Canes, as the Bruins were quick to pounce on every mistake the Canes made and they made them pay with some great shots that Cam Ward had no chance to stop. Fortunately for the Canes, the proble... </article> <article> <h1>TZ Take 5-1</h1> <p>Fri, 01 May 2009 09:50:56 GMT</p> click audio below...<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>Canes/Bruins series preview</h1> <p>Fri, 01 May 2009 05:00:00 GMT</p> The Canes' reward for shocking the New Jersey Devils in the last 80 seconds of Game 7? Facing a 116-point Bruins team that was the class of the Eastern Conference from start to finish, including a perfect 4-0 record against the Canes in the regular season. Will the Canes pull another upset?<br /> <br /> No question, the Hurricanes proved they belonged in the playoffs by beating the Devils in nail-biting fashion, but they face a tough challenge in the Boston Bruins in the second rou... </article> <article> <h1>Canes/Bruins series preview</h1> <p>Thu, 30 Apr 2009 21:37:46 GMT</p> The Canes' reward for shocking the New Jersey Devils in the last 80 seconds of Game 7? Facing a 116-point Bruins team that was the class of the Eastern Conference from start to finish, including a perfect 4-0 record against the Canes in the regular season. Will the Canes pull another upset?<br /> <br /> No question, the Hurricanes proved they belonged in the playoffs by beating the Devils in nail-biting fashion, but they face a tough challenge in the Boston Bruins in the second rou... </article> <article> <h1>Second round quick-hit previews</h1> <p>Thu, 30 Apr 2009 21:19:08 GMT</p> <i><b>In the East</b></i><br /> <b>(2) Washington vs. (4) Pittsburgh</b>: Gary Bettman's dream matchup finally comes true after three seasons. The main plot will, obviously, be the matchup between Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, but Caps goalie Simeon Varlamov has come out of nowhere to outplay Henrik Lundqvist and pull the Caps into the second round. Call it nothing more than a hunch, because by all logical reason the Penguins should be able to score at will against a rookie... </article> <article> <h1>One for the ages</h1> <p>Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:22:32 GMT</p> Here I go again with the hyperbole, but I believe every word of what I'm about to type.<br /> <br /> We just witnessed one of the top five playoff series in the history of the National Hockey League.<br /> <br /> Now, I'm not going to pretend to have an encyclopedic knowledge of hockey history going back to the days of the Montreal Maroons and the New York Americans. I understand that there have been a boatload of playoff series in the history of the NHL. But for seven games, thi... </article> <article> <h1>80 Seconds</h1> <p>Wed, 29 Apr 2009 07:26:35 GMT</p> The Canes score twice in the last 80 seconds on the greatest goalie of all time to win the series. Click the audio below for more!<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>Accidental Phone Calls</h1> <p>Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:06:46 GMT</p> <br /> David Poole rarely called me on purpose but he called me a lot. Since my last name is Zarzour, naturally I was programmed last in his cell phone. So anytime his phone pressed against something I got a phone call. I would have thirty minute messages from him every month or so, and it would always make me laugh.<br /> <br /> One time he called me on purpose just to say that he wanted to keep the streak alive. I will really miss those accidental phone calls as the greatest N... </article> <article> <h1>Game 6: Canes 4, Devils 0</h1> <p>Sun, 26 Apr 2009 19:04:00 GMT</p> The most competitive series in the playoffs to this point will come down to a winner-take-all game 7. Cam Ward matched Martin Brodeur's shutout in game 5 with a goose-egg of his own in game 6, and Ray Whitney's pairing with Eric Staal worked quick wonders to the tune of a four point night for Whitney and two goals for Staal in lifting the Hurricanes to a 4-0 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Sunday, setting up a game 7 in Newark on Tuesday. After all the teams have been through i... </article> <article> <h1>Game 6: Canes 4, Devils 0</h1> <p>Sun, 26 Apr 2009 18:58:30 GMT</p> The most competitive series in the playoffs to this point will come down to a winner-take-all game 7. Cam Ward matched Martin Brodeur's shutout in game 5 with a goose-egg of his own in game 6, and Ray Whitney's pairing with Eric Staal worked quick wonders to the tune of a four point night for Whitney and two goals for Staal in lifting the Hurricanes to a 4-0 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Sunday, setting up a game 7 in Newark on Tuesday. After all the teams have been through i... </article> <article> <h1>Game 4 postgame: Where do we go from here?</h1> <p>Wed, 22 Apr 2009 22:42:11 GMT</p> Obviously, last night's game will be talked about for quite some time in these parts. I mean, a hockey game in Raleigh, North Carolina between two teams with a combined national-media recognition at a level somewhere around senior fly-fishing tournaments (Tune in tonight at 8, only on Versus!), was the top story on SportsCenter this morning. If that doesn't tell you that last night was a classic, I'm not sure what would.<br /> <br /> But as I've heard from more than a few people, r... </article> <article> <h1>Game 4 postgame: Where do we go from here?</h1> <p>Wed, 22 Apr 2009 22:39:55 GMT</p> Obviously, last night's game will be talked about for quite some time in these parts. I mean, a hockey game in Raleigh, North Carolina between two teams with a combined national-media recognition at a level somewhere around senior fly-fishing tournaments (Tune in tonight at 8, only on Versus!), was the top story on SportsCenter this morning. If that doesn't tell you that last night was a classic, I'm not sure what would.<br /> <br /> But as I've heard from more than a few people, r... </article> <article> <h1>Taylor interviews Butch</h1> <p>Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:31:40 GMT</p> Butch on a great cause, which players graduating are hardest to replace, and the draft vs.recruiting.....<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>Game 4: Canes 4, Devils 3</h1> <p>Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:34:23 GMT</p> The goal with a minute left in the Stanley Cup Finals against Edmonton in Game 1? Forget it. Eric Staal's goal with three seconds left in game 2 of the '06 East semifinals against New Jersey? Plenty of time left on the clock. This one took the cake. I know we in the media are given to hyperbole a little too frequently, but what else can you say about a playoff game that is won by a goal scored with no time left on the clock? Jussi Jokinen gave the Canes a 4-3 ... </article> <article> <h1>Game 4: Canes 4, Devils 3</h1> <p>Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:33:53 GMT</p> The goal with a minute left in the Stanley Cup Finals against Edmonton in Game 1? Forget it. Eric Staal's goal with three seconds left in game 2 of the '06 East semifinals against New Jersey? Plenty of time left on the clock. This one took the cake. I know we in the media are given to hyperbole a little too frequently, but what else can you say about a playoff game that is won by a goal scored with no time left on the clock? Jussi Jokinen gave the Canes a 4-3 ... </article> <article> <h1>Taylor's VERY Rough Draft ACC Football Picks</h1> <p>Tue, 21 Apr 2009 07:05:36 GMT</p> <b>A couple of things to remember:</b><br /> 1. Injuries change everything.<br /> 2. Things could change between now and August, which is why I will do this again in a few months.<br /> 3. I never do well picking individual games, but seem to have some success predicting records. Last year I was exactly right with: NC St, Duke, Mary, VT, Mia, and UVa. I was one off with: UNC, Wake, and FSU. I was dead wrong about: Clem, BC, and Ga Tech.<br /> 4. These are one man's picks. Don't get too bent ... </article> <article> <h1>Game 3: Devils 3, Canes 2 (OT)</h1> <p>Sun, 19 Apr 2009 20:37:30 GMT</p> You know it's a big game when one Taylor Zarzour makes an appearance in the press box. He'll be posting his observations tonight, in addition to my solid (cough) analysis. Actually, he gets the honor of the first post tonight:<br /> <br /> <b>Pregame (TZ): </b>First thought: I've gotta say I've really missed this. 2006 was an awakening for someone born in the deep south. So, as I drove in I got pretty fired up passing all the flags and jerseys everywhere. <br /> <br /> Then... </article> <article> <h1>Game 3: Devils 3, Canes 2 (OT)</h1> <p>Sun, 19 Apr 2009 19:23:10 GMT</p> You know it's a big game when one Taylor Zarzour makes an appearance in the press box. He'll be posting his observations tonight, in addition to my solid (cough) analysis. Actually, he gets the honor of the first post tonight:<br /> <br /> <b>Pregame (TZ): </b>First thought: I've gotta say I've really missed this. 2006 was an awakening for someone born in the deep south. So, as I drove in I got pretty fired up passing all the flags and jerseys everywhere. <br /> <br /> Then... </article> <article> <h1>Canes 2, Devils 1 (OT)</h1> <p>Fri, 17 Apr 2009 19:59:15 GMT</p> Courtesy of some fabulous I-95 traffic, we showed up at the arena ten minutes into the game. Better late than never, I suppose. The Canes trail 1-0 on a power-play goal from Zach Parise ten minutes into the game, and they're on their first man advantage of the game as we pick up the action "live"...<br /> <br /> <b>14:15 1st</b>: Tuomo Ruutu hit the post on a snap shot from the high slot, the Canes' first good scoring chance of the game. Maybe I was the missin... </article> <article> <h1>Final Four 2009 Pictures</h1> <p>Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:45:38 GMT</p> </article> <article> <h1>Quick hit previews of the other series</h1> <p>Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:27:55 GMT</p> Not a lengthy writeup on each series, but here's one man's opinion on the other seven series:<br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Eastern Conference</i></b></span><br /> <br /> <b>(1) Boston vs. (8) Montreal</b>: The Bruins have the best defenseman in the East in Zdeno Chara, the odds-on favorite to win the Vezina Trophy (best goaltender) in Tim Thomas, and an offense led by youngsters who are relative newcomers to the postseason. The Canadiens have...well, they d... </article> <article> <h1>Canes/Devils series preview</h1> <p>Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:15:42 GMT</p> A day late, but hopefully not a dollar short.<br /> <br /> If it's playoff hockey, it must be the Hurricanes and the Devils. This is the fourth time since 2001 that the teams have met in the postseason, and in the three previous series the winning team has advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals (not to mention, two of those teams won the Cup, the '01 Devils and '06 Canes). The teams are familiar with each other, with Game 0 of this series occurring last Saturday in Newark, but then aga... </article> <article> <h1>Canes/Devils series schedule</h1> <p>Sun, 12 Apr 2009 23:55:22 GMT</p> After clicking refresh way too many times tonight, the NHL finally put the schedule out for the first round of the playoffs. Here's what we have to look forward to: <pre> Game Day Date Venue Location Time TV Game 1 Wednesday April 15 Prudential Center Newark, NJ 7:30 p.m. FS CAROLINAS, TSN Game 2 Friday April 17 Prudential Center Newark, NJ 7:30 p.m. FS CAROLINAS, TSN Game 3 Sunday April 19 RBC Center ... </article> <article> <h1>Sabres 5, Canes 1</h1> <p>Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:36:00 GMT</p> Admit it...you knew this was coming. The Canes' record 12-game home winning streak came to a crashing end courtesy of the hated Buffalo Sabres, who scored the first win by a road team in the RBC Center since February 17th in a 5-1 waxing of the Hurricanes on Thursday night. Cam Ward was pulled after the fourth goal, though it was obvious from his demeanor on the bench that he saw it as nothing more than an off night -- understandable, given that he's started 28 straight games for the... </article> <article> <h1>Even With Defections, Heels Will Be Daunting</h1> <p>Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:27:54 GMT</p> <div goog_docs_charindex="1">The jerseys are barely dry from North Carolina's dominating performance over Michigan State in the 2009 NCAA Championship game. So it's the perfect time to jump right in to the inevitably early look ahead to next season!</div> <div goog_docs_charindex="236"> </div> <div goog_docs_charindex="239">But first let me say to Carolina fans, your team just won the national championship and to me that means you can take <i goog_docs_charindex="358">at l... </article> <article> <h1>Could North Carolina Beat Sacramento?</h1> <p>Wed, 08 Apr 2009 05:36:39 GMT</p> If you really want to have some fun in the aftermath of the <st1:state w:st="on">North Carolina</st1:state>’s demolition, destruction, TKO, humiliating, beat down and beat down again rout of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Michigan</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place> in the NCAA championship game Monday night, check this out:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>We’re sitting in a room filled with experts, all shapes and s... </article> <article> <h1>Canes 9, Islanders 0</h1> <p>Tue, 07 Apr 2009 18:46:54 GMT</p> You probably thought the Canes were going to coast their way into the postseason, at least in this game, didn't you? Obviously, the residents of the home dressing room felt otherwise. A record-setting night saw at least four records fall on the RBC Center ice, as the Canes destroyed the New York Islanders 9-0 on Tuesday night. Among the records broken were a record shot differential (45), most wins by a goalie in a season (Ward's 39th), most home wins in a row (12), most hat tr... </article> <article> <h1>Tonight's The Night</h1> <p>Mon, 06 Apr 2009 06:50:12 GMT</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Mondays at a Final Four are a contrast between brutal monotony and unknown anticipation.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Today and tonight are no different.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>North Carolina is better than Michigan State but danger could be looming around the streets of Detroit for the Tar Heels and it has nothing to do with the fact the Spartans are 92 miles from East Lansing.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span... </article> <article> <h1>Taylor's UNC-Nova Notes</h1> <p>Sun, 05 Apr 2009 01:05:27 GMT</p> UNC vs. Villanova<br /> Ford Field, Detroit<br /> Saturday, April 4th, 2009<br /> <br /> <br /> -Let me get a few things off my chest before this one starts...<br /> <br /> 1. You could increase my pay by $20 Million and I'm still not moving my family to Detroit.<br /> <br /> 2. This facility is so big that no one can see the game. What next? Maybe the 2015 Final Four will be in the Grand Canyon!<br /> <br /> 3. The atmosphere for the Mich St victory over UConn was amazing. 72,000 fan... </article> <article> <h1>UNC Too Much For Villanova In 83-69 Win</h1> <p>Sun, 05 Apr 2009 00:57:00 GMT</p> <p>DETROIT – In a classic case of men vs. boys, North Carolina never gave Villanova much chance to breathe, let alone whip up a fresh dose of Final Four magic.</p> <p>Ty Lawson scored 22 points, Wayne Ellington had 20 more, and the Tar Heels, with their four, five, maybe more NBA-caliber players, eased to an 83-69 win Saturday night over the plucky but overmatched Wildcats.</p> <p>Tyler Hansbrough had 18 points and 11 rebounds to mark a quite successful return to the Final Four after a r... </article> <article> <h1>Canes 3, Penguins 2 (OT)</h1> <p>Sat, 04 Apr 2009 18:25:37 GMT</p> After a long three-year wait, there will be postseason hockey in North Carolina once again. The matchup of the two hottest teams in the NHL lived up to its billing on Saturday night, a wild affair that gave both coaches fits and wasn't decided until after regulation. Anton Babchuk's goal at 1:11 of overtime sealed the deal in a 3-2 Hurricanes victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, clinching a playoff spot for the Canes for the first time since winning the Stanley Cup in 2006.<br /> <... </article> <article> <h1>Canes 4, Rangers 2</h1> <p>Thu, 02 Apr 2009 19:45:21 GMT</p> It's been almost three years since the RBC Center has been as loud as it was on Thursday night. The Hurricanes went for their franchise-record tenth straight win on home ice, and after a slow start the Canes' faithful got what they wanted, a 4-2 victory over the New York Rangers that vaults the Canes into fourth in the Eastern Conference and, with 93 points, creeping closer to guaranteeing the team their first spot in the postseason since they won the Stanley Cup in 2006.<br /> <br /> <h... </article> <article> <h1>UNC's Weird, Wild Journey to Motown</h1> <p>Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:38:28 GMT</p> <p>Roy Williams’ Tar Heels have won 32 games, captured another ACC regular season title, and are prepping for a Final Four encore. By almost any definition, their 2008-09 qualifies as an unqualified success.</p> <p>Except for one not-so-subtle point that must be made: it’s North Carolina. </p> <p>Yes, that North Carolina. America’s most hallowed – and profitable – college basketball franchise. The hoops factory that’s delivered f... </article> <article> <h1>Heels Talk Final 4</h1> <p>Wed, 01 Apr 2009 07:23:24 GMT</p> Audio below includes:<br /> <br /> -Roy Williams on coaching salaries, the hall of fame, last year's Kansas game, and Ty's toe<br /> -Villanova Coach Jay Wright's thoughts on UNC<br /> -Tyler Hansbrough on the end of his career, winning a title, and facing pressure<br /> - Ty Lawson on why he changed his game<br /> - Danny Green on how much he thinks about the Kansas game<br /> - Bobby Frasor on how grateful he is to be playing<br /> - Marcus Ginyard on how hard it is to be watching<br /... </article> <article> <h1>Roy Heading Towards Rare Air</h1> <p>Tue, 31 Mar 2009 06:22:32 GMT</p> It was Sept, 6, 2007 and Roy Williams and his wife, Wanda, were on my flight from Raleigh-Durham en route to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Springfield</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">Mass.</st1:state></st1:place></span></span><br /> <br /> Most flights the basketball coach at <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">North Carolina</st1:place></st1:state> had taken seemed routine. One recruiting visit followed by another. One game, by another. This one would be different.</p> <p c... </article> <article> <h1>Heels Put the Pedal Down, Motor to Detroit</h1> <p>Sun, 29 Mar 2009 23:43:53 GMT</p> We should have listened to them. Tyler Hansbrough and Blake Griffin insisted earlier in the week this wasn't a one-on-one matchup. Psycho T and the Terminator both made the case that this game was the University of North Carolina against the University of Oklahoma. Tar Heels against <span class="misspell" goog_docs_charindex="284" suggestions="Seiners,Sinners,Sooner,Sonars,Singers">Sooners</span>. Not last year's national player of the year against this year's. And ... </article> <article> <h1>Don't Expect the Toemance to Stop Until Carolina Does</h1> <p>Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:15:24 GMT</p> <div>If you're like me, Ty Lawson, Roy Williams, the entire Tar Heel team, most of the state of North Carolina, and pretty much anyone else you know, have heard of, or could imagine, you're tired of hearing about Lawson's big toe. The obsession and love affair with the constant updates on the toe has sparked a full blow toemance. And for a while, it looked like the toemance might be over.</div> <div> </div> <div>After Ty Lawson manned up and fought through a painful first half... </article> <article> <h1>Coach K Really, Really, Really LOVES His team</h1> <p>Thu, 26 Mar 2009 08:39:34 GMT</p> The audio begins with Coach K talking about how some fans feel about him....<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>Canes 2, Senators 1</h1> <p>Wed, 25 Mar 2009 18:56:11 GMT</p> At this point in the season, two points in the standings are the same no matter how they're obtained. For the Hurricanes, a franchise record-tying nine game home winning streak has seen nail-biters, blowouts, and close-to-the-vest games like Wednesday's 2-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators. For the Canes, though, the important thing is the two points that they've earned in each of those nine wins, and they've rocketed up the Eastern Conference standings into fiftn place as a result.&... </article> <article> <h1>Its All About Coaching</h1> <p>Wed, 25 Mar 2009 07:35:25 GMT</p> Ten current coaches have won National Championships. Seven of them are still in the tournament. SEVEN. The number would be eight if Arizona's Lute Olsen didn't retire before the season. So half of the field has been influenced by a man that has cut down the nets. If you include Olsen's influence at Arizona, here's how one person would rank the other eight:<br /> <br /> 16. Matt Painter. I rank him as the worst coach left in the field and all he did was WIN THE BIG TEN TOURNEY!<br ... </article> <article> <h1>Housekeeping odds and ends</h1> <p>Tue, 24 Mar 2009 21:29:53 GMT</p> First, you've probably seen this already, but I've started a Twitter feed that I'll update during each game that I cover. I'll also update it with trades, interesting press releases, free-agent signings, and the like. Check it out at <a href="http://twitter.com/puckdrops/" target="_blank">http://twitter.com/puckdrops</a>.<br /> <br /> And thanks to our fabulous webmaster (who put up with way too much pestering from yours truly), we now have a <a href="http://www.thebigtailgate.com/... </article> <article> <h1>An Interview With CBS and SI's Seth Davis</h1> <p>Tue, 24 Mar 2009 08:05:52 GMT</p> Click on audio below!<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>Hold On ACC Bashers, Or At Least Till Thursday</h1> <p>Tue, 24 Mar 2009 06:35:46 GMT</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Never have I been a basher of the ACC. Never had to be. I mean I worked so many Final Fours for the <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Durham</st1:place></st1:city> newspapers in 39 years, The Durham Sun and The Herald-Sun, that basketball bashing existed in other areas. Like, <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Texas</st1:place></st1:state> for example. Or <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Alabama</st1:state></st1:place>. Spring football is big in those ... </article> <article> <h1>Canes 3, Panthers 2 (OT, at Florida)</h1> <p>Mon, 23 Mar 2009 19:19:20 GMT</p> For the first, and probably last, time, the Live Blog comes to you live from my living room. Tonight's Canes/Panthers tilt at the BankAtlantic Center in south Florida isn't the first time a Canes road game is only available on Center Ice (including a game in Montreal that was only available in French earlier this season), but the circumstances surrounding this one are a bit different than usual.<br /> <br /> First, thanks to the Versus exclusive on Monday nights, neither team's local bro... </article> <article> <h1>Big Dance Marches On Without The ACC</h1> <p>Sun, 22 Mar 2009 18:27:27 GMT</p> Alright ACC coaches, quit your bellyaching (I was tempted to go with something stronger, but this is a family-friendly blog).<br /> <br /> You wanted – no, demanded – that more than a handful of your brethren go dancing. You raise a similar ruckus every year around this time. Not all 12 of you, mind you, and not the same ones with each calendar turn, but you know who you are Mr. Greenberg, Krzyzewski, and Williams. <br /> <br /> I’m pretty sure the NCAA To... </article> <article> <h1>Big Dance Marches On Without The ACC</h1> <p>Sun, 22 Mar 2009 18:17:12 GMT</p> Alright ACC coaches, quit your bellyaching (I was tempted to go with something stronger, but this is a family-friendly blog).<br /> <br /> You wanted – no, demanded – that more than a handful of your brethren go dancing. You raise a similar ruckus every year around this time. Not all 12 of you, mind you, and not the same ones with each calendar turn, but you know who you are Mr. Greenberg, Krzyzewski, and Williams. <br /> <br /> I’m pretty sure the NCAA Tou... </article> <article> <h1>Canes 4, Capitals 1</h1> <p>Sat, 21 Mar 2009 18:51:23 GMT</p> Going into tonight's game, the Hurricanes had taken all four possible points available in the first two games of a three-game homestand to solidify their standing in the Eastern Conference playoff race. But with the Washington Capitals coming to town for game number three, the Canes' seven-game home winning streak was very much in doubt of continuing, especially since the Canes were playing yet another stretch of three games in four nights. The Canes started the game with tired legs,... </article> <article> <h1>Canes 5, Islanders 4</h1> <p>Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:02:15 GMT</p> The message on the white board in the Hurricanes' dressing room after the game said simply "Good teams find a way to win." Considering the near-total defensive collapse in the second period of the Canes' 5-4 victory over the New York Islanders, that message rings loud and clear in the ears of the Canes' players, who blew an early two-goal lead by giving up four straight goals, but then rallied with three of their own to defeat the Islanders in a game that the Canes desperately ne... </article> <article> <h1>Canes 4, Devils 2</h1> <p>Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:50:58 GMT</p> Blame the NHL scheduling monkey for this anomaly: of the four games between the teams this season, the Hurricanes play the New Jersey Devils three times over the final three weeks of the season. The Canes caught a break, however slight, with Martin Brodeur manning the door to the bench tonight after breaking Patrick Roy's record of 551 victories Tuesday night against Chicago. With backup Kevin Weekes manning the net, the Canes took two critical points from the NHL's hottest team, win... </article> <article> <h1>What About Duke?</h1> <p>Wed, 18 Mar 2009 07:23:48 GMT</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I don’t care if Pitt is standing in the way and brings the Steelers defense to sit behind its bench. Oh, by the way, Digger Phelps picks Pitt to win it all. Like you, I will remember that!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Duke is seeded No. 2 in the East, Pitt No. 1. Krzyzewski loves the East, trust me. He once said, “<st1:city w:st="on">Philadelphia</st1:city> has a soul for basketball,” and that was BEFORE Christian Laettner delivered <... </article> <article> <h1>ACC Contenders Try On Their Dancing Shoes</h1> <p>Tue, 17 Mar 2009 23:06:41 GMT</p> <p>The expanded ACC has made quite a stink the past few years about only having a handful of its clubs selected for the NCAA Tournament. Well, in 2008-09, either that not-so-gentle coaxing mind-warped the suits in Indianapolis, or the league was simply better. I’ll choose the latter. The result was seven total bids – six of which are seven seeds or better – and a top perch for North Carolina.</p> <p>Frankly, anything less would have been uncivilized. Th... </article> <article> <h1>Where Have You Gone, Mr. Packer?</h1> <p>Mon, 16 Mar 2009 22:20:10 GMT</p> I’ll admit it, I miss Billy Packer. To some, nay, most of the people I know (friends, acquaintances, people I respect, people I don’t respect) that may be heresy. But it’s true. I missed him during the ACC Tournament, I missed him during the Carolina-Duke game last week and I’ll miss him over the next three weeks of madness. <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"> </font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" sty... </article> <article> <h1>Bracket Thoughts</h1> <p>Mon, 16 Mar 2009 08:22:41 GMT</p> I thought the committee did an outstanding job of selecting the field. I do not agree with Arizona being in (in fact, I would've put San Diego St, St. Mary's, Creighton, and UNLV all ahead of them), but clearly they rewarded teams for their entire body of work.<br /> <br /> I am a bit perplexed about how they seeded certain teams, though. Since they tried to keep high seeds as close to home as possible (economic conditions were a concern), and they don't want two teams from the same conference... </article> <article> <h1>Taylor's Final Bracket</h1> <p>Sun, 15 Mar 2009 14:17:03 GMT</p> BY CONFERENCE:<br /> Big South- Radford<br /> A-Sun: ETSU<br /> OVC- Morehead St<br /> The Valley- N Iowa<br /> Ivy: Cornell<br /> SoCon: Chattanooga<br /> Colonial: VCU<br /> West Coast: Gonzaga<br /> MAAC: Siena<br /> Summit: ND State<br /> Sunbelt: WKU<br /> (2) Horizon: Cleve St, Butler<br /> NEC: R Morris<br /> Big Sky: Port St<br /> Patriot: American<br /> MEAC: Morgan St<br /> Am East: Binghamton<br /> (3) A-10: Temple, Xavier, Dayton<br /> (6) Big 12: Mizzou, Kan, Okla... </article> <article> <h1>Sizing Up the Real ACC Tournament Contenders</h1> <p>Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:08:34 GMT</p> <p>Each of the ACC’s dozen teams have descended on Atlanta for the 56th annual ACC Tournament, dreams of net-cutting sugar plums dancing in their heads. But 12 teams doesn’t equal 12 contenders. In fact, perhaps fewer than half meet Marlon Brando’s “I could’ve been a contender” status. Ultimately there will be only one come Sunday afternoon. So who is the sole survivor? The usual powers, Duke or North Carolina, who’ve combin... </article> <article> <h1>Heels Facing Tremendous Pressure</h1> <p>Wed, 11 Mar 2009 06:09:56 GMT</p> <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">North Carolina</st1:place></st1:state> is built for a run at the national championship and Roy Williams knows it. Somehow if these Tar Heels don’t get into the title game, the season will be remembered as a disappointment. It just comes with the territory – the bigger they are, the harder they fall line wasn’t made up yesterday.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Tyler Hansbrough once sat at ACC Operation Basketba... </article> <article> <h1>TZ's Daily Bracket Update (Wed)</h1> <p>Tue, 10 Mar 2009 06:44:26 GMT</p> Every year I try to get all 34 at large teams correct. I don't predict what their seeds are, or even who and where they're playing. Below is how many bids each league is getting.<br /> <br /> 1 Am East- Vermont<br /> 2 A-10***- Xavier, Dayton<br /> 6 ACC- UNC, Wake, Duke, FSU, Clemson, BC<br /> 1 A Sun- ETSU<br /> 6 Big 12- Kansas, Oklahoma, Mizzou, Ok St, Texas, A&M<br /> 7 Big East- Louisville, Pitt, UConn, Nova, Marq, Cuse, West Va<br /> 1 Big Sky- Weber St<br /> 1 Big South- Rad... </article> <article> <h1>Williams' 2005 Recruits Have Shown the Way for Heels</h1> <p>Mon, 09 Mar 2009 23:03:36 GMT</p> <div>Roy Williams' 2005 recruiting class walked off the floor of the Dean E. Smith Center Sunday night for the last time as players for the University of North Carolina. It included a national player of the year, an All-American, the school's all time leading scorer, an ACC player of the year...and that was just Tyler Hansbrough. It also included Danny Green, who has played in more Carolina victories than any other player, and Bobby Frasor, who's battled injuries throughout his caree... </article> <article> <h1>Canes 3, Rangers 0</h1> <p>Mon, 09 Mar 2009 19:06:40 GMT</p> Both the Hurricanes and the New York Rangers had this game circled as a monumentally important game in determining who would have the inside track to a playoff spot. Monday night, the game lived up to its billing, the Canes emerging victorious with a tough-fought 3-0 shutout of the Rangers that featured plenty of physical play, good scoring chances, solid goaltending and a crowd that was into the game. The see-saw continues at the bottom of the Eastern Conference playoff chase, as th... </article> <article> <h1>Taylor and Jed's All-ACC Basketball Ballots</h1> <p>Sun, 08 Mar 2009 22:21:53 GMT</p> <p>CLICK THE AUDIO BELOW FOR PODCAST!<br /> <br /> The latest Duke-North Carolina donnybrook is over. The regular season has ended. That means it’s tournament time. Even better, it’s time for the annual trek to the polls to hand out some ACC basketball postseason awards. <br /> <br /> WPTF Sports Director Taylor Zarzour and Assistant to the Sports Director Jed Williams (the Dwight Shrute to his Michael Scott) are both voting members of the Atlantic Coast S... </article> <article> <h1>Canes 6, Flames 1</h1> <p>Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:47:04 GMT</p> Friday's game was scripted to be the grand return of Erik Cole from exile in Edmonton. Apparently, Ray Whitney never got the memo. Cole did score once, but Whitney stole the show with three power-play goals, the last of which was the 300th of his NHL career, as the Canes pasted the Calgary Flames 6-1 to earn two critical points in the chase for the playoffs. Cole's return was a nice story, but the real story was on the shoulders of two players, Whitney and Cam Ward, who held th... </article> <article> <h1>Prediction on Carolina-Duke</h1> <p>Fri, 06 Mar 2009 08:24:35 GMT</p> At least 100 people have stopped me in person this week and asked, "what's gonna happen on Sunday." Here's what I've told them:<br /> <br /> -Duke is banged up. Jon Scheyer, Lance Thomas, and Brian Zoubek all suffered ankle sprains Tuesday against FSU, and Nolan Smith is still out (Maryland's Dave Neal almost cut him in half). Also, I wonder if Duke is going to hit that March wall that has ended their last couple of seasons.<br /> <br /> -Carolina is coming off arguably their tough... </article> <article> <h1>For Individual Awards Team Performance Matters </h1> <p>Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:21:29 GMT</p> Smith knew how to get his point across. For most of his career at <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">North Carolina</st1:place></st1:state>, his Tar Heels were at, or near, the top of the ACC regular-season standings. For 33 straight seasons, his teams finished at least in third place. They finished first 17 times, second 11 times and slipped all the way to third five times, making several Rams Clubbers I got to know in, and around, Durham, wonder what in the world went wrong. <p>... </article> <article> <h1>Out with the old, in with the...um...old</h1> <p>Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:46:19 GMT</p> Around 2:30 on Wednesday, I was sitting at my desk listening to TSN (Canada's version of ESPN)'s coverage of the NHL trade deadline, also known as Christmas for hockey junkies. The day had gone largely without major moves, the biggest coming early when the Senators flipped Antoine Vermette to the Blue Jackets for Pascal Leclaire (more on that below). As the clock ticked toward the 3:00 deadline, the TSN talking heads were bemoaning the fact that the deadline was a gigantic bore.<br /... </article> <article> <h1>State Needs To Win Tonight</h1> <p>Wed, 04 Mar 2009 07:38:29 GMT</p> Click audio below for my podcast....<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>First Team Honors for Hansbrough? At This Point, It Doesn't Matter.</h1> <p>Mon, 02 Mar 2009 23:01:52 GMT</p> <div>Get ready Tar Heel fans because they are coming. Some of them have already arrived. And if you're truthful to yourself, you have been expecting them for much of the season. Those notions, those thoughts that Tyler Hansbrough won't be named to the All-ACC first team this season are here. A few ballots have been opined already and whether or not you agree with them, I'm sure there are more to come. What you must remember Carolina fans, what you have to know is...... </article> <article> <h1>Jed Williams: There's So Many To Chose From!</h1> <p>Mon, 02 Mar 2009 06:43:40 GMT</p> Before Tar Heel nation sends Ramses to ransack my house, please note that this isn’t intended to be an indictment of “Psycho T.” Not in the least. It’s a simple declaration that when it comes to placing 15 players on the league’s three all-conference teams, choosing the five best out of those, and then crowning one individual above all others, the race has never been tighter…nor the selection tougher. <br /> <br /> At least the following 19 play... </article> <article> <h1>Thrashers 5, Canes 3 (from Atlanta)</h1> <p>Sat, 28 Feb 2009 18:27:20 GMT</p> At this time of year, two points are two points, no matter how you obtain them. The Canes had picked up two points over the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday, a hard-fought win that was of paramount importance in the chase for the playoffs, and looked to pick up two more against the Atlanta Thrashers on Saturday night. They had a two-goal lead halfway through the third period, then the Thrashers came to life and scored four improbable goals to lift them to a 5-3 victory over the Canes, spoi... </article> <article> <h1>UNC vs. Duke Photos</h1> <p>Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:35:55 GMT</p> </article> <article> <h1>Teams Preparing For The Most Exciting Day</h1> <p>Fri, 27 Feb 2009 06:31:11 GMT</p> It’s a day like no other because, as one colleague explained to me, it’s pure. There are no Alex Rodriguez storylines to follow here. There are no defensive linemen testing the free agency market and no agents more than willing to return media phone calls to hype their clients’ future in potentially a different uniform.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Selection Sunday is the greatest day in sports. Sixty-five college basketball teams have a chance to become ... </article> <article> <h1>Canes 2, Sabres 1 (OT)</h1> <p>Thu, 26 Feb 2009 18:44:44 GMT</p> It's sometimes a stretch to call any game in the NHL in February a must-win, but to the Carolina Hurricanes, Thursday's game against the Buffalo Sabres required two points by any means necessary. The Canes and Sabres entered the night separated by one point in the standings, and by the end of the night the teams were tied for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference as the Canes defeated the Sabres 2-1 in a shootout. It wasn't the prettiest game, but it was emotion... </article> <article> <h1>Frustrating Weekend Could Lead to Long Week for Heels</h1> <p>Mon, 23 Feb 2009 22:57:43 GMT</p> <div>A few seasons ago, Roy Williams took out some of his frustrations about how his team was playing defense by removing all the rims from the baskets and getting back to basketball basics. It wasn't very fun for the players. Could that happen this week? It's certainly wouldn't be surprising after another defensive letdown and collapse against Maryland.<br /> <br /> This year's edition of the North Carolina basketball team can be extremely frustrating at times. The goo... </article> <article> <h1>Gary Bettman comes to Raleigh</h1> <p>Sun, 22 Feb 2009 22:47:09 GMT</p> Before Friday's game against the Lightning, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman held a press conference to announce...well, nothing of importance (and he admitted as much at the very beginning of the session). He reiterated the NHL's plans to <a href="~/getdoc/3db24468-3bc5-40e3-827d-fb56b716097f/bettman-allstar.aspx">bring an All-Star Game to Raleigh</a>, and to his credit he didn't duck the question. This was the first time I can remember him coming right out and saying bluntly that Rale... </article> <article> <h1>Canes 5, Avalanche 2</h1> <p>Sun, 22 Feb 2009 14:57:44 GMT</p> The Carolina Hurricanes have finally remembered how to win at home, and their timing couldn't be better. After a stretch where the Canes were surrendering chances and blowing their own to the tune of being outscored 15-2 over three home games, the Canes have put it all together and are rolling on the strength of a line composed of two career third-liners and a holdover from the top six. Their 5-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche keeps the Canes in the thick of the playoff hunt, and wh... </article> <article> <h1>Canes 4, Lightning 1</h1> <p>Fri, 20 Feb 2009 18:34:40 GMT</p> The Hurricanes needed a game like this. After being outscored 15-2 in their previous three home games, the Canes built off a solid win on Long Island the night before and beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-1 to gain two important points in the standings. The Canes' power play came to life, with Joe Corvo scoring two 5-on-3 goals 39 seconds apart in the third period, and Jussi Jokinen had the game-winning goal against his former team.<br /> <br /> <hr /> <b><br /> 3:20 1st</b>: ... </article> <article> <h1>Figuring It Out In February</h1> <p>Thu, 19 Feb 2009 08:20:38 GMT</p> <p class="MsoNormal">True, <st1:state w:st="on">North Carolina</st1:state> was oh-and-two in the ACC and everywhere I went in <st1:city w:st="on">Durham</st1:city> and Chapel Hill and <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Raleigh</st1:place></st1:city> people were asking me what was wrong?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>What I’ve learned, well mostly, from covering ACC basketball in the heart of the conference – the Triangle – is that it isn’t how you st... </article> <article> <h1>Glen Wesley interview</h1> <p>Wed, 18 Feb 2009 10:59:59 GMT</p> I sat down with Glen Wesley before his jersey retirement to talk about his career, his impact on the community and on the players he now mentors in his new role, and a few other topics. It's a long interview, but very interesting and gives a great insight into Wesley's career and why the Hurricanes made the decision to retire his jersey. </article> <article> <h1>Glen Wesley Night: Bruins 5, Canes 1</h1> <p>Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:47:35 GMT</p> For the third straight home game, the Carolina Hurricanes had five goals hung on them by the opposition. This time, the Boston Bruins were the lucky party, skating into the RBC Center and taking a 5-1 decision on Glen Wesley Night. The Canes played well early, buoyed by the pregame ceremony retiring Wesley's jersey, but the Bruins showed why they are the class of the Eastern Conference, if not the entire NHL, by ruining the Canes' night. Combined with the other results in the N... </article> <article> <h1>One Week, Two Big Wins for North Carolina</h1> <p>Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:02:01 GMT</p> That Miami game was what some people like to call a trap game, and for obvious reasons. It was the first game after a very emotional, much hyped game against Duke. Yes, the win gave them a critical two game lead in the ACC standing. But it showed a toughness and a fight that Carolina fans have been clamoring for all season.<br /> <br /> It had all the makings of a competitive, gut-wrenching game for Carolina fans and that's exactly what it was.<br /> <br /> Miami has Jack M... </article> <article> <h1>Blue Jackets 5, Hurricanes 1</h1> <p>Sat, 14 Feb 2009 19:05:45 GMT</p> <p>Yet again, the Carolina Hurricanes needed two points. Yet again, they came away empty-handed. The Columbus Blue Jackets, a team with an identical record to the Canes and in the same position of being on the outside looking in at the playoff picture, came into the RBC Center and took it to the Canes early and often, piling up another five-goal outburst, the Canes' second five goal-against performance in as many games. You have to wonder now if the Canes are dead in the water ... </article> <article> <h1>Carolina On Different Level Than Duke</h1> <p>Fri, 13 Feb 2009 06:12:00 GMT</p> <p>For starters, if the Tar Heels have Ty Lawson perform like he did in the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Thursday night, they shouldn’t have a problem being one of the teams at the Final Four in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Detroit</st1:place></st1:city>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>I once saw Phil Ford execute a Blue Devils defense like a surgeon carving all the proper spots. Ford would spin on a dime, change directions so quickly if you bli... </article> <article> <h1>Panthers 5, Canes 0</h1> <p>Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:10:23 GMT</p> <p>Coming off a road trip that was successful by any definition, the Carolina Hurricanes returned home to a sellout crowd and proceeded to lay an egg in one of the biggest games of the season. The division rival Florida Panthers, who were a point ahead of the Canes in the Eastern Conference standings (and, more importantly, held the 8th and final playoff spot), skated into the RBC Center and struck early and often in a 5-0 whitewashing of the Hurricanes. The offense for the home team... </article> <article> <h1>Coach K On Carolina</h1> <p>Tue, 10 Feb 2009 08:39:31 GMT</p> Click on the audio below....<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>Duke-Carolina Renews Rivalry and Refreshes Memories</h1> <p>Mon, 09 Feb 2009 23:03:03 GMT</p> <div>I can remember that night with remarkable clarity because I was in attendance for that epic battle with my mother, a teacher by trade and nature, who decided it was more important for us to attend that game than it was for me to attend the next day's classes. </div> <div> </div> <div>There were a lot of firsts that night, first time I heard Mom drop the F-bomb, first time Mom heard me drop the F-bomb. First time we dropped a mother-son F-bomb in unison. First ti... </article> <article> <h1>Is Sid On The Clock?</h1> <p>Thu, 05 Feb 2009 11:17:07 GMT</p> Look, it comes with the territory, a logistic nightmare if you allow it to be one. Coaching <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">N.C.</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place> basketball isn’t easy. Ask Herb Sendek if you don’t believe me.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Wait, I’ve got a better idea. Listen up:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>I’m having lunch one day with Les Robinson near t... </article> <article> <h1>Heels Keep Emotions in Check, Not Checked at the Door</h1> <p>Mon, 02 Feb 2009 20:26:05 GMT</p> <div>I can understand the desire to see that from this group but it just isn't going to happen. Not to say they won't show emotion. After Danny Green's steal and three-point play in Tallahassee last Wednesday night (play of the game) tied the game, Green let out the closest thing to a 'Sheed scream you'll see. And Tyler Hansbrough showed his unique pent up, spastic emotion as he exited the game in Raleigh Saturday, high-fiving everyone from Woody Durham to Octavu... </article> <article> <h1>Canes 2, Thrashers 0</h1> <p>Sat, 31 Jan 2009 20:10:03 GMT</p> The Carolina Hurricanes have had a few firsts in the last couple of games. They scored their first shorthanded goal of the year on Thursday against the Lightning, and doubled that total with another SHG that was the game winner in a 2-0 whitewashing of the Atlanta Thrashers. The Canes outshot the Thrashers by a 2:1 ratio in the game, and Cam Ward earned his third shutout of the season, his first at the RBC Center this season, as the trend continued of the Canes showing up and beating... </article> <article> <h1>Canes 3, Lightning 2</h1> <p>Thu, 29 Jan 2009 19:53:50 GMT</p> After a four-game road trip that led the Carolina Hurricanes to a .500 record surrounding the All-Star Break, the Canes took advantage of home cooking in beating the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 on a late goal by Eric Staal. The win was of paramount importance to the Canes, who began the night in tenth place in the Eastern Conference, and kept pace with the teams immediately around them while denying two points to a surging Lightning team that entered the game on their most successful streak of... </article> <article> <h1>Already Thinking About The Big One</h1> <p>Thu, 29 Jan 2009 07:22:45 GMT</p> Once in mid-January at the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Smith</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype></st1:place>, when the media sat front row behind one of the baselines, a security guard walked over to my press seat during a timeout of a UNC-Virginia game and asked me who’d win the Duke-Carolina game. <p> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>The guy could care less about the game he was watching. Like most of us... </article> <article> <h1>Ginyard Still Trying to Get Back</h1> <p>Mon, 26 Jan 2009 23:19:28 GMT</p> <div>Roy Williams is probably struggling right about now as well. He's got a shorter bench than he thought he would have three months ago. And he's got the heart and soul of his team "suited" up beside him every night like he's a member of the coaching staff.</div> <div> </div> <div>Together, Williams and Ginyard are trying to figure out what to do now. If Ginyard plays in one more game this season, he won't be able to <span suggestions="red shirt,red... </article> <article> <h1>Longtime NC State Women's Coach Kay Yow Dies At 66</h1> <p>Sat, 24 Jan 2009 09:11:38 GMT</p> <font size="2"> <p>RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Hall of Famer and longtime North Carolina State women's basketball coach Kay Yow has died after a decades-long fight against breast cancer. She was 66. The university announced that Yow died on Saturday morning. She had been in the hospital since last week. <br /> <br /> Yow was first diagnosed with the disease in 1987. Yow won more than 700 games in a career filled with milestones. She coached the U.S. Olympic team to a gold medal in 1988, won four Atl... </article> <article> <h1>Frank Had A Feeling</h1> <p>Thu, 22 Jan 2009 07:13:34 GMT</p> <meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"> <meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId" /> <meta content="Microsoft Word 11" name="Generator" /> <meta content="Microsoft Word 11" name="Originator" /> <link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Ctzarzour%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List" /><o:smarttagtype name="PlaceType" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype name="PlaceName" namespace... </article> <article> <h1>Time to start over</h1> <p>Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:04:51 GMT</p> I've heard it said around these parts that last night's game was a microcosm of the season -- a burst of inspired play surrounded by lengthy stretches of play that's lackadaisical at best and just plain uncaring at worst. This is true, but I'm going to go one beyond that and say that the consistent inconsistency is a result of something -- don't know what, but something -- in the locker room that's preventing this team from accomplishing what they're capable of.<br /> <br /> If you haven... </article> <article> <h1>There's Always Been Media Bias, Including Here</h1> <p>Fri, 16 Jan 2009 08:50:35 GMT</p> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> <meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document" /> <meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11" /> <meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11" /> <link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Ctzarzour%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" /><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-micr... </article> <article> <h1>Leafs 6, Canes 4</h1> <p>Thu, 15 Jan 2009 19:46:03 GMT</p> The first live blog in Puck Drops' history is below. Unfortunately for the home team, it chronicles a 6-4 defeat to the Toronto Maple Leafs in which the Hurricanes rebounded from a 4-0 deficit to tie the game after playing what their coach described as a horse[squeeze] second period. Here goes nothing, as it unfolded from atop section 323...<br /> <br /> My computer decided that it didn't want me to start the live blog on time, so it was nearly halfway through the first period when... </article> <article> <h1>Tar Heels Must Shake Off Shock, Fight Their Way Back</h1> <p>Mon, 12 Jan 2009 19:18:35 GMT</p> <div>Was it shocking the Heels lost to the <span class="misspell" suggestions="Daemon,Damon,Demon,Damion,Damn">Deamon</span> Deacons? No, and I think the players might admit that. At least down deep they should. Wake is a good, young, athletic team that got a career night out of more than one player on the floor.</div> <div> </div> <div>But when you couple Sunday's loss with the Boston College home loss of a week ago you have an 0-2 league start and well-deserved shock.&... </article> <article> <h1>Football Covets What Basketball Has</h1> <p>Thu, 08 Jan 2009 08:36:22 GMT</p> It's a good thing it's January because people are not asking me what happened to the ACC's football world over the last three weeks. No, they’re wondering if Tyler Hansbrough will be cutting down the nets in <st1:city w:st="on">Detroit</st1:city> in April, if Duke will get to an 11th Final Four under Mike Krzyzewski, which would tie him with Dean Smith, and if Clemson will EVER win a basketball game in <st1:place w:st="on">Chapel Hill</st1:place>. <p><span> </span>Intrigue is ... </article> <article> <h1>The Coaching Carousel</h1> <p>Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:35:29 GMT</p> We will continue to refresh this entry until everyone has a coach next season. On Wed 1/7 let's see who's been fired, who's been hired, and who the schools should've chosen.<br /> <span style="font-size: larger;"><b><u><br /> <i><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">BOSTON COLLEGE<br /> </span></span></i></u></b></span> <meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"> <meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId" /> <meta content="Micro... </article> <article> <h1>Canes 3, Devils 2</h1> <p>Tue, 06 Jan 2009 22:15:39 GMT</p> <p>An old foe returned to Raleigh for the first time this season on Tuesday, as the Carolina Hurricanes welcomed the New Jersey Devils to the RBC Center. The Canes took a 3-2 decision that gave them some momentum heading onto the road for three games, and moved to within two points of the Devils for sixth place in the Eastern Conference.</p> <hr /> <p>One thing that's never changed in these games is the "To Hell With The Devil" video clip at the start of every game. They'... </article> <article> <h1>Lack of Leadership Has Heels Licking Wounds</h1> <p>Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:23:04 GMT</p> Sunday night against a good, hot-shooting Boston College team, chock-full of sophomores, Williams' upper class laden squad of Tar Heels looked like the team playing without an identity or a vocal leader to guide it through the storm.<br /> <br /> Of course there are leaders on this team. Tyler Hansbrough is a leader. Anyone with that work ethic (don't know if you knew this about Hansbrough but he works really hard) is going to and has rubbed off on other players and lead by example... </article> <article> <h1>Canes 2, Panthers 1 (OT)</h1> <p>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 23:27:34 GMT</p> This weill be short, as I spent the first two periods in the friendly confines of my couch trying to shake an annoying cold. Unfortunately, I picked the wrong night to stay home, as the Canes played their best game in the three weeks since Paul Maurice took over behind the bench, outplaying the Florida Panthers in every facet of the game and staking a firm claim to second place in the Southeast Division by beating the Panthers 2-1 in overtime.<br /> <br /> Goal scorers for the Canes were... </article> <article> <h1>Canes 3, Canadiens 2</h1> <p>Tue, 16 Dec 2008 22:03:07 GMT</p> <p>If you were to ask the Canadian media who the three stars were after the Canes' 3-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens, the answer would undoubtedly be the two referees, who were the story of the game's first two periods. They awarded eleven power plays to the Canes, and the Canes cashed in on three of them, enough to power the Canes to a win in the first game of a two-game homestand.</p> <hr /> <p>It was a slow-skating start for both teams. Halfway through the period, the team... </article> <article> <h1>The 2008-09 BCS Playoffs</h1> <p>Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:23:53 GMT</p> <p style="text-align: center;" class="EC_MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><font face="Times New Roman" size="5"><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold;">THE 2008 BCS PLAYOFFS</span></font></u></b></p> <div> <font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">To not have a playoff in Division 1-A Football is the most ridiculous thing in the world. At every other level of NCAA Football and in every other collegiate sport they have playoffs. It simply makes no sense. No one... </article> <article> <h1>How TZ and DOB Voted</h1> <p>Mon, 08 Dec 2008 07:32:06 GMT</p> Click for podcast below rankings!<br /> <br /> TZ<br /> 1. Florida<br /> 2. Texas<br /> 3. Oklahoma<br /> 4. Alabama<br /> 5. Penn St<br /> 6. Utah<br /> 7. USC<br /> 8. Texas Tech<br /> 9. Boise St<br /> 10. Ohio St<br /> 11. TCU<br /> 12. Cincinnati<br /> 13. Oregon<br /> 14. Georgia Tech<br /> 15. Pitt<br /> 16. Oklahoma St<br /> 17. BYU<br /> 18. Georgia<br /> 19. Ball St<br /> 20. Michigan St<br /> 21. Ole Miss<br /> 22. Virginia Tech<br /> 23. Northwestern<br /> 2... </article> <article> <h1>Canes 3, Capitals 1</h1> <p>Sun, 07 Dec 2008 20:06:12 GMT</p> <p>The Carolina Hurricanes had a chance to not only eat into the six-point separation between them and the Washington Capitals on Sunday, but they could also take three of a possible four points from a very tricky back-to-back at the RBC Center. After giving up a point to the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday, the Canes fought through a tough game against the Caps and emerged with a 3-1 victory that was much closer than the score indicated. The win was Paul Maurice's 269th as the Canes... </article> <article> <h1>Flyers 2, Canes 1 (OT)</h1> <p>Sat, 06 Dec 2008 22:24:07 GMT</p> <p>In the midst of three home games in four nights, the Carolina Hurricanes looked a lot better in game two of the second Paul Maurice era than they did in game one. They did get a point out of the game, but lost 2-1 to the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday in what most players (and the coach) considered a building-block game where more things went well than went poorly. Those building blocks are sorely needed, with the division leader waiting in the wings for a showdown on Sunday.</p>... </article> <article> <h1>Penguins 5, Canes 2</h1> <p>Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:05:44 GMT</p> <p>Meet the new Canes, same as the old Canes. On Paul Maurice's second debut night behind the Hurricanes' bench, the team looked very similar to the last games of the Peter Laviolette regime. The Pittsburgh Penguins, arguably the most opportunistic in the Eastern Conference, took a 5-2 decision from the Canes in a game that visibly demonstrated the multitude of difficult challenges facing the new coaching staff.</p> <hr /> <p>Before the game, the loudest cheers by far went to new a... </article> <article> <h1>The morning after</h1> <p>Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:03:04 GMT</p> After sleeping on yesterday's events overnight, I can see two distinct reactions taking shape in response to the Canes' firing of Peter Laviolette and re-hiring of Paul Maurice.<br /> <br /> The first is from a strictly Xs and Os hockey standpoint, and this is a pretty good move in that regard. Maurice has a reputation of playing defense first, second, and last at the expense of any offensive creativity, but I really think that his experience in Toronto has taught him to advance his thin... </article> <article> <h1>The FDA's (Frank Dascenzo Awards)</h1> <p>Thu, 04 Dec 2008 05:28:49 GMT</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in">* FDA Award for best November team:</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in">N.C. State, hands down. Nobody should want to play the Wolfpack in December. Those consecutive wins over Duke, <st1:city w:st="on">Wake Forest</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">North Carolina</st1:state> and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Miami</st1:city></st1:place> were impressive, considering three of those opponents finished with winning records.... </article> <article> <h1>Canes fire Laviolette, name Maurice head coach, Francis associate</h1> <p>Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:56:50 GMT</p> You tell me how I'm supposed to feel about this. I'm completely numb.<br /> <br /> The Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday fired coach Peter Laviolette, a move that's been long expected in response to the team's consistent inconsistency all season long. To replace him, they've hired Paul Maurice, who last coached the Toronto Maple Leafs...<br /> <br /> ...and, before that, was the coach of these very same Carolina Hurricanes.<br /> <br /> Whaa?<br /> <br /> I just returned from ... </article> <article> <h1>Bowl Projections 12-2</h1> <p>Tue, 02 Dec 2008 07:32:05 GMT</p> <b>Here's a couple of things to consider about NC State's bowl situation.....</b><br /> <br /> -State's going to have to wait and see what shakes out with bowl games that can't fill their slots. Right now (12/2) these are the games that are available: Papajohns.com, Hawaii, Motor City, Texas, the Poinsettia, and both spots in the Independence Bowl. Here are some things to consider before the announcements come on Sunday:<br /> <br /> *** if Ark St wins at Troy you will have two 7 win teams i... </article> <article> <h1>Nicks Caps Record-Setting Regular Season</h1> <p>Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:49:32 GMT</p> It's great to see Nicks, and his Tar Heel teammates, get that extra game after languishing his first two years in Chapel Hill. But even from his first game his talents could not be denied and they've blossomed this year to provide some of the most exciting plays ever by a Tar Heel <span suggestions="wide out,wide-out,whiteout,hideout,widest" class="misspell">wideout</span>.<br /> <br /> But, is it me or has he had the quietest record-setting All-<span suggestions="AC,ACCT,CC,ARC,ICC" cla... </article> <article> <h1>TZ and DOB vote 12-1</h1> <p>Mon, 01 Dec 2008 08:47:35 GMT</p> Click for podcast below!<br /> <br /> TZ<br /> 1. Alabama<br /> 2. Texas<br /> 3. Oklahoma<br /> 4. Florida<br /> 5. USC<br /> 6. Penn St<br /> 7. Utah<br /> 8. Texas Tech<br /> 9. Boise St<br /> 10. Ohio St<br /> 11. Ball St<br /> 12. Cincinnati<br /> 13. TCU<br /> 14. Oregon<br /> 15. Georgia Tech<br /> 16. Oklahoma St<br /> 17. Boston College<br /> 18. BYU<br /> 19. Missouri<br /> 20. Georgia<br /> 21. Michigan St<br /> 22. Ole Miss<br /> 23. Northwestern<br /> 24. P... </article> <article> <h1>Time For Butch To Back Up Hype</h1> <p>Fri, 28 Nov 2008 07:17:11 GMT</p> According to the most-reliable sources, your nearly-completed two-year record is 11-12 overall, 6-9 ACC, 3-4 in the month of November - and this season you have lost three of your last five games after winning five of your first six. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>And, Butch, oh-and-two against the Wolfpack?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>As one Rams Clubber asked me, what’s wrong?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> ... </article> <article> <h1>Flyers 3, Canes 1</h1> <p>Wed, 26 Nov 2008 21:59:22 GMT</p> <p>Another three-game losing streak has fallen upon the Carolina Hurricanes. The Philadelphia Flyers skated out of the RBC Center with a 3-1 victory that again saw the Canes play 40 minutes of solid hockey, but lose the game in the other 20. Much has been asked about the Canes' identity so far this year, and over the last few games the identity has been revealed to be maddeningly inconsistent.</p> <hr /> <p>The fireworks got started early (2:02 to be exact), with a heavyweight matc... </article> <article> <h1>Time for Tar Heels to Turn the Page</h1> <p>Mon, 24 Nov 2008 23:46:48 GMT</p> No matter what happened last weekend, (for the record it was a 41-10 beat down at the hands of Carolina's biggest rival...on senior day) the Heels face a match-up this weekend with...their biggest rival. At least that's how Duke sees it.<br /> <br /> The Duke Blue Devils would love nothing more than to take whatever is left off the luster of a once bright North Carolina football campaign. There is a reason this game is the last game of the season, and it must be that people think t... </article> <article> <h1>TZ and Denny Rankings for 11-24</h1> <p>Mon, 24 Nov 2008 09:31:11 GMT</p> CLICK BELOW RANKINGS TO HEAR THEIR PODCAST!<br /> <br /> DOB<br /> 1. Alabama<br /> 2. Texas<br /> 3. Oklahoma<br /> 4. Florida<br /> 5. Southern Cal<br /> 6. Texas Tech<br /> 7. Penn State<br /> 8. Utah<br /> 9. Boise State<br /> 10. Ohio State<br /> 11. Oklahoma State<br /> 12. Missouri<br /> 13. Georgia<br /> 14. Texas Christian<br /> 15. Ball State<br /> 16. Oregon State<br /> 17. Oregon<br /> 18. Cincinnati<br /> ... </article> <article> <h1>Predators 5, Canes 2</h1> <p>Sun, 23 Nov 2008 17:56:09 GMT</p> <p>Coming into Sunday's matchup against the Nashville Predators with a three-game winning streak in their back pocket, the last thing the Carolina Hurricanes wanted was to lay an egg before the home crowd. Unfortunately for them, the Canes never got their legs under them, despite five early power plays, and they dropped a listless 5-2 decision to the Predators in a relative snoozer.</p> <hr /> <p>The Canes had some early trouble winning faceoffs, at one point losing three straight in the... </article> <article> <h1>Canes 5, Coyotes 2</h1> <p>Fri, 21 Nov 2008 22:20:26 GMT</p> <p>The Carolina Hurricanes' first three-game winning streak of the season came courtesy of their most snakebitten player. Eric Staal's hat trick propelled the Canes to a 5-2 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes, the Canes' first game since November 4th in which they scored more than two goals in regulation. Three would have been sufficient, but a huge weight was lifted off the team's shoulders with Staal handling the goal-scoring duties in this one.</p> <hr /> <p>Early in the game, Sta... </article> <article> <h1>Nobody Is Winning This Fight</h1> <p>Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:37:59 GMT</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>You get the picture? At the bizarre rate of a pulse beat rapidly driving fans, media and coaches to a slower pace where confusing thoughts about quality and consistency – or lack of – have appeared week after week.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Just when some were curious to see if Butch Davis would be ushering North Carolina to a major (now BCS) bowl for the first time since Harry Truman lived in the White House, the thou... </article> <article> <h1>TZ Picks and Bowl Projections</h1> <p>Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:44:59 GMT</p> 1. The Jackets will cover 3 tonight against the U. Nesbitt better play well for this to be true.<br /> <br /> 2. Clemson will cover 2.5 at the Hoos. Dabo may not get this job but he might get another HC position with 2 more wins.<br /> <br /> 3. Wake will cover 1.5 at home vs. BC. This game could go either way but I will take the Deacs since Sam Swank should be available. He makes a MAJOR difference.<br /> <br /> 4. The Hokies cover 16.5 at home vs. Duke. I hope I'm wrong because I would l... </article> <article> <h1>Canes 2, Canadiens 1</h1> <p>Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:05:29 GMT</p> <p>Someone asked me on Monday if the Canes' shootout win over the Lightning the day before was a fluke or a turning point. I argued that it was more of a turning point, since the effort had been there consistently for two straight games. Tuesday's game made it three, as the Canes beat the Montreal Canadiens 2-1 in a highly entertaining game that continued building their confidence. After a three game losing streak in which the team looked completely listless, the Canes have now... </article> <article> <h1>If Ready, Yates Should Start Again</h1> <p>Tue, 18 Nov 2008 03:19:01 GMT</p> Assuming T.J. Yates is at full strength, he should resume his position as starting quarterback for the last two games of the regular season. Carolina's hopes of an <span suggestions="AC,ACCT,CC,ARC,ICC" class="misspell">ACC</span> title took a serious blow last weekend in Maryland, and are (again) on life support.<br /> <br /> A shot in the arm in the form of Yates reentering the lineup could be just what the doctor ordered.<br /> <br /> Sexton struggled mightily against the <span sugg... </article> <article> <h1>Taylor and Denny's Weekly Rankings</h1> <p>Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:03:22 GMT</p> CLICK BELOW RANKINGS TO HEAR THEIR PODCAST!<br /> <br /> Denny:<br /> 1. Texas Tech<br /> 2. Alabama<br /> 3. Texas<br /> 4. Oklahoma<br /> 5. Florida<br /> 6. Southern Cal<br /> 7. Penn State<br /> 8. Utah<br /> 9. Boise State<br /> 10. Ohio State<br /> 11. Oklahoma State<br /> 12. Missouri<br /> 13. Georgia<br /> 14. Texas Christian<br /> 15. Ball State<br /> 16. Michigan State<br /> 17. Brigham Young<br /> 18. LSU<br /> 19. Oregon State<br /> 20. Oregon<br /> 21. Maryla... </article> <article> <h1>Canes 3, Lightning 2 (SO)</h1> <p>Sun, 16 Nov 2008 23:12:46 GMT</p> <p>The Canes gutted out a win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday. The final was 3-2 in a shootout, but it could have been over in regulation if some bounces that went against the Canes had been lucky breaks for the home team instead.</p> <hr /> <p>There were some minor line shakeups after yesterday's practice, as Chad LaRose and Scott Walker have swapped places. Walker played with Rod Brind'Amour and Ray Whitney, and LaRose held down the right side on the Matt Cullen/Ryan Bayda... </article> <article> <h1>Capitals 5, Canes 1</h1> <p>Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:57:57 GMT</p> <p>Yet another lackluster effort from the Carolina Hurricanes led to yet another whipping from a divisional opponent. This time, it was the Washington Capitals providing the token opposition to a Canes' attack that was stuck in neutral at both ends of the ice all night long.</p> <hr /> <p>The Capitals started with a flurry of early shots, and that doesn't include a whiff on an open net by Viktor Kozlov at the right post two minutes into the game. The Canes had only mustered two sho... </article> <article> <h1>Heisman Trophy Up For Grabs</h1> <p>Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:36:46 GMT</p> Every November for the last 35-plus years I’d begin narrowing my Heisman Trophy list. <p><span> </span>I’d look forward to my ballot because it was a special envelope I so enjoyed opening, about as much as that well-wrapped box the blue-and-yellow Alaska Railroad Lionel <span> </span>engine came in my dad bought for me one Christmas back home in Pittsburgh.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>The Heisman Trophy is a sacred award you cann... </article> <article> <h1>Davis Will Have Suitors Following Success</h1> <p>Tue, 11 Nov 2008 05:08:02 GMT</p> Davis has the Tar Heels in a realistic position to make a <span class="misspell" suggestions="BXS,CBS,BC,BS,CS">BCS</span> bowl game, albeit with a little help. But think about that for a second, North Carolina has a chance to be in a <span class="misspell" suggestions="BXS,CBS,BC,BS,CS">BCS</span> game at the end of the year. This is a program just two years away from three wins and it has already won as many games this year as it had in the last two combined.<br /> <br /> I don't... </article> <article> <h1>Terry on the Tar Heels</h1> <p>Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:53:04 GMT</p> Near the end of the show a Hokie fan called in and talked about how much he would be cheering for State to beat Carolina, since things are tight in the Coastal Division. The Hokie fan asked Terry Harvey what he thought about that game. Click below to hear Terry's thoughts.<br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>How Taylor and Denny Voted</h1> <p>Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:27:06 GMT</p> CLICK BELOW RANKINGS TO HEAR THEIR PODCAST!<br /> <br /> Denny's Harris Ballot<br /> 1. Texas Tech<br /> 2. Alabama<br /> 3. Texas<br /> 4. Oklahoma<br /> 5. Florida<br /> 6. Southern Cal<br /> 7. Penn State<br /> 8. Utah<br /> 9. Boise State<br /> 10. Ohio State<br /> 11. Georgia<br /> 12. Oklahoma State<br /> 13. Missouri<br /> 14. Texas Christian<br /> 15. Ball State<br /> 16. Michigan State<br /> 17. Brigham Young<br /> 18. North Carolina<br /> 19. Florida State<br /> 2... </article> <article> <h1>Thrashers 5, Canes 2</h1> <p>Sun, 09 Nov 2008 23:06:21 GMT</p> <p>The Carolina Hurricanes played their third game in four nights on Sunday, and the fatigue showed as they skated in circles much of the night en route to a 5-2 pasting at the hands of the Atlanta Thrashers. There wasn't a ton to get excited about for the home fans, and they responded in kind, with the quietest game I've heard in quite a while.</p> <p>The Canes got an early scoring chance with Scott Walker taking a centering pass in the low slot 30 seconds into the game, but he fumbled t... </article> <article> <h1>Canes 2, Senators 1</h1> <p>Fri, 07 Nov 2008 22:12:33 GMT</p> It's a month into the season, and the Carolina Hurricanes played only their fifth home game on Friday night against the Ottawa Senators. After the Canes surrendered the first goal of the game to Mike Fisher late in the second period, they came back with two in the third to claim an important 2-1 victory.<br /> <br /> <br /> It was a bit of a quiet start for both teams, as both the Canes and Sens had played the night before and flew into Raleigh early Friday morning. That led to a cautious sta... </article> <article> <h1>Frank Needs You To Know</h1> <p>Thu, 06 Nov 2008 06:42:20 GMT</p> North Carolina, 6-2, 2-2 ACC, hosts Georgia Tech, 7-2, 4-2 ACC, in what should be the league’s best game this weekend with coach of the year implications scattered all over it. Both teams lost earlier this season to Virginia Tech by the identical scores of 20-17 and on back-to-back weekends in September. Oh, by the way, both teams suffered identical number of turnovers (four) vs. the Hokies. THEORY: The Jackets have won nine of the last 10 vs. UNC, so - maybe the Heels are overdue. <ul> ... </article> <article> <h1>Taylor and Denny's Top 25</h1> <p>Tue, 04 Nov 2008 06:08:43 GMT</p> Denny's Harris Poll<br /> 1. Alabama<br /> 2. Texas Tech<br /> 3. Penn State<br /> 4. Texas<br /> 5. Oklahoma<br /> 6. Florida<br /> 7. USC<br /> 8. Oklahoma State<br /> 9. Boise State<br /> 10. Utah<br /> 11. TCU<br /> 12. Ohio State<br /> 13. Georgia<br /> 14. Ball State<br /> 15. LSU<br /> 16. Michigan State<br /> 17. BYU<br /> 18. Missouri<br /> 19. West Virginia<br /> 20. California (Cal)<br /> 21. Georgia Tech<br /> 22. Northwestern<br /> 23. Florida State<br /> 24.... </article> <article> <h1>It's Time for Carolina Fans to Prove They're Ready</h1> <p>Mon, 03 Nov 2008 23:09:29 GMT</p> After having a six-day option exercised just to see how last week's game's played out, the North Carolina-Georgia Tech game will be broadcast at high noon this Saturday from Kenan Stadium.<br /> <br /> Even though this is just the second match up of two ranked teams in the ACC this year (and the only one this weekend), even though this is a huge game in the race for supremacy in the Coastal Division where five teams are tied with two losses, and even though both the Tar Heels and the Yellow Ja... </article> <article> <h1>Canes 6, Leafs 4</h1> <p>Sun, 02 Nov 2008 15:03:07 GMT</p> This game had all the earmarks of a letdown game. Not only were the Canes coming off a tough loss to the Edmonton Oilers in which they gave up the game-winning goal with under two minutes to play, but they were facing a Leafs team that had scored five goals in just over five minutes to beat the Rangers the night before. It certainly started out like it could be another disappointment, but the Canes' power play finally came to life, powering the team to a 6-4 victory.<br /> <br /> I... </article> <article> <h1>Oilers 3, Canes 1</h1> <p>Sat, 01 Nov 2008 13:16:47 GMT</p> It was a happy homecoming for Erik Cole as his Edmonton Oilers defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-1 in a game that the Canes would have won going away if their power play had shown up at all. Instead, an 0-6 night with the man advantage resulted in a win for the Oilers, their first win at the RBC Center since Game 5 of the 2006 Stanley Cup final.<br /> <br /> The Canes got the scoring started, as Ray Whitney caught the Oilers in a line change, took a beautiful stretch pass from Tim ... </article> <article> <h1>TZ Picks and Bowl Projections</h1> <p>Fri, 31 Oct 2008 06:35:48 GMT</p> Seaon vs. the line: 51-42<br /> Wins and losses: 76-32<br /> <br /> Scroll below my picks to get my weekly bowl projections too!<br /> <br /> Miami (-1.5) at UVA: I'm going to take the Canes to beat the Wahoos in a close one. I don't know that I've gotten a single UVA game right this season, so why stop now? They are the most unpredictable team in the history of the galaxy. The U 34, Hoos 30.<br /> <br /> #16 FSU (-2) at Tech: I like the Jackets in this one. I was surprised that they lost... </article> <article> <h1>Welcome to Puck Drops</h1> <p>Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:10:31 GMT</p> That's right, you read that correctly. We're expanding The Big Tailgate beyond football and basketball to give you the best coverage of the Canes anywhere.<br /> <br /> Wait...huh?<br /> <br /> I guess a bit of an explanation is in order.<br /> <br /> This blog will be an expansion of the game reports that you hear on WPTF, 96rock and the Big Tailgate Show. I mean, there are only so many things you can cram into a one-minute report, but a hockey game's 60 minutes long. Th... </article> <article> <h1>Its Almost November And We're Still Talkin' Carolina Football</h1> <p>Thu, 30 Oct 2008 06:41:48 GMT</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Just asking, but is Hakeem Nicks the best football player in the ACC?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>More of that later. Now this . . .</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>The similarities are beginning to show in the method of progress Butch Davis is orchestrating at starved-for-football-success <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">North Carolina</st1:place></st1:state> to the same scene Mack Brown watched in the middle 1990s.</p> ... </article> <article> <h1>Sexton Gives Heels a Good Problem</h1> <p>Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:16:28 GMT</p> Cam Sexton logged another chapter in his Carolina legacy last weekend by bouncing back impressively from perhaps his worst career performance against Virginia. And that is saying a lot if you saw him play his freshman year.<br /> <br /> Sexton has quieted almost any and all doubts that were apparent one month ago when he entered the game against Miami. Recollections of that disastrous freshman season flashed before many Tar Heel eyes. But a few hours later, after the crafty j... </article> <article> <h1>TZ and Denny's Top 25</h1> <p>Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:29:14 GMT</p> CLICK ON AUDIO BELOW RANKINGS!<br /> <br /> Denny's Top 25<br /> 1. Texas<br /> 2. Alabama<br /> 3. Penn State<br /> 4. Texas Tech<br /> 5. Oklahoma<br /> 6. Southern Cal<br /> 7. Georgia<br /> 8. Florida<br /> 9. Oklahoma State<br /> 10. Boise State<br /> 11. Utah<br /> 12. TCU<br /> 13. Tulsa<br /> 14. Ohio State<br /> 15. LSU<br /> 16. Ball State<br /> 17. BYU<br /> 18. Missouri<br /> 19. Minnesota<br /> 20. Florida State<b... </article> <article> <h1>Johnson Rises While League Slips</h1> <p>Thu, 23 Oct 2008 08:13:21 GMT</p> Trying to make excuses for the state of affairs in ACC football seems useless this week.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> No team in the Top 20 and only two, Georgia Tech (No. 21) and Boston College (No. 23), in the Top 25. Definition? Dismal.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> That, in general. This, in particular:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Triangle teams are a combined 10-10 overall, 2-7 ACC. No, <st1:state w:st="on">North Carolina</st1:state> still cannot win at <st1:state w:st="on... </article> <article> <h1>TZ and Denny's Top 25</h1> <p>Tue, 21 Oct 2008 09:12:24 GMT</p> <i><b>CLICK ON AUDIO BELOW RANKINGS!<br /> <br /> </b></i>Denny's:<br /> 1. Texas<br /> 2. Alabama<br /> 3. Penn State<br /> 4. Oklahoma State<br /> 5. Texas Tech<br /> 6. Oklahoma<br /> 7. USC<br /> 8. Georgia<br /> 9. Florida<br /> 10. Ohio State<br /> 11. Boise State<br /> 12. LSU<br /> 13. Utah<br /> 14. Pittsburgh<br /> 15. TCU<br /> 16. South Florida<br /> 17. Tulsa<br /> 18. Ball State<br /> 19. BYU<br /> 20. Missouri<br /> 21. Minnesota<br /> 22. Kansas<br /> 23.... </article> <article> <h1>Tar Heels Lost the Game, Not the Season</h1> <p>Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:02:02 GMT</p> Tar Heel fans outraged and appalled at the turn of events last Saturday need to settle down and remember exactly who their team is. And while the rest of the country may be doing its best Dennis Green, ("They are, who we thought they were!") some Heels fans are just now realizing who they've been cheering for all year.<br /> <br /> This is a team 11 months removed from needing overtime to beat a dreadful Duke team at home. And that <i>was </i>your daddy's Duke team, that ... </article> <article> <h1>TZ's Week 8 Picks</h1> <p>Thu, 16 Oct 2008 21:24:05 GMT</p> <br /> #21 Wake (-1) at Maryland: I'll take the Deacs in a tight one. Maryland may be the most unpredictable team on earth. With Wake you know what you're going to get....smart play and GREAT coaching. Wake 23 Terps 20.<br /> <br /> Tech (+3) at Clemson: I think Dabo will have the boys ready, but their O-Line is just too thin. Plus, the Jackets bring back Nesbitt. GT 21 IPTAY 17.<br /> <br /> Miami (-5.5) at Duke: Duke is starting to get a little banged up, and they don't have the depth tha... </article> <article> <h1>V, Laettner, and MJ...But Keldorf Too</h1> <p>Thu, 16 Oct 2008 06:31:20 GMT</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span> In 39 years, one month and 26 days of working for The Herald-Sun Company, in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Durham</st1:place></st1:city>, I was ridiculously lucky to have been ushered through some amazing scenes and sounds.<br /> <br /> Christian Laettner’s shot against <st1:state w:st="on">Kentucky</st1:state> at The Spectrum in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Philadelphia</st1:place></st1:city> in 1992 caused mos... </article> <article> <h1>Ambassador of Quan</h1> <p>Mon, 13 Oct 2008 20:12:43 GMT</p> It has become evident over the course of the last few weeks that North Carolina is going to win with big plays from its defense and special teams. And that's exactly how it won another big game in front of a national audience and overcame an otherwise huge day from Irish quarterback Jimmy Clausen.<br /> <br /> The defensive big play was obvious and while the special teams' wasn't as striking, its play was just as important if not more so and it came from perhaps an unlikely player.<br />... </article> <article> <h1>Taylor and Denny's Rankings</h1> <p>Mon, 13 Oct 2008 09:01:08 GMT</p> <i><b>CLICK ON AUDIO BELOW RANKINGS!<br /> </b></i><br /> <b>Denny O'Brien's Harris Poll:<br /> </b>1. Texas<br /> 2. Alabama<br /> 3. Penn State<br /> 4. Oklahoma State<br /> 5. BYU<br /> 6. Texas Tech<br /> 7. Oklahoma<br /> 8. USC<br /> 9. Missouri<br /> 10. Georgia<br /> 11. Florida<br /> 12. Ohio State<br /> 13. Boise State<br /> 14. LSU<br /> 15. Utah<br /> 16. Virginia Tech<br /> 17. Michigan State<br /> 18. North Carolina<br /> 19. Pittsburgh (Pitt)<br /> 20. South ... </article> <article> <h1>A Legend Was Born In Chapel Hill</h1> <p>Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:12:01 GMT</p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was a rainy April 27, 2006 day and <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Montana</st1:place></st1:state> was lecturing on the awareness of high blood pressure.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span>Five times, in three years, Montana led Notre Dame to come from behind wins and with the 49ers there was “The Catch” to Dwight Clark, the pass to John Taylor – Montana’s all-time favorite (which helped San Francisco win one of five Supe... </article> <article> <h1>Wolfpack Says Hello to BYE</h1> <p>Wed, 08 Oct 2008 03:12:41 GMT</p> <p class="MsoNormal">For this NC State team, the bye comes at a nice time.<span> </span>Coming off the gut wrenching 38-31 loss to BC last week, State now has a chance to re-group for their Thursday nighter against <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Florida</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place> on October 16<sup>th</sup>.<span> </span>Russell Wilson can rest that shoulder and psyche that’s been knocked out of two games thus far.<s... </article> <article> <h1>Tar Heel Talent Coming From All Angles</h1> <p>Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:10:56 GMT</p> <p>North Carolina beat a ranked opponent last weekend with its third string quarterback and its second string tailback (a converted safety) leading the way. Of course, the one man wrecking crew that was Bruce Carter and a stout, stat-defying defensive performance didn't hurt either.</p> <p>Butch Davis and his staff have managed to stock pile talent at certain positions in only two years on the job and procure the talent they already had at others. Sure, John Bunting did not exactly leave the cu... </article> <article> <h1>TZ and Denny's Rankings</h1> <p>Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:24:15 GMT</p> <b> <p>Here is Denny's Harris Interactive Top 25 ballot:</p> </b><br /> <br /> 1. Oklahoma<br /> 2. Alabama<br /> 3. Missouri <br /> 4. LSU<br /> 5. Texas<br /> 6. Penn State<br /> 7. Texas Tech<br /> 8. Brigham Young<br /> 9. Southern Cal<br /> 10. Georgia<br /> 11. Florida<br /> 12. Ohio State<br /> 13. Oklahoma State<br /> 14. Vanderbilt: <br /> 15. Utah<br /> 16. Boise State<br /> 17. Pittsburgh <br /> 18. South Florida<br /> 19. Kansas<br /> 20. Virginia Tech<br... </article> <article> <h1>Taylor's Week 6 Picks</h1> <p>Fri, 03 Oct 2008 08:09:26 GMT</p> BC (-6.5) at State: Russell Wilson is good to go, which makes a MAJOR difference for State. BC is now running the spread offense and hasn’t had to throw it much, meaning their not really set up to score on State like South Florida did. Along with Wilson, State gets Anthony Hill back at TE, so there offense adds two major weapons. I think you know what’s coming…. State will beat BC, 24-20.<br /> <br /> <br /> Duke (+14) at Tech: I think Duke has a chance to win 5 or 6 games,... </article> <article> <h1>Fear The Turtle</h1> <p>Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:58:08 GMT</p> Tiger killer Ralph Friedgen coached one of his finest games last Saturday when his I’ll-dare-you-give-up-on-me Maryland Terrapins swaggered into Death Valley and made sure the anti-Tommy Bowden bandwagon grew to larger-than-ever numbers.<br /> <br /> This just in: The Fridge is 5-3 vs. Clemson. And, his Terps are 5-2 vs. N.C. State (4-0 when Philip Rivers was quarterbacking the Wolfpack), 5-2 vs. Jim Grobe-coached Wake Forest and 4-1 vs. North Carolina. <br /> <br /> Impact plays win ... </article> <article> <h1>Memo To Tom O’Brien</h1> <p>Wed, 01 Oct 2008 08:08:01 GMT</p> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">It wasn’t the constant penalties that consistently moved the Wolfpack back on offense. And it wasn’t the band, which did yeoman’s work to stay in the stands, ponchos and all.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">What stood out to me was the head coach. I remarked to a couple media types in the press box that I’d observed this phenomenon for the past umpteen games he’s c... </article> <article> <h1>UNC Has An Important Game This Weekend. What Else Is New?</h1> <p>Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:57:41 GMT</p> <font size="2"> <p>Since its opening week win over McNeese State, it seems Carolina has had a "big game" every single week</p> <ul> <li>In week two, the Heels prepared to play a nationally televised game at Rutgers on September 11. The storylines for the game were filled with Carolina’s streak of winless games outside the state. Butch Davis’ team responded with a resounding victory, albeit over what now looks like a reeling Rutgers squad.</li> <li>The conference... </article> <article> <h1>Taylor and Denny's Rankings</h1> <p>Mon, 29 Sep 2008 08:52:00 GMT</p> <b>Denny's Harris Ballot 9-28</b><br /> 1. Alabama<br /> 2. Oklahoma<br /> 3. Missouri<br /> 4. LSU<br /> 5. Texas<br /> 6. Penn State<br /> 7. Texas Tech<br /> 8. Brigham Young: <br /> 9. USC<br /> 10. Georgia<br /> 11. South Florida: <br /> 12. Florida<br /> 13. Auburn<br /> 14. Ohio State<br /> 15. Oklahoma State<br /> 16. Utah<br /> 17. Boise State<br /> 18. Oregon<br /> 19. Kansas<br /> 20. Wisconsin<br /> 21. Fresno State<br /> 22. Vanderbilt<br /> 23. Virginia Tech... </article> <article> <h1>Taylor's Week 5 Picks</h1> <p>Fri, 26 Sep 2008 22:08:53 GMT</p> State (+9) vs. #13 South Fla: I've talked to so many "insiders" this week, yet no one seems to know what the true story is concerning Russell Wilson's status, how he got hurt, or even if he got hurt. You can't make a pick with an IF Wilson plays or not scenario, so let's assume Beck is the guy that will get most of the work at QB. The Pack HAD to have Wilson, Irving at least played, and it was a rivalry last week. Moreover, USF is better than ECU. Bulls 27 State 17<br /> <br /> UNC (... </article> <article> <h1>The Best September Story</h1> <p>Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:21:17 GMT</p> ANSWER: D. It might difficult to believe, but it’s true.<br /> <br /> Stand up private schools. <br /> <br /> Duke, Wake Forest, Northwestern and Vanderbilt are a combined 13-1 heading into Saturday’s games where the Blue Devils (2-1) host Virginia and will attempt to stop an embarrassing 25-game ACC losing streak; the Commodores (4-0), who shocked South Carolina and won at Ole Miss, have the day off; Wake (3-0) hosts Navy; and the Wildcats (4-0) are at Iowa.<br /> <br /> What ... </article> <article> <h1>Running On Empty</h1> <p>Mon, 22 Sep 2008 22:48:54 GMT</p> <p>If there’s one offensive area that has not sparkled thus far in 2008, it has been the running game for North Carolina, specifically the play from the running backs. UNC has been able to exploit opponents for big gains on the ground. But more times than not those have come from the talented corps of wide receivers offensive coordinator John Shoop has at his disposal.</p> <p>Starting running back Greg Little is averaging only 3.6 yards per carry on the season. Compare that to wide receiv... </article> <article> <h1>TZ and Denny's Rankings</h1> <p>Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:33:39 GMT</p> LISTEN TO OUR CONVERSATION BY CLICKING THE AUDIO BELOW!<br /> <br /> Denny's TOP 25 for 9-21<br /> 1. USC<br /> 2. Oklahoma<br /> 3. Florida<br /> 4. Missouri<br /> 5. LSU<br /> 6. Alabama<br /> 7. Georgia<br /> 8. Texas<br /> 9. Brigham Young<br /> 10. Wisconsin<br /> 11. Texas Tech<br /> 12. Penn State<br /> 13. Auburn<br /> 14. Ohio State<br /> 15. Wake Forest<br /> 16. South Florida<br /> 17. Utah<br /> 18. Boise State... </article> <article> <h1>Taylor's Week 4 Picks</h1> <p>Fri, 19 Sep 2008 08:26:42 GMT</p> #15 ECU (-7.5) at State: I was shocked when State turned their season around by beating the Pirates last year. I would more shocked this year. State simply has too many injuries. It is great to get Eugene back, but they still have LOTS of issues with their O-Line, WR's, and Wilson has to prove he can throw the ball. Meanwhile, the Pirtaes lost a lineman too, and Cotton was their best LB. But they still have Patrick Pinkney, meaning he will move the chains throughout the game. I think State plays... </article> <article> <h1>Baddour Could Come Full Cirlce</h1> <p>Thu, 18 Sep 2008 07:32:54 GMT</p> Some saw Beamer wearing light blue, walking the sidelines as North Carolina’s newest head football coach. Others weren’t sure and for awhile neither was Dick Baddour, UNC’s athletic director who’d made the decision to go after a big name.<br /> <br /> It was late in the first year of the new decade and 2000 wasn’t good for Baddour, or the Tar Heels. Likeable Carl Torbush, who’d had the support of many of the players Mack Brown left behind when he bolted for ... </article> <article> <h1>Tar Heel Football Should Benefit from Basketball Success</h1> <p>Mon, 15 Sep 2008 23:41:10 GMT</p> <p>Chris Fowler quickly pointed out during the same broadcast that the basketball program is always going to be bigger than the football program. Always is a long time but certainly it can’t be argued that historically, North Carolina has been known as a basketball school.</p> <p>That doesn’t mean there can’t be successful football teams in Chapel Hill and Brown is living proof. A lot of credit should go to Brown for what he did during his tenure in Chapel Hill. Butch Davis mi... </article> <article> <h1>Taylor's Week 3 Picks</h1> <p>Fri, 12 Sep 2008 08:58:47 GMT</p> I expected the Heels to win 5 or 6 games this season, and I really didn't think they would beat Rutgers. Carolina is a VERY young team, hasn't won on the road in forever, and looked bad against McNeese. The Knights have a coaching staff that's been there 7 years, a veteran QB, and they love primetime Thursday nights. NONE, let me repeat, NONE of that mattered. While Rutgers was a TOTAL train wreck, Carolina played as smart of a game as you can. <br /> <br /> Carolina could win 8 ... </article> <article> <h1>Jim Grobe speaks after Wake Forest's win over Ole Miss</h1> <p>Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:09:40 GMT</p> Coach Grobe was very pleased to see his senior kicker get vindication after last year's Virginia game with a game winning field goal over Ole Miss in the Deac's first home game of the season. Wake Forest defeated Ole Miss, 30-28, in their first home game of the season at BB&T Field in Winston-Salem. Coach Grobe also talks about junior quarterback Riley Skinner leading the team down field with less than 2 minutes to go in the game to set Swank up for the game winner. <br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>Pirates On Mountain Top</h1> <p>Thu, 11 Sep 2008 07:31:20 GMT</p> Look at the 2-0 Pirates and Skip Holtz, their coach who struts the sideline a bit like his dad used to at such stops as William and Mary and N.C. State and all right, briefly, the New York Jets and Arkansas and Minnesota and Notre Dame and South Carolina. Okay, I’m tired already and you might get the picture. <br /> <div><br /> This kid can coach. His team can play – offense, defense, special teams.</div> <div><br /> What gives with Skip Holtz, 22-17 an... </article> <article> <h1>Heels Have a Chance to Shine</h1> <p>Mon, 08 Sep 2008 23:24:04 GMT</p> <font size="2"> <p>In week one, North Carolina State was throttled by South Carolina, Virginia Tech was blocked by East Carolina, and Clemson stunk up the Georgia Dome against Alabama.</p> <p>This past weekend, Miami fought valiantly for three quarters but still lost to Florida, Maryland lost to Middle Tennessee, and Duke lost to Northwestern.</p> <p>Is it up to North Carolina this week to uphold any sense of competitiveness?</p> <p>Well I know this much, if UNC loses this Thursday night at ... </article> <article> <h1>Appalachian State Beats Jacksonville 56-7</h1> <p>Sun, 07 Sep 2008 14:06:37 GMT</p> On September 6, the Appalachian State Mountaineers saw their 2008 home opener at Kidd-Brewer Stadium in Boone. The game was thought to be an easy win by ASU, but they knew to come out and play their best. After they were on the winning side of what is said to be the biggest upset in football history last season, they know not to turn their backs on any opponents. The App State fans got to see the depth of the ASU bench as many players saw playing time. ASU still holds an undefeated record agains... </article> <article> <h1>Taylor Week 2 Picks</h1> <p>Fri, 05 Sep 2008 08:29:30 GMT</p> The games this week are as bad as I can remember. In fact, there's only SIX games worth picking. <br /> <br /> Ramblin Wreck at BC (-6.5):<br /> Both of these teams are going through big transitions on offense. The Jackets looked good against a 1-AA team, but I repeat, it was a 1-AA team. I think they will struggle running the wishbone against a strong defensive squad. So, because it's in Chesnut Hill I'll taker the home team. BC 17 GT 10.<br /> <br /> The Deacs (-8.5) vs. Ole Miss:<br /> ... </article> <article> <h1>One Team In The ACC Worth Watching</h1> <p>Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:53:04 GMT</p> Wake Forest, at least now, is the one glittering jewel in a conference taking a national, and deserved, bashing from many critics. The Deacs' trek to Waco, Texas ended up in a much-expected win over Baylor, albeit the worst of the Big 12. But, hey, you want to know just how impressive this win was? Go back to the final four games of the 2005 season and you know what Jim Grobe's record is? Try this - 23-9. Hardly the best-kept secret in college football any more - the Deacs are one of three... </article> <article> <h1>Tate's Great, But Heels Are Less Filling</h1> <p>Mon, 01 Sep 2008 23:20:12 GMT</p> <p>And head coach Butch Davis said as much in his post-game press conference.</p> <p>"He played extraordinary well on offense. He played extremely well on special teams," said Davis. He gave McNeese State a lot of credit saying they probably outplayed the Tar Heels in just about every phase of the game, save Brandon Tate.</p> <p>As special as Tate was on Saturday night (he totaled a school record 397 all-purpose yards), Coach Davis has to know that a team performance like that next T... </article> <article> <h1>Taylor's Week 1 Picks</h1> <p>Fri, 29 Aug 2008 05:18:50 GMT</p> -They're just picks<br /> -I could be wrong<br /> -You could be wrong<br /> -Its just for fun. Russell Wilson being strapped on a gurney was serious. Thankfully he's going to be okay. Making football picks is not serious. <br /> <br /> So lets have fun....<br /> <br /> Last night I had:<br /> -The Gamecocks covering 13.5. Result: SC 34, State Zip. <br /> Whew. Not a fun game to be present for. State simply doesn't have enough bodies to compete. Its one thing to have a bad team, but Stat... </article> <article> <h1>ACC Still Searching</h1> <p>Thu, 28 Aug 2008 05:38:47 GMT</p> <p class="MsoNormal">One in eight in the BCS bowl just is not getting it done; huge disappointment for the league. Last year’s two in six bowl record did not help, and four in four a year ago did not help either. <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Florida</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place> has won twelve of sixteen ACC games over the last two years. Gene Corrigan, Swofford’s predecessor, locked the Seminoles into the conference from ... </article> <article> <h1>O'Brien and Pack Ready for Action </h1> <p>Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:41:50 GMT</p> When NC State coach Tom O’Brien migrated south from Boston in 2007 he could never have imagined how difficult the rebuilding task would be in Raleigh. In a summer that was dominated by a Quarterback competition (eventually won by red-shirt freshman Russell Wilson) the Pack will need a little magic to win their opener on the road against Steve Spurrier and his roost of Gamecocks.<br /> <br /> The decision to go with youth (Wilson) over experience (Evans) at QB really is a surprise move fo... </article> <article> <h1>Hope Returns to Chapel Hill</h1> <p>Mon, 25 Aug 2008 23:32:21 GMT</p> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt"><span style="font-size: small"><span style=""><span style="line-height: 115%">Unfortunately for those on the cautious side, the weakness of the coastal division, and a schedule that manages to miss Clemson, Wake Forest, and Florida State, make it hard to argue with that second place prediction. Much of that could be attributed to Butch Davis’ ability to crank things in to high gear his second year in a new place. And certainly that should not be ... </article> <article> <h1>It's Here!</h1> <p>Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:27:51 GMT</p> No, No, Yes, Yes, Yes, and No. <br /> <br /> Carolina will make it to a bowl game and could even win seven games. But expecting them to win the division and be a Top 25 team is a little far fetched. This is still an inexperienced squad that is getting better. Until Butch Davis and his staff have to stop teaching the college game to his kids, and worrying about beating themselves they will take a few lumps. I truly believe they will be an ACC title contender and a Top 25 team in 2009. Bu... </article> <article> <h1>Taylor Talks With Phil Steele</h1> <p>Fri, 15 Aug 2008 09:36:17 GMT</p> <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">I firmly believe that Phil Steele has the best College Football Preview Magazine on Earth! I had a chance to talk to him about the big programs in this state, his forecast for the ACC, and the Top 25. </span> </article> <article> <h1>Taylor's 2008 AP Predictions</h1> <p>Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:11:35 GMT</p> <font size="2"> <p>Please remember a couple of things when reading this:</p> <ul> <li>I was not born with a fully functional brain</li> <li>Crazy things happen every year, so what fun would it be to pick favorites?</li> <li>I usually do pretty well with final records, but I am awful at picking individual games</li> </ul> <p>Enjoy!</p> <p>TZ<br /> </p> <hr /> <p><b><span style="font-size: larger;">ACC Predictions</span></b></p> <u> <p><i><b>Atlantic</b></i></p> </u... </article> <article> <h1>Taylor's Picks</h1> <p>Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:17:30 GMT</p> <div style="margin: 5pt 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span style="font-size: larger;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>ACC Predictions</b></span></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 5pt 0in;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><b><u><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Atlantic</span></u></b></span></div> <ol> <li><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Clemson 11-3, 7-1 (#12). Will finish regular season 11-1 (l... </article> </main></body></html>