June 27, 2006
Ranking the ACC Stadiums
Matt Hayes breaks down his opinions on the stadiums of the Atlantic Coast Conference for Sporting News.
....The little hoops conference has turned into a mighty fine football league, standing up to big brother SEC in the south (look, it's a Southern league, not an Atlantic league) and winning some head-to-head battles. That said, the ACC can't touch the SEC when it comes to stadium inhospitality. Some nice places, yes. Less than half are intimidating. The list:1. Florida State: Doak Campbell Stadium has come a long way from its erector set days of the early 1990s. Just another in a long line of reasons to love Bobby. The bowled structure keeps the noise in, and -- I never thought I'd say this -- its fans are just as obnoxious and overbearing and overwhelming as rival Florida's. And that's a compliment.
All in all, I think Hayes is pretty close to getting it right.
I don't know how Lane Stadium (Va Tech) ends up third, though. I think Lane & Doak Campbell (FSU) are neck and neck for the top spot - except after dark. No one wants to play at Va Tech at night. (Of course, part of that intimidation factor might be attributed to giving the Hokie fans 10+ hours to get their drink on, but.....)
Also, I have no idea how Virginia is ranked as highly as they are. Don't get me wrong - it is a BEAUTIFUL stadium. Gorgeous. Picturesque, in fact. But - unless the Hokies or 'Noles are in town - Scott Stadium is definitely *not* an intimidating place to play.
Matt Hayes Rankings:
1. FSU
2. Clemson
3. Va Tech
4. Miami
5. GA Tech
6. UNC
7. UVa
8. NC State
9. Maryland
10. Boston College
11. Wake Forest
12. Duke
Hat Tip: TigerPundit
Comments:
Ron Mexico said:
posted on June 27, 2006 1:42 PM — 68.21.103.162 — link — abuse?
Maryland's stadium isn't too bad, actually. They run the games like Arena Ball (announcers in the stands, time-out events, boisterous music, etc) but it's an on-campus stadium and the views are pretty good.
Too bad the fans still have trouble understanding why there are no basketball hoops on either end of the field.
rob said:
posted on June 27, 2006 2:42 PM — 24.149.178.68 — link — abuse?
VT's stadium and the Hokie fans is the best in my opinion. Remember that game when they played during a hurricane at night. The stands were full. It was outrageous. The place is intimidating, yes, but the fans make it the best.
Rob from NJ
Gatornation96 said:
posted on June 27, 2006 3:09 PM — 64.12.116.199 — link — abuse?
I do Recall that many of Fsu's players have said that Clemson is the loudest in the ACC and is right next to being as loud as us gators :for example Drew weatherford and chris rix. Now how did FSU get at the top of that list if thier own players have said that Clemson is the loudest? Also Rivals.com says that Va Tech is the loudest in the whole country( maybe a little rediculous but still...)while they ranked FSU #16. Now i cant wait to see what his SEC rankings are.....
GO GATORS!!!!!!!GoGators96 said:
posted on June 27, 2006 3:10 PM — 64.12.116.199 — link — abuse?
I do Recall that many of Fsu's players have said that Clemson is the loudest in the ACC and is right next to being as loud as us gators :for example Drew weatherford and chris rix. Now how did FSU get at the top of that list if thier own players have said that Clemson is the loudest? Also Rivals.com says that Va Tech is the loudest in the whole country( maybe a little rediculous but still...)while they ranked FSU #16. Now i cant wait to see what his SEC rankings are.....
GO GATORS!!!!!!!
posted on June 27, 2006 3:28 PM — link — abuse?Jeff Quinton said:
N.C. State's stadium probably takes a hit for the likelihood of getting shot in the parking lots.
posted on June 27, 2006 3:30 PM — link — abuse?
I don't see how the Orange Bowl is ranked that highly. Aside from the history of it, it could be done with Wake and Duke.
pete said:
posted on June 28, 2006 10:13 AM — 72.82.65.154 — link — abuse?
I went to the NC State vs VA TECH game last year and had to sit in some wooden bleachers near the end zone, so I would not call that the best stadium. How about when they do a make over next time put some real seats in. I also got into a little tussle with a wolfpack fan because they would not stop spitting at my wife, so thanks for the hospitailty.
GOBOSOX said:
posted on June 28, 2006 11:45 PM — 24.241.120.192 — link — abuse?
i see it being va tech, clemson, fsu, miami and then the rest doesn't matter. even though va tech is at the top. no stadium in the country could have topped clemson last year when they were playing miami. have to say it's the loudest i've ever heard a stadium and the loudest place i've ever been. GO CANES
VT20 said:
posted on June 29, 2006 2:26 PM — 12.21.226.2 — link — abuse?
This list is pretty good. I have never been to most of the stadiums, so I am not sure about some of them. I have a friend who went to Miami and said it was dead until the fourth quarter. If you can not be loud the whole game, then you should not be near the top of the list. Maryland was the worst stadium ever. The fans were cheering when they were on OFFENSE! Stupid terps.
Regan said:
posted on June 29, 2006 7:09 PM — 64.12.116.199 — link — abuse?
I am quite biased (Go Tigers, Go 'Canes) like everyone else, bear that in mind.
Also, the article seems a bit vague: is it referring to tailgating experience, history, noise/intimidation factor, capacity/full crowds, Environment, etc?
Tailgating Experience: This is very subjective - everyone would name their favorite school and be done with it.
Stadium History: FSU's stadium hype is based on the team's power level over just the last 10-15 years, and VT's for just the last 5-10. Clemson and Miami definately have the edge here, with GT right behind them (it is the oldest stadium still used in the nation, as compared with GT's great team history.)
Noise/Intimidation Factor: I can't speak on VT's Lane Stadium, I haven't been there. However, if it gets louder and tougher to play in than Clemson's Death Valley, I'd be shocked. Clemson just enclosed the open end zone as well this year, so it will be even louder. The two schools are strikingly similar, however, so I could be wrong...
Capacities and Attendance: They are statistical and speak for themselves, favoring FSU, VT, and Clemson (I think...feel free to correct me...)
Environment: BC and Miami have huge advantages due to the potential cold and heat. While most ACC stadiums can get rather warm, this does give a huge 4th Quarter advantage to them.
To mix it all, I'd have to say:
1) Clemson (edges: Noise, History, Capacity)
2) Virginia Tech (edges: Noise, Capacity)
3) Miami (edges: History, Environment)
4) FSU (edges: Noise, Capacity)
5) GT (edge: History)
6-12) Everyone else (with all due respect).
...and yes, I've heard Florida is a tough place to play as well... :)BCPete said:
posted on June 29, 2006 10:59 PM — 68.163.160.47 — link — abuse?
Give me a break B.C. as usualu should be shown more respect. That stadium shoould be ranked higher than tenth. Well i really could careless because the only thing that really matters is where you are in the end. Which for us will be #1
Tampa Hurricane said:
posted on June 30, 2006 8:32 AM — 24.96.199.254 — link — abuse?
Florida may have been a tough place to play under Spurrier; however, with the lack of talent the UF now has, it shouldn't get any respect. Gatorpilot keep your biased opinion on the other SEC posts, with the other ignorant SEC fans.
Doug said:
posted on July 5, 2006 2:38 PM — 169.200.185.25 — link — abuse?
I have been to every stadium in the Acc and can make a comment on all of them and can rank them in the proper order taking all things into consideration. (tailgating, fans,bathrooms, girls etc.) So here's a quick glance. Death Valley and Lane Stadium yes are loud and yes have great tailgating. Carolina no parking but has its advantages such as cute blonds everywhere. Orange Bowl well lets just say I'm glad to still be alive after my visit there what a dump. Doak has some nice qualities when the greatest college football coach in the country walks out on the field kinda gets you going and the women there heeeyyyy! N.C.State the fans ruin the whole fun they think it is a culture to be rude such an embrassement to the Acc as a whole. UVA, Maryland, Boston College although two are below the Mason-Dixon line they all three still have a Yankee feel about them. Wake's Groves Stadium great parking, great ticket prices, you don't have to tailgate because of the many choices of restaurants within walking distance, more then a handful of happening bars right next to stadium I have a good time there. Duke well hey I'm a ACC fan and I support Duke football.
Tampa Hurricane said:
posted on July 6, 2006 10:16 AM — 24.96.199.254 — link — abuse?
Doug... how can you say you have been to the Orange Bowl and not talk about the women there while you are saying that Carolina and Doak have good looking women? Does it turn you off that at UM the women have all their teeth?
Alex said:
posted on July 7, 2006 8:12 AM — 71.251.90.31 — link — abuse?
I'm a BC fan. In order for BC to make it higher on this list, they need: 1) More and louder fans at all the games, 2) A bigger stadium (after (1) has been satisfied, and 3) better tailgating hours. Winning alot of games always helps too.
HokieHey said:
posted on July 7, 2006 9:50 AM — 216.29.108.235 — link — abuse?
There can be no better stadium to go to a game than Virginia Tech's Lane Stadium. The atmosphere in the stands reflect exactly what's on the field or demands what's wanted on the field. The fans' intensity and attention to every aspect of what's going on on the field--expectations of excellence and the immediate response to missed opportunites and those skillfully exploited--can be mindboggling. You'd be hard pressed to find a more informed population of spectators.
The stadium isn't as large as some around the country (Neyland, the Bighouse, Ohio Stadium to name a few) but what it lacks in numbers it more than makes up for in intensity. Being closer to the action with its steep sloped seating gives everyone watching a greater affect on what's happening on the field. Ask many a visiting team and they'll tell you Lane is the loudest outdoor stadium they've ever played in.
VT20 said:
posted on July 7, 2006 11:49 AM — 12.21.226.2 — link — abuse?
I have seen the crowd shots at the UM games, and they are of nothing but rednecks. Heck, half of the place is empty most of the time anyway. All of the attractive women in Miami are on the beaches, they do not care about the canes.
HokieNole said:
posted on July 10, 2006 2:47 PM — 208.253.77.234 — link — abuse?
I've watched games in Doak, Lane, the Swamp, and many other stadiums in the Southeast. I graduated from Virginia Tech and Florida State and my wife graduated from the University of Florida. She and I both agree that Lane Stadium at Virginia Tech is one of the loudest and most formidable stadiums for an opponent to play in. FSU players in the past may have stated that Clemson is the loudest opposing stadium they had played in (Clemson does have a great stadium along with very loud and loyal fan base). However, FSU and Virginia Tech have not played each other in anything but a neutral stadium (i.e. the Sugar Bowl or Gator Bowl) since I believe the late 70’s or early 80’s.
Also, Hokie fans show up before the game and stay until the end (no matter what team their beloved Hokie’s are playing). My experience at FSU was quite the opposite. FSU fans showed up during the 2nd quarter and normally left by the end of the 3rd (excluding some of their bigger games against Miami, Florida, or Notre Dame). Even at their bigger games FSU fans could not match the intensity of Virginia Tech fans.
NOTE TO YOU U of F FANS: I am not knocking on the Gators in anyway shape or form. You all rock the Swamp from before the game until the end (just like the Hokies). However, I have never left the Swamp with a ringing noise in my ears (like I just came from a rock concert) like I have from Lane Stadium. However, I have only been to a few games in the Swamp.
As for tailgating? Florida puts FSU and Virginia Tech to shame. UF fans drink from sun up until sun down. FSU has a better before game tailgating experience than Virginia Tech, but Hokie fans drink more and party harder after games than Seminole fans do before and after games (no matter the out come of the game).
As for history and tradition? Virginia Tech has a lot of history most people do not see. The history at Tech is very much beloved; no matter if it sounds the Corps or the general student population. Hokie fans are there for their team no matter what. Did not see that with FSU fans. They could only put their team, coaches, etc… down for the losses they accrued. Yet FSU does have it’s own great traditions and history.
Regan said:
posted on July 12, 2006 2:09 PM — 192.24.243.21 — link — abuse?
I'm so bored....50 more days....
But since we're talking about stadiums, I know on NCAA 06 (and soon enough, 07), I created the College of Charleston Football Team & Stadium, of which me and all my friends & co-workers are on and have all stats of 99.
That stadium is impossible to win in. Boo-ya!
...50 more days...
Gatorpilot said:
posted on July 13, 2006 11:54 AM — 72.154.129.94 — link — abuse?
HokieNole, thanks for the kind words. But I think you went to the wrong games if you didn't leave with your ears ringing. Or maybe you were in the student section in Lane, and the granny section in the Swamp. I'd still say our grannies are louder than most students, heh heh. Swamp: None louder, none better. Gotta point it out even though this is an ACC thread. 'Nuff said.
T-Mac said:
posted on July 14, 2006 12:13 AM — 66.78.161.35 — link — abuse?
HokieNole,no disrespect to you or anything,but as an SEC player for 3 seasons I will break it down for ya.I have no idea about drinking before,during,or after a game.What I know is that the swamp is LOUD.You say you never left a game at the swamp with your ears ringing.Letting you know this.Watching a game and playing a game are completely different things bro.I played tailback for 3 years and not being able to hear your QB sucks.Why do you think as players we use Hand-Signals???Three loudest stadiums in the SEC-Neyland-for obvious reasons 107,000 fans.Death Valley-LSU and The Swamp.Keep in mind though,I'm going by being an ex-player,not a fan.I don't know about the seating.I'm going by being in a game at field level.The Swamp is deafening too.I'm out.HOLLA
vtstudent said:
posted on July 17, 2006 4:02 PM — 24.125.200.187 — link — abuse?
You may be missing the point, the swamp has 30,000 more fans than the lane stadium... it would be quite a feat for the hokies to be louder, but they still compete despite having almost half the fans (66,233). At least respect that fact all of you who are vouching for Florida fans (even though this is supposed to be about the acc).
I may have a bias here... but lane stadium sold out all their seats just as season tickets last year, all 65,000 of them not including the students. Every game is packed out and crazy no matter who we play (Florida A&M 2004, it was a 62-0 win, yet the place was packed out, wild and loud as crap on defense, but still calm on offense), its also so secluded from any airports, that its difficult for teams to bring their own fans to travel with them. (I think rivals put it well in the article that they argued us the toughest place to play... they didn't say we were the loudest) http://www.rivals.com/content.asp?SID=1014&CID=444097
Watch these clips on the website (http://filebox.vt.edu/users/cwhite52/) I put up as a link, the clips are a couple of the games as the team enters the field, everyone in the stadium is jumping up and down on beat to "enter sandman" and screaming as loud as they can, before our team comes out... but these films cant really capture the intensity of the crowd, its as loud as a bomb and looks unlike anything I've ever experienced anywhere else. The intensity stays throughout the game, and the fans stay loud the entire game no matter who our team is playing.
RamblinWreck said:
posted on July 17, 2006 4:05 PM — 68.219.180.44 — link — abuse?
I'm just glad to see Bobby Dodd Stadium getting some respect. Sure it has all the history, but it's still louder than people give it credit for. If you watch the Tech/ND game this year you'll know what I mean. that Enviorment will be insane, college gameday will be there, and the tickets sold out after being avaliable for 2 hours.
vtstudent said:
posted on July 17, 2006 4:45 PM — 24.125.200.187 — link — abuse?
You may be missing the point, the swamp has 40,000 more fans than the lane stadium... it would be quite a feat for the hokies to be louder, but they still compete despite having almost half the fans (65,115). At least respect that fact all of you who are vouching for Florida fans (even though this is supposed to be about the acc).
I may have a bias here... but lane stadium sold out all their seats just as season tickets last year, all 65,000 of them not including the students. Every game is packed out and crazy no matter who we play (Florida A&M 2004, it was a 62-0 win, yet the place was packed out, wild and loud as crap on defense, but still calm on offense), its also so secluded from any airports, that its difficult for teams to bring their own fans to travel with them. (I think rivals put it well in the article that they argued us the toughest place to play... they didn't say we were the loudest) http://www.rivals.com/content.asp?SID=1014&CID=444097
Watch these clips on the website (http://filebox.vt.edu/users/cwhite52/) I put up as a link, the clips are a couple of the games as the team enters the field, everyone in the stadium is jumping up and down on beat to "enter sandman" and screaming as loud as they can, before our team comes out... but these films cant really capture the intensity of the crowd, its as loud as a bomb and looks unlike anything I've ever experienced anywhere else. The intensity stays throughout the game, and the fans stay loud the entire game no matter who our team is playing.
Christian said:
posted on July 18, 2006 12:43 PM — 68.219.180.44 — link — abuse?
UNC is waaay to high. Theres tons of empty seats at all of the games. It may look pretty but that won't intimidate an offence. And on top of all that, aside from being quiet the fans are not very knowledgable (I hope I spelled that right)
T-Mac said:
posted on July 20, 2006 1:22 AM — 66.78.161.35 — link — abuse?
vtstudent,you have some numbers mixed up.First,you say the Swamp has 40,000 more fans than Lane stadium.The seating in Lane Stadium is 65,115.The seating at the Swamp is 88,548.If you ADD 40,000 to 65,115 you get 105,115.That is 16,567 more seats than the Swamp has.Not accurate.If you SUBTRACT 65,115 from 88,548 you get 23,433.Big difference in 23,000 and 40,000 as you claim bro.You also go on to mention that Lane Stadium is so secluded from any airports,that it's difficult for teams to bring their own fans to travel with them!!!!Well,there you have it folks!When you don't have fans from the visiting team in your own Stadium of course it's gonna be loud.1+1=2 RIGHT??If Lane Stadium had 15,000-18,000 fans from the visiting team in their Stadium it would be a completely different scenario and NOISE VOLUME.A lot less LOUD.Do your homework G.I'm out.HOLLA
Steve K said:
posted on July 21, 2006 8:56 AM — 66.82.9.76 — link — abuse?
Carolina IS quiet right now, but that happens when the team is mediocre. Just like everyone else, when your team is down the fans respond in kind. But remember, it wasn't that long ago that the Heels were a very good program and believe me it was loud. Your team will be down some day too and I guarantee there will be less asses in the seats. That's just the way it is.
vt student said:
posted on July 21, 2006 12:50 PM — 24.125.200.187 — link — abuse?
Sorry about that T-mac, just misallocated your numbers when you put up 107,000... I actually did look up Florida's numbers but I must've forgotten to change it, I figured someone would give me crap for that. But either way, 20,000 more fans in florida is a lot... one more correction is that lane stadium with recent addition (this year) is up to 66,233, so again, my bad.
To the other part of your comment, YES it does would be a different noise volume and louder because any tickets that cannot be sold by the other teams fans visiting tech, is given back to tech to sell to hokie fans. It's louder because you have less visiting team, more hokies... and because of that, they will be able to contribute to the rest of the hokie crowd (loud at the right times, something a visiting fan would not want to contribute to). So those tickets that are being sold to us aren't just being left empty (I think thats what you were pointing at but am not sure, so let me know thats not what you're saying). But you still forget my main argument, I'm not saying Lane is the loudest, just that certain factors make it very difficult to play Tech at home. Just asking that some of you guys would give us a little respect, like I said read that article and watch those clips, it'll shed a little light on why Tech's stadium is considered as among toughest places to play (again competitively loud, but NOT the loudest I don't have the experience in many other stadiums to argue that).
PACKER said:
posted on July 22, 2006 4:17 PM — 65.184.216.133 — link — abuse?
UNC? Loud, the (whine) and cheese crowd in baskeball? The worst tailgating experiance in football, Who wants to tailgate in a parking deck? Even when they thought they had a team with Mack Brown as the coach, The noise was hardly intimidating. I've seen games there when the stadium was full and opposing fans were louder, UNC give me a break, I'd rather go and watch Duke in their staduim. At least their football stadium is neat, and historic( the only place outside of california where the rose bowl was played).. By the way Carter Finnely should be much higher on the list. Rennovated stadium always sold out and even if you dont like State fans, at least we support our team
Christian said:
posted on July 23, 2006 9:07 PM — 68.219.180.192 — link — abuse?
Steven, thank you for explaning to me how you get fans to go to a game. win them. Who would've guessed?! To bad thats not what I'm talking about. I was just saying that empty seats and beaautiful scenary is the least intimidating in college football, thust making Carolina's homefield advantage pratically non-existant, meaning not 6th in the ACC.
Sebastian the Ibis said:
posted on July 29, 2006 6:10 PM — 70.126.83.141 — link — abuse?
Just like a typical hokie. Kissing butt of some
"ex-player" when you should represent Lane, and try to change his mind. I guess hokies are used to conceding in everything. That is why we have 5 national championships and you have none.vtstudent said:
posted on July 29, 2006 9:33 PM — 24.125.200.187 — link — abuse?
Actually its called having class sebastian... something you and your little university down there could have a little more of. Besides, you Miami fans should not even be allowed to speak on a blog on the toughest stadiums to play in with how terrible your half filled stadium and fans are. So why don't you take your other hard core miami football fans... all ten of you, and come back with another cut down against me showing a little class.
I argue to make a point, not just to sit there and make defend some opinion without any hard facts to bring up. Maybe next time maybe I'll post this, "We have the number one stadium in the country even though I haven't even been to the other stadiums!!! EVERYONE ELSE SUCKS! Go HOKIES!!" Oh ok, that was real convincing. Next time sit on your hands if you feel compelled to write another blog as uninteligent as that.
WaHooRick said:
posted on July 31, 2006 3:03 PM — 131.53.128.33 — link — abuse?
I would like to say that growing up I went to every UVA home football game and verious away games. YES, Death Valley is the loudest place that I have ever been and I got spit on in Blacksburg with my uncle who is a graduate of VPI. But to acknowlegde Matt Hayes' comments, Scott Stadium has 2 faces to it: West side, Champagne drinking yupies; East side, college kids who stole daddies alcohol. And yes, the only times they would ever get rowdy would be during Va Tech and FSU. They should be ranked just above Duke. The other crowds in the ACC go to cheer for their respected teams, not discuss business. Go Hoos, I think?
GalantNole said:
posted on August 2, 2006 12:32 AM — 216.162.156.15 — link — abuse?
Ok, so the rankings are a little skewed. Clemson definitely has a crazy stadium and should be #1 followed by VA Tech and then FSU. As for Tailgating is concerned; Gainseville does take the cake, but student wise, IndianVillage (At FSU)is the place to be, it is right next to the stadium and usually has 3-5,000 students there, along with major liquor sponsors, radio stations, and sometimes GirlsGoneWild, so you know it has to be crazy. DOAK i feel is the nicest of stadiums, but y'all are right, our student fans sometimes lack in the smaller games because of our reputation to drink.
Martin said:
posted on August 4, 2006 5:05 PM — 128.186.159.138 — link — abuse?
Regan,
I am sure a parade down King St. is in order. C of C has probably the most beautiful campus in the country, and is definately in the most beautiful city. But... does Charleston even have a football team?... aside for the Citadel and Charleston Southern... both of witch my Noles have played.
T-Mac said:
posted on August 4, 2006 11:54 PM — 66.78.161.35 — link — abuse?
vtstudent,how do you see the Hokie defense looking this year?Do you have a prediction/score on their opener against Northeastern?I know it will be a slaughter.I was just curious to see what you think.Va Tech should be 8-0 when they go to Miami on Nov 4th.I have friends who live in the Norfolk-Virginia Beach area.Hampton,VA also.I remember going to a WWE event at the Scope coliseum about 8 years ago.That was in Norfolk,VA.A lot of talent comes out of that area.The Tidewater area I think is what they call it.Peace.That's that.
John said:
posted on August 5, 2006 1:02 PM — 64.167.50.178 — link — abuse?
Lane Stadium might be in the top 10 loudest in the country but not the #1. #1 in the ACC doesn't mean much in a basketball conference. Does thought of going to Raliegh or Charlottesville or a sellout of 52,00 fans at BC strike fear in anyone. Didn't think so!
Just because one game was loud, a blowout defeat to Miami last year, does count for squat.
Bring your boys to the SWAMP and see the real deal.
JohnnyCoins
aquaman said:
posted on August 9, 2006 1:29 PM — 74.225.163.110 — link — abuse?
I don't care what you say about the Orange Bowl.
58 game home winning streak.
Does any other staduim have that to it's credit?
Nope. so countinue the idea that the Swamp is the #1 loudest stadium, or clemson has a 100,000 students. Cause I don't care, and neither do the players. If lack of fans at a game swayed your decision to come to UM you missed the point.
One game: '98 UM-UCLA game, ask about the crowd noise
vtstudent said:
posted on August 9, 2006 3:54 PM — 24.125.200.187 — link — abuse?
Only come to me if you've actually been to our stadium and heard it for a night game. You bring yourself to Lane and then do you're arguing. Our fans did everything we could in the Miami game last year, we were loud the entire game, but just like us taking down Miami in 2003 when they were undefeated... They were not going to be denied. Florida hasn't been faultless the past 5 years at home, I mean you just lost the year before last to Miami in a bowl.
As for the "Home of the Fighting Gobblers" comment because of the recent addition, they tore that sign down so I guess that takes away your logicless argument.
vtstudent said:
posted on August 9, 2006 4:15 PM — 24.125.200.187 — link — abuse?
T-Mac
I think the Tech defense will be fantastic, Chris Ellis and Nolland Burchette are going to have break out years on the line. Adibi and Hall are looking like beasts and from the spring game it appears Corey Gordan and Brenden Hill are looking great at the whip linebacker spot replacing James Anderson. Our secondary is stacked with proven young talent, with senior rover Aaron Rouse (Linebacker converted rover) leading the way. Although the secondary is young, everyone has played a good amount of time, so I think our biggest question marks are whether we can devellop good depth along the D-line so we can continue like the last two years to rotate our D-line in and out to keep the players fresh. In all I'd say any question marks about our defense is just being nit-picky.
The game against Northeastern? yikes, I'll go ahead with somewhere around 42-0... I mean we beat Western Michgan and Florida A&M two years ago 63-0 and 62-0, but the scoring might get stunted by the change in quarterback. Expect a couple of defensive touchdowns. We've made a habit of shutting a team or two early on in the season. Also expect Brandon Ore to tear onto the scene in this game 150+ yards.
Andre Clark said:
posted on August 9, 2006 4:45 PM — 132.48.241.11 — link — abuse?
I am a nole alumni and would have to say that Clemson is the loudest stadium in the conference. Florida State is not far behind. I think reference should be made as to when they are gathering this infomation. If not Rivalry games then...what is the point. The SEC has more tradition which yields more hate for the visiting teams. Having said that...I have gone to the SWAMP (FSU-FL). I was speechless. Not because I had nothing to say but because nobody could here me. I like very little about the "Men in Orang" (Florida, Clemson). I do respect the fans.
vtstudent said:
posted on August 10, 2006 12:18 AM — 66.82.9.61 — link — abuse?
Just a thought, but to any of you who say that Clemson or FSU have the loudest stadiums in the conference, have you ever been to lane stadium? I know we don't play either team so I doubt any of you have witnessed our games, but don't write off lane stadium just because Clemson or FSU outmatched any of the places YOU've been to. I'm not saying I've been to any FSU or Clemson games, but I'd like to hear from some more people who have been to all three stadiums. Hokienole in post 30 talks about both FSU and VT in his blog, and lists Tech on top. Anyone been to VT and Clemson?
HeedNole said:
posted on August 11, 2006 1:48 PM — 71.56.115.241 — link — abuse?
To HokieNole: From reading your comment, I feel safe to assume that you were a grad student at FSU and an undergrad at VaTech . . . that being said, I don't know if you can comment on how true the tailgating and entire stadium presence is. I have never been to Blacksburg during a home game, but i do agree that the fans look the most hardcore(out of FSU,UF,VT,Clemson). Tailgating is the best at FSU. There are more bands,floating kegs, beautiful women,and rowdy fans than any other school in the south. UF, does show up for tailgating, but the scene is too conservative. By the way, why do i continue to see UF bloggers in ACC rooms? You all claim this proud, secure devotion to your school, yet you aren't confident enough to just let your school's performance do the talking. Go make a hate website or something.
"U" wish U were here said:
posted on August 21, 2006 12:36 AM — 65.9.201.250 — link — abuse?
This place is private not public. We have as many people in our school as you do in your grade...but we still kick your butts in football. We get into our games for free and the stadium may be 20 minutes away...but hey, we drink in it. We pregame like you party. We party harder than you know how. And the places we party you've only seen on TV. We live where you go for spring break. We suntan while you freeze. Welcome to Miami...we are THE "U"!!!
oskie said:
posted on August 22, 2006 9:40 AM — 67.60.24.45 — link — abuse?
TO: Rob
If I was a player I wouldn't want 75,000 fans of the 80,000 capacity, doing a tomahawk chop around me. Fans lol, do you remeber that time that those fans burned 26 cars in the parking lot. Great fans you got there.
To: GoGators96
Death Valley is one of the toughest places to play in the ACC and probably the country but i'm also sure that every team has a couple of players that dislike playing in certain stadiums. I'm sure FSU has some who don't like playing at Miami, or Clemson or anyone else. But they all have their dislikes and theres nothing like home.
oskie said:
posted on August 22, 2006 9:45 AM — 67.60.24.45 — link — abuse?
I was at maybe the loudest game ever recorded.
Oct. 8, 1988 -- LSU 7, Auburn 6
The Earthquake Game - QB Tommy Hodson's touchdown pass to TB Eddie Fuller sent the crowd into a thunderous explosion that registered vibrations on the geology department's seismograph machine.I was at LSU Tigers Death Valley Stadium.
oskie said:
posted on August 22, 2006 9:55 AM — 67.60.24.45 — link — abuse?
to: "U" wish U
The size of your school in college means nothing... This isn't high school where you select the kids that attend your school and where there is no or limited recruiting. Pretty funny how you can make that comment. Shows how much you know. Since where on recruiting, Florida, Florida State, Miami have been recruiting out of state a lot more lately. I wonder why. Hmmm because teams like Clemson, NC ST, VT, GA, and other solid teams are starting heavy recruiting in the state of FL.
Regan said:
posted on August 22, 2006 3:05 PM — 192.24.243.21 — link — abuse?
Martin (#38):
Indeed, Charleston rules :) The College of Charleston football team has been undefeated since 1938. The team wasn’t all that good to begin with, the Citadel beat up on us back then, save for one game where supposedly the Cougars won using a variant of Pop Warner’s sewn jersey play. Rumor has it that on a kickoff one of our guys hid the ball in his shirt and scored a TD to win the game; the only meaningful win I could dig up from the C of C football team. Even today, though, they still sell shirts that read “STILL UNDEFEATED”
All this lasted until I picked up my first copy of NCAA Football 2005 and created the College of Charleston team, put myself and all my guys in with perfect stats of 99 and ran every All-American team out of the Cougar Den with a seventy-point loss!
Hey, one can dream :)
"U" wish U were here said:
posted on August 23, 2006 10:08 PM — 65.9.201.250 — link — abuse?
To: FSU
Players leaving college for the next level and deciding to come back and rob a former teammate for an x box sounds like a bunch of thugs. I concede that UM admitted some players that embarass me as an Alum, but we all know that each school has done it.
Oskie- those other schools may be recruiting heavy in Florida but we all know that the majority of the talent are choosing 1 of 3 teams. You can have all of the left overs.John said:
posted on August 28, 2006 12:30 AM — 66.177.240.148 — link — abuse?
Hokie Nole is obviously a geek and has probably never had sex, at least with a human, if he thinks uf parties harder than FSU. FSU girls are wau hotter and are in bigger numbers at fsu. Hot girls at UF are few and far bewteen. Second If U live in Florida u know that FSU's a much bigger party school than the cutt off jean wearing shitty beer drinking Gator homos.Playboy has fsu in their top ten, i think UF Might be in playgirl's top ten.
redterror 28 said:
posted on August 30, 2006 3:20 PM — 65.191.149.35 — link — abuse?
"8. NC State: The transformation from where this place used to be (a dump), to where it is now (a mini palace) is amazing. The problem, like many ACC venues, is keeping it full."
that is sooooo friggin' ignorant! it's obvious that this idiot didn't even bother doing some research. nc state has been TOP 5 NATIONALLY for the past 3 years or so in percent capacity @ 103% (extra 3% coming from temporary bleachers to accommodate the demand).
the attendance is counted from the actual ticket stubs taken at each home game. some schools, like unc, take visual "guess-timations" on attendance. last season, unc had a game in which there may have been 15,000 people AT MOST. unc's report for the official attendance of that game was something like 35,000. the local papers actually called them out on that, and printed the embarassing photos of the shiny bleachers. such behavior shouldn't suprise anyone though. unc officials had once admitted to pumping crowd noise into the dean dome (haha!). not only that, in 2002, nc state played @ unc's kenan stadium. nc state students and alumni rallied together for what was known as "the red invasion". we filled about 40% of unc's kenan stadium, and we dressed in red. unc's alumni organization sold a print of an aerial view of the stadium during that game in which they photoshopped nearly all of us nc state fans out, and replaced our red clothing with their blue color. sad.
Ron said:
posted on September 6, 2006 10:22 AM — 75.117.35.171 — link — abuse?
[quote]...Now how did FSU get at the top of that list if thier own players have said that Clemson is the loudest?[/quote]
Well that's easy. When the home field offense is on the field the home crowd tends to stay quieter while the signals are called. When the opponent's QB is under the ball the crowd erupts to intimidate the offense. Therefore FSU's players would have recieved their loudest noise level in some stadium other than at home. That does not mean that their home field is less loud, just that it is less loud TO them.
vtstudent said:
posted on September 7, 2006 7:45 PM — 69.174.75.112 — link — abuse?
Chuck:
Tech is 1-36? first of all, if Tech beats a team, then youre talking about the fact that their rankings will go down dramatically when that happens, if you lose even one game in college football its a big deal, your rankings will drop even if you are a tremendously good team if you checked those stats on a lot of teams, you'd find it substantially low. Second, we sucked until the early-mid nineties, so its not a surprise that we lost all of our top 10 team games before that point. Third, we beat WVU last year who turned out 6th? I believe in the end year rankings so chalk another one up for the good guys.
Tech is one of the most underrated programs in the country, just ask collegefootballnews.com analysts. http://www.collegefootballnews.com/2006/Columnists/RC/OverratedTeams.htm
Horns Rock said:
posted on September 8, 2006 4:47 PM — 150.176.9.254 — link — abuse?
After visitng most of the stadiums in the ACC and SEC, while not to knock too much on the fans, stadium design has a lot to do with crowd noise. One of the reasons UF and VT are so loud is the sharp incline of the stands to hold noise in. That's why Michigan doesn't get loud with 110,000 because the stand are more flat. I was at the 2005 FSU-UM game and I must say Doak was loud as heck. Louder than the couple of times I've been to Blacksburg (That being the 99 and 03 Miami games). Here in TX, while I hate the Aggies, Kyle Field is definitely the most deafining stadium west of the Mississippi.
Revrsethecurse04 said:
posted on September 21, 2006 2:08 PM — 69.59.78.175 — link — abuse?
hah comin from boston and as a student at clemson i gotta say bc really doesnt know what it means to be
in the acc. there were more fans that traveled from temple and duke than there were bc fans. at the game in bc 2 wks ago there was a comparable number of clemson fans to bc fans in that tiny little quiet ass stadium of urs. don't try and tell teams with real fans and stadiums that u deserve more respect.
dont get me wrong the team gets plenty of respect but their fan base and stadium suck.#44 17 24 said:
posted on September 24, 2006 9:16 PM — 152.163.100.196 — link — abuse?
ok this list is about 30% correct in my view. i have been to every stadium except BC and Maryland, and from what I've heard from everybody who I know who went they were just ok, so I'll take the lists word for it. I'll take the first three, even though I think they could be interchangable somewhat, maybe with VT at #1, then FSU and Clemson. Then this list gets flat out crazy. First of all, I was totally dissapointed with the Orange Bowl. It seemed somewhat out-dated, dirty and didn't get too loud at all, and the fans didnt seem too into the game actually. GT was alright, good atmosphere so they're fine. But what with UNC??? I mean the stadium is nice, but there fans dont seem to know anything about football, plus there were more away fans there than home fans (kinda like duke)...ridiculus. Carter-Finley should definitly be higher on this list too. With the new renovations, and the crazy-@$$ fans, it makes for some pretty good football. UVA was like UNC but a little better and Wake is Wake and Duke is Duke..you know what I mean. So heres the real list.
VT
FSU
Clemson
NC State/GT
Miami
BC/Maryland
UVA
UNC
Wake
Dukekevin said:
posted on November 8, 2006 1:35 PM — 24.184.111.14 — link — abuse?
The Orange Bowl is a TOTAL dump. UNC has some of the most impartial fans around. And I think you should give points to stadiums that are actually ON the campus. Like Byrd stadium in Maryland. That adds SO MUCH to the atmosphere.
Please note that all comments are subject to the Fanblogs Comment Policy.
Evan said:
posted on June 27, 2006 11:06 AM — 66.26.40.226 — link — abuse?the rankings are just insane. NC State's stadium has undergone major renovations and is one of the tops in the league if not in the southern region.