Associated Press
The college football notebook …
The Atlantic Coast Conference schedule is as scattered as it has ever been.
There are seven Thursday night games this year, including two in the opening week. There’s also one Friday night tilt and there’s already been a rare Monday night contest.
Coaches struggle to balance the exposure from the televised matchups with the problems the short practice weeks create.
The prime-time games have worked out well for Frank Beamer and Virginia Tech.
The No. 11 Hokies are playing back-to-back Thursday night games again this year, and have won 17 of their last 22. That success probably helped them attain, and retain, their status as an elite program.
“I think it’s all been a part of it,” Beamer said. “I think when people see you on TV or recruits are there witnessing what’s going on, it’s nothing but positive for Virginia Tech. I think people see what great fans we have, how enthusiastic they are and how they help us win.”
MCADOO
DURHAM ó Attorneys representing the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are seeking to dismiss a lawsuit filed by former football player Michael McAdoo.
McAdoo sued the school and NCAA in July, alleging negligence and seeking unspecified damages as well as reinstatement after being ruled permanently ineligible during the NCAA’s investigation of the football program. But in a motion, the school argued McAdoo has “no constitutionally protected right” to play college sports.
NOTRE DAME
SOUTH BEND, Ind. ó Michael Floyd insists he’s not counting even as he gets ready to break more receiving records at Notre Dame.
Floyd made 12 catches last week in a 23-20 loss to South Florida, giving him 183 for his career and allowing him to pass Jeff Samardzija (179) ó now a relief pitcher for the Chicago Cubs ó at the top of the total catches list.
TEXAS A&M
MONTGOMERY, Ala. ó The Southeastern Conference cleared the way for Texas A&M to join its ranks ó with a wrinkle.
Baylor is considering suing if the Aggies leave the Big 12.
If and when the legal issues are resolved, the SEC will make the Aggies the league’s 13th team to complete a courtship Texas A&M initiated in July. The potential union announced Wednesday could lead to a massive realignment of the college football landscape, a significant push toward 16-team super conferences.