Al Golden calls GT a "great challenge"

Al Golden of Miami:

• Coach Golden called GT a "great challenge."  He also pointed out that the Yellow Jackets were 1 of 2 teams to represent the Coastal Division in the Conference Championship game.
  

• He said his team was focused and having a good week of practice.

• Golden said that WR Malcolm Lewis was playing "fast again" and has already "slayed the demon" when it comes to the possible emotional impact of playing Georgia Tech again after hurting himself in Atlanta last year.

• On Stephen Morris,"He had a great day today, he's really close."
  

• Golden expressed no concern that his first team players have not played much the past 2 games because of how hard they have worked in practice.
  

• On Tech's defense, "This is an experienced defense, they are top 25 in red zone, they have only given up 10 points in the second half.  Jeremiah Attaochu is one of the premier defenders in the country."

• On Duke Johnson,  "He has prepared to be the lead dog. People will say he fumbled twice last week but he also did a great job in picking up blitzes. I'm real proud of him. He does whatever we ask of him."
  

News and Notes from around the rest of the ACC:

Audio files and full transcripts of the  teleconference can be found later this afternoon on theacc.com.

• Dabo Swinney, of Clemson said his team looked forward to facing the Syracuse in the Carrier Dome this weekend in the Cuse's first ever ACC contest. "They play very very tough at home, they were 6-1 at home last year with their only loss last year 41-40 to Northwestern."  He also said the team prepared for playing in the Dome by pumping music during this week's practice. Swinney credited depth for the improvement on special teams. He credited experience for the improvement on defense,  noting they had no juniors on the D line last year.
  

• Jimbo Fisher, Florida State's Head Coach was proud of his team for adjusting to BC's hot start in last weekend's win over the Eagles. On emerging WR Kenny Shaw "He's extremely quick, great route runner,  very instinctive he has a great feel for the game.  This year he has been just so much more consistent."   Fisher also praised Maryland QB CJ Brown, "He can beat you with his arm, he can beat you with his legs, he can beat you with his mind.  We can do this for an hour, he is a heck of a player."
  

• Randy Edsall, of  Maryland was equally respectful of the Seminoles. "Jimbo has the guys playing really well. They are well coached, we will have our hands full when we go down there this weekend." On the improved pass rush, Edsall credited improvements in personnel.  He said he was not surprised at the team's top 25 ranking,  but warned there was a long way to go.  On Jameis Winston, "He reminds me a lot of EJ Manuel.  I am impressed with his poise. He can do it all, he can extend plays and throws the ball extremely well."
  

• Scott Shafer, of Syracuse called Tahj Boyd a "Heisman Candidate" and said his team looked forward to the challenge of Clemson.  Shafer was pleased with Terrell Hunt and pointed out that he targeted 11 different receivers last week, highlighting his progression. He shared that Hunt was originally recruited as a safety, noting his athletic skills. He also reminisced on Hunt's skills on the hardwood during the recruiting process and praised his "competitive spirit."  On the crowd noise, he credited the noise with disrupting Geno Smith and West Virginia last year, and said "We want to show the folks in the ACC the Dome is one hell of a place to play."
  

• Jim Grobe, Wake Forest's Head Coach said his team was looking forward to getting back in the field against long time rival NC State, after losing big to Clemson.  Grobe, a former coach at Air Force, also expressed disappointment that the academies would not playing this weekend due to the Government shut down.  Grobe also said he was looking for more leadership from QB Tanner Price but said "Offensively we are just not playing well as a group."
  

• Paul Johnson, of Georgia Tech hoped his team would bounce back against the U after losing to VT last Thursday night.  He credited the 'Canes experience for the improvement on defense and observed that Miami was running more 3-4 then ever before. On the Canes O "Duke Johnson may be the best RB in the country. They have a pretty good combination of guys. This will be the best offense we play."  He continued, "They have a lot of explosive plays and I think they thing that gets overlooked sometimes a very good, big offensive line."
  

• Larry Fedora, North Carolina's Head Coach said his team was wary of VT's defense and praised their ILB Jack Tyler for playing very well,  but also said their secondary was impressive. "Both Fullers are playing very well and so is the Facyson kid.  Exum is coming back too,  I don't know where they are going to play him."  Fedora also said his team was working very hard to improve the running game. He also said he expected freshman RB TJ Logan to play this weekend in the return game and in the offensive backfield.
  

• Paul Chryst, of Pittsburgh credited his team's ability to win both shoot outs and close defensive struggles.  He said his team was happy to have a chance to get healthy during their bye week. Chryst credited the development of WR Tyler Boyd for helping take the focus off star receiver Devin Street. QB Tom Savage who was injured last week, has been practicing, and "feels good" according to Chryst.
  

• Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech's legendary skipper, was clearly fired up to get anther shot at UNC after last year's big loss. Beamer expressed excitement at the chance to get back CB Antone Exum but praised the play of Brandon Facyson in filling in. 
  

• Mike London, of Virginia  said that his team was still "creating competition" at spots, and hinted that a lot of young players would see more action.  London also noted this week's opponent Ball State had a very good offense, and that they were well aware of their prowess to score on opening possessions. He credited QB David Watford for working hard to improve as well.
  

• Steve Addazio's team Boston College is scheduled to play Army this weekend.  Addazio was hesitant to talk about the possible cancellation/re-scheduling of the game due to the Government shutdown, but said his team would prepare as if they were going to play. He also said was pleased with his team's effort against FSU, despite the loss.
  

• David Cutcliffe, Duke's Head Coach called his team "energized" after last weekend's win. Cutcliffe could not clarify when injured QB Anthony Boone would be ready for action. On the Government shut down of the academy programs, he said he hoped that the games would not be cancelled but "would let someone else worry about that."  Duke is scheduled to face Navy 10/12.

• Dave Doeren, of NC State was wary of his team going on the road for the first time this year after opening with 4 home contests. He said for his team to be a contender, "We need to be able to take our show on the road."  Doeren said bringing the same energy the team showed at home, on the road was a big focus this week.
  

Be sure to check in every Wednesday for weekly updates from the ACC Coaches'  Teleconference.