ACC Preview
ACC Atlantic
Clemson – 11-2 (6-2)
Because of the weakness of the ACC, Clemson could actually end up contending for the BCS Championship game. Any semblance of consistency on defense could lead the Tigers to an undefeated season.
Florida St. – 7-5 (5-3)
There’s a ton of talent defensively, but you have to be able to score points in college football. Antone Smith is a good RB, but lacks an OL to run behind.
NC State – 6-6 (4-4)
The biggest sleeper in the conference. Could end up being Clemson’s biggest challenge in the division.
Maryland – 6-6 (3-5)
It’s been difficult to see why the Terps consistently contend in the ACC over the last two years. They simply play well enough to compete and to win.
Boston College – 6-6 (2-6)
BC will take the biggest step back in the conference. It won’t be surprising at all if they end up falling short of bowl eligibility.
Wake Forest – 3-9 (1-7)
Wake Forest has one of the best secondaries in the country. Unfortunately, the Demon Deacons play in a run-heavy conference. Their biggest scoring threat offensively is kicker Sam Swank. That’s not a good thing.
ACC Coastal
Virginia Tech – 11-2 (7-1)
The Hokies have a fairly favorable schedule with trips to Miami and Florida State proving to be the toughest challenges. Defensively, Va. Tech is always great. There are far too many questions for the offense, though.
Miami – 8-4 (6-2)
Speaking of favorable schedules, the Canes have very winnable away games other than the one that has them going to Gainesville to play the Gators Week 2.
Virginia – 7-5 (5-3)
Many say Virginia is ready to slip off from a surprising 2007 season. Personally, I think the Cavaliers have a fantastic defense, particularly in the front-7. Expect an improved offensive attack with RB Mikell Simpson playing a larger role.
North Carolina – 6-6 (4-4)
Butch Davis’ presence is already making a difference as UNC pulled one of its best recruiting classes since Mack Brown was the team’s skipper. The Tar Heels will struggle early, but will be a different team by season’s end. They’re a year away from being an ACC contender.
Georgia Tech – 6-6 (3-5)
Can the triple option still work? It can in the ACC this year. It is a scheme change, however, and it will take a while for the Yellowjackets to adjust.
Duke – 2-10 (0-8)
Typical Duke team with a typical Duke record. Not much else to say.
Overall assessment: Clemson and Virginia Tech are a level above the rest of the conference and I like Clemson to win the ACC crown.
No defense in the country will consistently stop the Clemson offense. QB Cullen Harper really came on late last year and is the best QB in the nation in my opinion. Throw in lethal RB tandem James Davis and C.J. Spiller and you get an offense ready to score a lot of points.
The Tigers have a national championship caliber offense. Now if their defense can just make some key stops.
Miami is a lot closer to returning to national dominance than Florida State is. There’s younger and better talent in Miami, but either squad could emerge this season with 10 wins based on the quality of the ACC.
Frankly, it’s the worst major conference in the nation. I project all but two teams earning bowl eligibility, but it reflects the lack of strength within the league.
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Jonathan Hull
Sports Editor
Fantasy Football Jungle
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Big Spring Herald
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