With the Terps kicking off their season tonight at California, here is my predicted order of finish in the two divisions in the ACC. I have Virginia Tech taking down Florida State to win the ACC title and head to a BCS bowl game.
It's worth noting that, while Virginia Tech appears to be the heavy favorite, they took a big hit with season-ending knee injury to their top running back. Their offensive struggles leave little room for error, therefore opening the door for other ACC teams to win the division or conference championship (Georgia Tech).
Atlantic
Florida State - A lot of folks think the Seminoles may be on their way back to prominence, but I'm not jumping on that bandwagon quite yet. Nonetheless, they will be improved from last year (especially on offense) and should run away with the Atlantic Division.
North Carolina State - All conversation about the Wolfpack begins and ends with quarterback Russell Wilson. The dual threat quarterback could help carry the Wolfpack to their best ACC finish in years, especially when you consider the parity in this division when you forget about FSU.
Clemson - A lot of people have Clemson higher, but they have major questions at quarterback and on their offensive line, which have to be major red flags. I'm also interested to see if C.J. Spiller can take the pounding of a full season of carries after splitting time with James Davis in previous seasons.
It's worth noting that, while Virginia Tech appears to be the heavy favorite, they took a big hit with season-ending knee injury to their top running back. Their offensive struggles leave little room for error, therefore opening the door for other ACC teams to win the division or conference championship (Georgia Tech).
Atlantic
Florida State - A lot of folks think the Seminoles may be on their way back to prominence, but I'm not jumping on that bandwagon quite yet. Nonetheless, they will be improved from last year (especially on offense) and should run away with the Atlantic Division.
North Carolina State - All conversation about the Wolfpack begins and ends with quarterback Russell Wilson. The dual threat quarterback could help carry the Wolfpack to their best ACC finish in years, especially when you consider the parity in this division when you forget about FSU.
Clemson - A lot of people have Clemson higher, but they have major questions at quarterback and on their offensive line, which have to be major red flags. I'm also interested to see if C.J. Spiller can take the pounding of a full season of carries after splitting time with James Davis in previous seasons.
Wake Forest - Last year was a bit of a disappointment for the Demon Deacons, who had a pretty good defense but a horrid offense. They tried to use gimmicks and trick plays to cover up their offensive problems, but more often than not it didn't work.
Maryland - The Terps had a disappointing finish last year after having an opportunity to play in the ACC championship game sitting right before their eyes. The team has holes all over the field after the graduation of 30 seniors, but players are hungry to earn starting jobs. This team will go where inconsistent quarterback Chris Turner takes them, which is probably a .500 record.
Boston College - This team has major issues at quarterback, where the team has absolutely no experience. The Eagles seem to always end up finding ways to win games and have a respectable season, but good luck with that quarterback situation. It could be Duke-ugly this year.
Coastal
Virginia Tech - The Hokies are back in a familiar spot, as I believe they will play in yet another ACC championship game. This team does a lot of the little things right, which often makes up for their sometimes struggling offense.
Miami - The Hurricanes, like the Seminoles, are on their way back to national prominence, but they aren't there yet. I think they could put some pressure on the Hokies, but so could the two teams behind them. In fact, those teams could also push the Hurricanes hard, and I could see Miami finishing as low as fourth in the division.
Georgia Tech - I believe Paul Johnson is the best coach in the ACC, and I think he is on the verge of an ACC championship game berth. However, I think they are going to need to diversify their offense just a bit more if they want to get there. I remain unconvinced that a team that leans so heavily on the option is going to be a championship team in the ACC.
North Carolina - Butch Davis is really turning things around in Chapel Hill, and this may be his best team yet. Unfortunately, he is stuck in the tougher of the two ACC divisions and will have his work cut out for him this year.
Virginia - The Cavaliers failed to reach a bowl game last year after losing their final four games of the season. It won't be much easier down the stretch this year, with five of their last seven games either on the road or against tough opponents.
Maryland - The Terps had a disappointing finish last year after having an opportunity to play in the ACC championship game sitting right before their eyes. The team has holes all over the field after the graduation of 30 seniors, but players are hungry to earn starting jobs. This team will go where inconsistent quarterback Chris Turner takes them, which is probably a .500 record.
Boston College - This team has major issues at quarterback, where the team has absolutely no experience. The Eagles seem to always end up finding ways to win games and have a respectable season, but good luck with that quarterback situation. It could be Duke-ugly this year.
Coastal
Virginia Tech - The Hokies are back in a familiar spot, as I believe they will play in yet another ACC championship game. This team does a lot of the little things right, which often makes up for their sometimes struggling offense.
Miami - The Hurricanes, like the Seminoles, are on their way back to national prominence, but they aren't there yet. I think they could put some pressure on the Hokies, but so could the two teams behind them. In fact, those teams could also push the Hurricanes hard, and I could see Miami finishing as low as fourth in the division.
Georgia Tech - I believe Paul Johnson is the best coach in the ACC, and I think he is on the verge of an ACC championship game berth. However, I think they are going to need to diversify their offense just a bit more if they want to get there. I remain unconvinced that a team that leans so heavily on the option is going to be a championship team in the ACC.
North Carolina - Butch Davis is really turning things around in Chapel Hill, and this may be his best team yet. Unfortunately, he is stuck in the tougher of the two ACC divisions and will have his work cut out for him this year.
Virginia - The Cavaliers failed to reach a bowl game last year after losing their final four games of the season. It won't be much easier down the stretch this year, with five of their last seven games either on the road or against tough opponents.
Duke - Still pretty terrible, but they showed signs of respectability at times last year. I still don't see how they win more than 2 ACC games.
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