It wasn't too long ago that the ACC was top heavy. Florida State ruled the ACC and college football more generally. However with the demise of FSU as a power house the ACC has sunk into second tier parity filled status. The conference is 1-8 in BCS bowls this decade with no team finishing in the top 5. As mentioned earlier, the ACC appears poised to breakthrough into the top tier conferences. How do I see the ACC breaking down?
Atlantic Division
1. Florida State - Bobby Bowden helms what hopefully will be his last year. Scandals, debates over win totals (why should I care that Bowden doesn't get a chance to be all time winningst coach? why this a worthy cause again) seemed to have marred the growing hype over the return of FSU to the ACC elite. Little known fact: Bobby Bowden died 3 years ago.
2. Clemson - Finally the younger Bowden and his schizo reign in Clemson are over. Clemson has three things going for it 1) running back CJ Spiller (arguably one of the best backs in the country), 2) no pressure and 3) A coach with the first name of Dabo. How can you not root for Coach Dabo? Little known facts: As Clemson is still located in South Carolina there are a lot of reasons not to root for Coach Dabo.
3. NC State - QB Russel Wilson is the best QB at NC State since Phillip Rivers and probably the best in the entire ACC. That's enough to give them a chance. However with an average defense it's the only reason. Little known fact: NC State Coach Tom O'Brien is the only the coach in the ACC to coach while wearing a judge's robe.
4. Wake Forest -
5. BC - As is the normal tradition I don't bother with analysis of the bad teams. However for those that are unaware I want to discuss the story Mark Herzlich. Herzlich was the best defensive player in the ACC and a future first round draft pick. Herzlich in truly a tragic situation was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer. While it appears that both Herzlich's life and leg will be spared its doubtful he will play football again. Anyway cheers all around for Herzlich and BC this year.
6. Maryland
Coastal Division
1. Virginia Tech (and Conference winner) - If an ACC will breakthrough into the mythical championship hunt its the Hokies. They have basically their entire defense back, Darren Evans (crusher of linebackers), a favorable schedule. They have two big question marks - 1) QB Tyrod Taylor who has the athletic tools but hasn't progressed throwing the ball and 2) opening game against Alabama in Atlanta. If both turn favorably in V-Tech's favor look for the Hokies not only to win the entire ACC but maybe play in the BCS Championship game. Little known fact: The Hokie was initially a cheer for the mascot (who was a turkey).
2. Georgia Tech - G-Tech and its triple option burst onto the scene when it soundly trashed its arch-rival Georgia for the first time in forever. Jonathan Dwyer (running back) might get some heisman votes if the entire Big 12 and SEC become ineligible. That said the team should improve and with a semi-favorable schedule look to be in good shape. Little known fact: G-Tech was the top running team in the country last year.
3. North Carolina - Actually positions 2-4 in the Coastal Division will be very taught and there's no logical reason for the order here. I like UNC over Miami mainly on schedule (see below). Butch Davis can build college teams (and only college teams) and his deal with Satan clearly specifies. Little known fact: Coaching the Browns caused Butch Davis to be institutionalized due to anxiety for several months.
4. Miami - Young, athletic, hungry. Could the U be back? Potentially but check out there first four games at FSU, G-Tech, at V-Tech, Oklahoma. For a young team that's a ball buster and for a young team to overcome a 1-3 or 0-4 start might be too much. Statistically and talent wise Miami could easily challenge for the ACC title but inexperience, unproven coach and brutal schedule I'm guessing will be too much. Little known fact: Not even Miami fans root for Miami.
5. Virgina
6. Duke
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