Continuing our study of the ACC, we now shift to the...
ACC Atlantic Division
Teams are listed in reverse predicted finish.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
2010-11 Record: 3-9, (1-7)
Head Coach: Jim Grobe
Why they can win the ACC: Much like Coastal counterpart, Duke, it's very difficult to imagine Wake Forest fielding a competitive team. Although they won 28 games between 2006 and 2008, the past few years have been a steady regression and it's likely the Deacs will find themselves at the bottom of the Atlantic pack once again. Lefty Tanner Price was hopelessly overwhelmed last season (1,349 yards, 7 TD's, 8 INT's) and the Deacons' ability to win is directly tied to how well he plays. The brightest spot on offense is undoubtedly RB Josh Harris (125 rushes, 725 yards, 7 TD's). He is the only real play-maker on that side of the ball, and certainly has big game potential, as evidenced by his 20 carry, 241 yard, 2 TD outing against Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. Behind an unspectacular yet veteran offensive line, the Deacs will rely heavily on him to improve their 91st ranked scoring offense. The receiving corps leaves something to be desired, as primary target Chris Givens (35 catches, 514 yards, 4 TD's) returns to lead a group that must produce and help the offense move the chains more often than last year. The defense is the stronger of the two units, led by senior Kyle Wilbur. He will be moving to outside linebacker in the Deac's new 3-4 scheme, from defensive end where he racked up ridiculous stats (65 tackles, 6 sacks, 1 forced fumble). He will have some help on the line from an undersized (5'11, 260 lbs) Nikita Whitlock who was a revelation at nose tackle as a freshman where he racked up 10.5 tackles for loss and 3 sacks.
Why they can't win the ACC: Uncertainty at QB is always the first obstacle any team faces. Price needs to play infinitely better than he did last year, with Senior Ted Stachitis waiting for his chance to wrestle the starting job away. While the the front seven on defense should be solid, the secondary leaves much to be desired considering Wake was minus twenty in touchdowns thrown vs touchdowns conceded (9-29). Unless the aerial attack can improve from the abysmal 114th ranking, the defense will be on the field much longer than it should which will allow opponents to feast on weak spots. Couple that with only one true push-over on the slate (Gardner-Webb) and a non-conference matchup with a Vandy team out for revenge, and this is lining up to be another long season in Winston Salem. When your must-win game is on the road against Duke, things probably could be better.
2011-12 Prediction: 2-10, (1-7)
Clemson Tigers
2010-11 Record: 6-7, (4-4)
Head Coach: Dabo Swinney
Why they can win the ACC: Talent has never been an issue in Death Valley. It's up to head coachand lead country folk singer Dabo Swinney to get the Tigers out of their perennial underachievement slump. In his third full season as leading man, Swinney certainly has the tools to make the Tigers serious contenders. The strength of this Tigers team will be their offensive line with four returning starters. First year line-coach Robbie Caldwell will have the deepest rotation in the ACC at his disposal. That should bode well for junior RB Andre Ellington. A nagging toe injury limited his involvement to fewer than nine full games last year, but he still put up spectacular numbers (118 carries, 686 yards, 10 TD's). If fully healed, the 1,000 yard mark is certainly attainable. True freshman Mike Bellamy will have an almost immediate impact as Ellington's substitute and sophomore Roderick McDowell gives the Tigers considerable depth at running back. Clemson's receivers are led by sophomore DeAndre Hopkins, who lit up secondaries up and down the coast as a true freshman. His 51 catches set a school record for a first-year player and his yardage and number of TD's (626, 4) bodes well for the future. The Tigers defense will once again be fearsome despite some key losses. In their third full season under coordinator Kevin Steele, Andre Thompson and Kevin Branch will anchor the defensive line while Stephone Anthony and Tony Steward (both true freshmen) will provide immediately at their linebacking positions. Replacing Marcus Gilchrist and Byron Maxwell in the secondary will be tough, but talent will not be lacking.
Why they can't win the ACC: Tajh Boyd. The starting QB had a so-so seven game stint last year (329 yards, 4 TD's, 3 INT's), but much will be expected of him this fall. Boyd will be in the hands of first year coordinator Chad Morris, who most recently held the same position at Tulsa. Under his tutelage, Tulsa ranked first nationally in yards per game (505.6) and points per game (41.6). His no-huddle, hurry-up system was also responsible for reigning Conference-USA player of the year, QB G.J. Kinne. An unforgiving schedule features back-to-back-to-back games against defending National Champions, Auburn, and ACC heavyweights Florida State and Virginia Tech, and a season ending game in Columbia against a South Carolina team primed to make a run at the SEC title; a steep learning curve could prove disastrous for the young offense.
2011-12 Prediction: 6-6, (4-4)
Boston College Eagles
2010-11 Record: 7-6, (4-4)
Head Coach: Frank Spaziani
Why they can win the ACC: Montel Harris. Hands down, the best RB in the conference and one of the best in the country, Harris is the engine of BC's success. His monster 2010 (269 carries, 1,243 yards, 8 TD's) was even more impressive thanks to his unparalleled consistency (21 games with at least 100 yards rushing). With a similar season, Harris is almost guaranteed to break the ACC all-time rushing record of 4,603 yards set by former N.C. State RB Ted Brown from 1975-78. Furthermore his 2010 season pales in comparison to his other-worldly 2009 campaign (308 carries, 1,457 yards, 14 TD's). Despite the loss of two steady starters, the Eagles should have an impressive offensive line to help pave the way for Harris. All five starters have varying levels of experience but the entire second unit is comprised of true freshmen. One or two injuries could seriously derail Harris' quest and the Eagles season. On the opposite side of the ball, the Eagles are led by their linebackers. At the head of the group is unanimous All-American sophomore, Luke Kuechly who led the nation in tackles (183) and solo tackles (110). Flanking him will be fellow sophomore Kevin Pierre-Louis who ranked second on the team with 93 tackles, 59 solo, and the seasoned Steve Divitto.
Why they can't win the ACC: As stout as the linebacking unit is, defensive line is the biggest question mark on the team. Their cohesiveness will go a long way in determining how effective the entire unit can be. Continuing a theme in the ACC, QB consistency will be the fulcrum that determines the Eagles fortunes. Chase Retig will be in his second full season as the starter and needs to improve from a pedestrian 2010 (1,238 yards, 12 TD's, 9 INT's). Whether he can make the leap will be determined by his stable of receivers. There are no clear super-stars in this group yet, as sophomore Bobby Swigert looks to build upon a solid freshman year (39 catches, 504 yards, 4 TD's) and Colin Larmond Jr. seeks to return to form after sitting out all of last season with a knee injury. If the offensive becomes too one dimensional and teams force the issue with Harris, the Eagles won't be able to see the expected improvement. The Eagles could start off 5-0, but play five of their last seven on the road, including a non-conference trip to South Bend.
2011-12 Prediction: 7-5, (4-4)
North Carolina State Wolfpack
2010-11 Record: 9-4, (5-3)
Head Coach: Tom O'Brien
Why they can win the ACC: Last year was a watershed moment for the Wolfpack program, and Coach O'Brien will be looking to carry that momentum into this year. The Pack will be guided by Sean Glennon in his first full season as QB. Word around the campfire is he has all the tools to become a big-time player, although his coach's comparison to former BC standout Matt Ryan immediately puts a healthy amount of pressure on his shoulders. Three of the starting five offensive lineman will be returning, and there is a tremendous amount of talent waiting to step up. Taking advantage of this will be RB Mustafa Green who had an impressive true-freshman season (134 carries, 597 yards, 4 TD's). The defense will be helped by the return of CB Jarvis Byrd, who medically redshirted 2010 to rehab a torn ACL. Senior DE J.R. Sweezy is poised to wreak havoc along the line (46 tackles, 6 sacks), and will be joined by returning starter Jeff Rieskamp. The back seven is the strength of the unit with six returning starters. Audie Cole (97 tackles, 5 sacks) will lead the group from his new middle linebacker position. Juniors Earl Wolff (91 tackles, 1 INT) and Brandan Bishop (64 tackles, 4 INT's) return as the best Safety tandem in the conference.
Why they can't win the ACC: A lot, perhaps too much, is riding on Glennon's shoulders, with an unproven receiving unit. I think he will acquit himself nicely as the season wears on, but the schedule does not leave much room for breath. The Pack's last five games are against heavyweights and middleweights and the offense is just not seasoned enough to be counted on in big games quite yet.
2011-12 Prediction: 7-5, (4-4)
Maryland Terrapins
2010-11 Record: 9-4, (5-3)
Head Coach: Randy Edsall
Why they can win the ACC: The Terps enter the 2011 season as one of the most intriguing teams in the conference. After a surprising 2010, which saw the emergence of a legitimate star in Danny O'Brien, beloved (by some), portly coach Ralph 'The Fridge' Friedgen was unceremoniously let go, leading to the arrival of new head coach Randy Edsall from UConn. O'Brien cemented himself as the best QB in the ACC, winning rookie of the year honors, with a tremendous effort (2,438 yards, 22 TD's, 8 INT's) and the offensive line was able to overcome enough injury trouble to keep him relatively upright. The Terps return two very capable RB's in Davin Meggett (126 rushes, 720 yards, 4 TD's) and D.J. Adams, whose 11 TD's set a freshman record in addition to his 67 carries for 239 yards. On defense, star Kenny Tate has shifted to 'Star' linebacker and will be flanked by steady companion Demetrius Hartsfield (88 tackles). Three of the four starting defensive linemen return including anchor Joe Vellano. O'Brien has the tools to carry the team and the smarts to excel in his new system. New offensive coordinator Gary Crowton hails from LSU where his offense set school records for scoring and total offense during the Bayou Bengals 2007 National Championship run. The open, QB friendly system should help the Terps improve from pedestrian rankings in passing yards and points (65th, and 29th).
Why they can't win the ACC: Unfortunately for the Terps, the most glaring problem facing them in 2011 is the same one they faced in 2010; the health of the offensive line. Left tackle Justin Gilbert is out until October after re-injuring his surgically repaired knee, while R.J. Dill, Pete White, and Justin Lewis are all rehabbing injuries. The line is solid if unspectacular and plays well as a unit, but any injures will be costly as there is not a lot of two deep talent. In college football, the general rule of thumb is that a healthy offensive line has ten rotational players. In 2011, the Terps will be lucky to field eight. Another area of concern is the wide receiver corps. Gone is All-American Torrey Smith (67 catches, 1,055 yards, 12 TD's), and Adrian Cannon who was an excellent safety blanket for O'Brien. Quintin McCree leads the returning candidates, with a grand total of sixteen catches. Someone from this unit will have to step up and earn O'Brien's trust if the Terps want to produce a legitimate aerial attack. On defense, much will depend on how well the front seven plays. The Terps have big shoes to fill with the departure of middle linebacker Alex Wujciak. In the secondary, senior CB Cameron Chism is the elder statesmen of the group, which will shift to a more prevent-zone style than straight up man-to-man as has been the case in previous years. I don't expect this group to markedly improve from last year; middle of the pack in defending the pass seems about right. The schedule is more daunting for the Terps this year, with the season opener against Miami followed up by a showdown with Big East rival West Virginia, and a late season tangle with Notre Dame.
2011-12 Prediction: 8-4, (5-3)
Florida State Seminoles
2010-11 Record: 10-4, (6-2)
Head Coach: Jimbo Fisher
Why they can win the ACC: Under the direction ofDabo Swinney's folk group co-star Jimbo Fisher, the Noles enter 2011 with high expectations. Last season, the Seminoles were picked by some to unseat Virginia Tech as ACC Champs and they almost did, falling 44-33. This year, they return with the same goal, but a much larger target on their backs, probably because everyone is sick of hearing how Florida State is, once again, the big kid on the block. QB E.J. Manuel is more than seasoned after filling in for the oft injured Christian Ponder the last two seasons. Behind him, the Noles will sport a stable of high quality RB's, led by junior Chris Thompson (133 carries, 846 yards, 6 TD's). Newcomers James Wilder Jr. and Devonta Freeman will cause headaches for any defense trying to take a play off as well. The most veteran personnel on the team is the wide receiving group. While top pass catcher Bert Reed (58 catches, 614 yards, 2 TD's) is the leading receiver on paper, the most dangerous weapon in the group is 6'6 Rodney Smith. Any way you slice it, having all of your pass-catching receivers return is a luxury not very many teams in the country can sport. Much like the olden days, Florida State's most intimidating weapon will be its defensive line. This unit's depth has been an issue in past seasons, leading to the team losing some steam late in the season, but no longer. After aggressive recruiting, there are a number of positions that go five, (yes, five) deep. Anthony McCloud and Jacobbi McDaniel are back to anchor the interior line, and Brandon Jenkins is fresh off a 13.5 sack season. Without a doubt, however, the most skilled portion of the defense is its CB tandem. Unquestionably the best in the ACC and arguably the best in the country, Xavier Rhodes and Greg Reid look to make the jump from great to legendary status. The Safeties are the biggest question mark and the main reason for Florida State's 71st ranked pass defense last year, but former number one ranked high school Cornerback Lamarcus Joyner has made the switch to FS and could be the answer to coordinator Mark Stoops' problem.
Why they won't win the ACC: Expectation. Pressure is a team's worst enemy and there are some big time games which the Noles must win in order to prove to the rest of the college football world that they are truly back. The first is week 3 vs preseason number one Oklahoma which is a huge game for both programs. The season ending matchup vs Florida is also a must, as the Noles dominated the Gators for the first time in years last season and can't afford a hiccup in The Swamp that late in the season. The weakest link on this team is the offensive line which has been decimated by injuries. All-ACC linemen Ryan McMahon and Rodney Hudson, both four year starters, are gone. Andrew Datko and Zebrie Sanders have the potential to be the best in the ACC, but both have been hampered by injuries this spring. There is a lot of talent along the line, but much like Maryland, Florida State needs to pray that their line stays healthy the whole season.
2011-12 Prediction: 11-1, (8-0)
And the winner is......
FLORIDA STATE upends Virginia Tech to be crowned the 2011-12 ACC Champions.
ACC Atlantic Division
Teams are listed in reverse predicted finish.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
2010-11 Record: 3-9, (1-7)
Head Coach: Jim Grobe
Why they can win the ACC: Much like Coastal counterpart, Duke, it's very difficult to imagine Wake Forest fielding a competitive team. Although they won 28 games between 2006 and 2008, the past few years have been a steady regression and it's likely the Deacs will find themselves at the bottom of the Atlantic pack once again. Lefty Tanner Price was hopelessly overwhelmed last season (1,349 yards, 7 TD's, 8 INT's) and the Deacons' ability to win is directly tied to how well he plays. The brightest spot on offense is undoubtedly RB Josh Harris (125 rushes, 725 yards, 7 TD's). He is the only real play-maker on that side of the ball, and certainly has big game potential, as evidenced by his 20 carry, 241 yard, 2 TD outing against Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. Behind an unspectacular yet veteran offensive line, the Deacs will rely heavily on him to improve their 91st ranked scoring offense. The receiving corps leaves something to be desired, as primary target Chris Givens (35 catches, 514 yards, 4 TD's) returns to lead a group that must produce and help the offense move the chains more often than last year. The defense is the stronger of the two units, led by senior Kyle Wilbur. He will be moving to outside linebacker in the Deac's new 3-4 scheme, from defensive end where he racked up ridiculous stats (65 tackles, 6 sacks, 1 forced fumble). He will have some help on the line from an undersized (5'11, 260 lbs) Nikita Whitlock who was a revelation at nose tackle as a freshman where he racked up 10.5 tackles for loss and 3 sacks.
Why they can't win the ACC: Uncertainty at QB is always the first obstacle any team faces. Price needs to play infinitely better than he did last year, with Senior Ted Stachitis waiting for his chance to wrestle the starting job away. While the the front seven on defense should be solid, the secondary leaves much to be desired considering Wake was minus twenty in touchdowns thrown vs touchdowns conceded (9-29). Unless the aerial attack can improve from the abysmal 114th ranking, the defense will be on the field much longer than it should which will allow opponents to feast on weak spots. Couple that with only one true push-over on the slate (Gardner-Webb) and a non-conference matchup with a Vandy team out for revenge, and this is lining up to be another long season in Winston Salem. When your must-win game is on the road against Duke, things probably could be better.
2011-12 Prediction: 2-10, (1-7)
Clemson Tigers
2010-11 Record: 6-7, (4-4)
Head Coach: Dabo Swinney
Why they can win the ACC: Talent has never been an issue in Death Valley. It's up to head coach
Why they can't win the ACC: Tajh Boyd. The starting QB had a so-so seven game stint last year (329 yards, 4 TD's, 3 INT's), but much will be expected of him this fall. Boyd will be in the hands of first year coordinator Chad Morris, who most recently held the same position at Tulsa. Under his tutelage, Tulsa ranked first nationally in yards per game (505.6) and points per game (41.6). His no-huddle, hurry-up system was also responsible for reigning Conference-USA player of the year, QB G.J. Kinne. An unforgiving schedule features back-to-back-to-back games against defending National Champions, Auburn, and ACC heavyweights Florida State and Virginia Tech, and a season ending game in Columbia against a South Carolina team primed to make a run at the SEC title; a steep learning curve could prove disastrous for the young offense.
2011-12 Prediction: 6-6, (4-4)
Boston College Eagles
2010-11 Record: 7-6, (4-4)
Head Coach: Frank Spaziani
Why they can win the ACC: Montel Harris. Hands down, the best RB in the conference and one of the best in the country, Harris is the engine of BC's success. His monster 2010 (269 carries, 1,243 yards, 8 TD's) was even more impressive thanks to his unparalleled consistency (21 games with at least 100 yards rushing). With a similar season, Harris is almost guaranteed to break the ACC all-time rushing record of 4,603 yards set by former N.C. State RB Ted Brown from 1975-78. Furthermore his 2010 season pales in comparison to his other-worldly 2009 campaign (308 carries, 1,457 yards, 14 TD's). Despite the loss of two steady starters, the Eagles should have an impressive offensive line to help pave the way for Harris. All five starters have varying levels of experience but the entire second unit is comprised of true freshmen. One or two injuries could seriously derail Harris' quest and the Eagles season. On the opposite side of the ball, the Eagles are led by their linebackers. At the head of the group is unanimous All-American sophomore, Luke Kuechly who led the nation in tackles (183) and solo tackles (110). Flanking him will be fellow sophomore Kevin Pierre-Louis who ranked second on the team with 93 tackles, 59 solo, and the seasoned Steve Divitto.
Why they can't win the ACC: As stout as the linebacking unit is, defensive line is the biggest question mark on the team. Their cohesiveness will go a long way in determining how effective the entire unit can be. Continuing a theme in the ACC, QB consistency will be the fulcrum that determines the Eagles fortunes. Chase Retig will be in his second full season as the starter and needs to improve from a pedestrian 2010 (1,238 yards, 12 TD's, 9 INT's). Whether he can make the leap will be determined by his stable of receivers. There are no clear super-stars in this group yet, as sophomore Bobby Swigert looks to build upon a solid freshman year (39 catches, 504 yards, 4 TD's) and Colin Larmond Jr. seeks to return to form after sitting out all of last season with a knee injury. If the offensive becomes too one dimensional and teams force the issue with Harris, the Eagles won't be able to see the expected improvement. The Eagles could start off 5-0, but play five of their last seven on the road, including a non-conference trip to South Bend.
2011-12 Prediction: 7-5, (4-4)
North Carolina State Wolfpack
2010-11 Record: 9-4, (5-3)
Head Coach: Tom O'Brien
Why they can win the ACC: Last year was a watershed moment for the Wolfpack program, and Coach O'Brien will be looking to carry that momentum into this year. The Pack will be guided by Sean Glennon in his first full season as QB. Word around the campfire is he has all the tools to become a big-time player, although his coach's comparison to former BC standout Matt Ryan immediately puts a healthy amount of pressure on his shoulders. Three of the starting five offensive lineman will be returning, and there is a tremendous amount of talent waiting to step up. Taking advantage of this will be RB Mustafa Green who had an impressive true-freshman season (134 carries, 597 yards, 4 TD's). The defense will be helped by the return of CB Jarvis Byrd, who medically redshirted 2010 to rehab a torn ACL. Senior DE J.R. Sweezy is poised to wreak havoc along the line (46 tackles, 6 sacks), and will be joined by returning starter Jeff Rieskamp. The back seven is the strength of the unit with six returning starters. Audie Cole (97 tackles, 5 sacks) will lead the group from his new middle linebacker position. Juniors Earl Wolff (91 tackles, 1 INT) and Brandan Bishop (64 tackles, 4 INT's) return as the best Safety tandem in the conference.
Why they can't win the ACC: A lot, perhaps too much, is riding on Glennon's shoulders, with an unproven receiving unit. I think he will acquit himself nicely as the season wears on, but the schedule does not leave much room for breath. The Pack's last five games are against heavyweights and middleweights and the offense is just not seasoned enough to be counted on in big games quite yet.
2011-12 Prediction: 7-5, (4-4)
Maryland Terrapins
2010-11 Record: 9-4, (5-3)
Head Coach: Randy Edsall
Why they can win the ACC: The Terps enter the 2011 season as one of the most intriguing teams in the conference. After a surprising 2010, which saw the emergence of a legitimate star in Danny O'Brien, beloved (by some), portly coach Ralph 'The Fridge' Friedgen was unceremoniously let go, leading to the arrival of new head coach Randy Edsall from UConn. O'Brien cemented himself as the best QB in the ACC, winning rookie of the year honors, with a tremendous effort (2,438 yards, 22 TD's, 8 INT's) and the offensive line was able to overcome enough injury trouble to keep him relatively upright. The Terps return two very capable RB's in Davin Meggett (126 rushes, 720 yards, 4 TD's) and D.J. Adams, whose 11 TD's set a freshman record in addition to his 67 carries for 239 yards. On defense, star Kenny Tate has shifted to 'Star' linebacker and will be flanked by steady companion Demetrius Hartsfield (88 tackles). Three of the four starting defensive linemen return including anchor Joe Vellano. O'Brien has the tools to carry the team and the smarts to excel in his new system. New offensive coordinator Gary Crowton hails from LSU where his offense set school records for scoring and total offense during the Bayou Bengals 2007 National Championship run. The open, QB friendly system should help the Terps improve from pedestrian rankings in passing yards and points (65th, and 29th).
Why they can't win the ACC: Unfortunately for the Terps, the most glaring problem facing them in 2011 is the same one they faced in 2010; the health of the offensive line. Left tackle Justin Gilbert is out until October after re-injuring his surgically repaired knee, while R.J. Dill, Pete White, and Justin Lewis are all rehabbing injuries. The line is solid if unspectacular and plays well as a unit, but any injures will be costly as there is not a lot of two deep talent. In college football, the general rule of thumb is that a healthy offensive line has ten rotational players. In 2011, the Terps will be lucky to field eight. Another area of concern is the wide receiver corps. Gone is All-American Torrey Smith (67 catches, 1,055 yards, 12 TD's), and Adrian Cannon who was an excellent safety blanket for O'Brien. Quintin McCree leads the returning candidates, with a grand total of sixteen catches. Someone from this unit will have to step up and earn O'Brien's trust if the Terps want to produce a legitimate aerial attack. On defense, much will depend on how well the front seven plays. The Terps have big shoes to fill with the departure of middle linebacker Alex Wujciak. In the secondary, senior CB Cameron Chism is the elder statesmen of the group, which will shift to a more prevent-zone style than straight up man-to-man as has been the case in previous years. I don't expect this group to markedly improve from last year; middle of the pack in defending the pass seems about right. The schedule is more daunting for the Terps this year, with the season opener against Miami followed up by a showdown with Big East rival West Virginia, and a late season tangle with Notre Dame.
2011-12 Prediction: 8-4, (5-3)
Florida State Seminoles
2010-11 Record: 10-4, (6-2)
Head Coach: Jimbo Fisher
Why they can win the ACC: Under the direction of
Why they won't win the ACC: Expectation. Pressure is a team's worst enemy and there are some big time games which the Noles must win in order to prove to the rest of the college football world that they are truly back. The first is week 3 vs preseason number one Oklahoma which is a huge game for both programs. The season ending matchup vs Florida is also a must, as the Noles dominated the Gators for the first time in years last season and can't afford a hiccup in The Swamp that late in the season. The weakest link on this team is the offensive line which has been decimated by injuries. All-ACC linemen Ryan McMahon and Rodney Hudson, both four year starters, are gone. Andrew Datko and Zebrie Sanders have the potential to be the best in the ACC, but both have been hampered by injuries this spring. There is a lot of talent along the line, but much like Maryland, Florida State needs to pray that their line stays healthy the whole season.
2011-12 Prediction: 11-1, (8-0)
And the winner is......
FLORIDA STATE upends Virginia Tech to be crowned the 2011-12 ACC Champions.
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