2009 ACC Costal Division Preview

Butch Davis has his Tar Heels developing nicely, and he is hoping this year his hard work will come to fruition on the field. The Tar Heels strength is their defense which returns an ACC leading nine starters.

North Carolina has one of the fastest defensive units in the country. Linebacker Zach Brown clocked a 4.26 40-Yard dash this spring and he is just one of the speeders lurking the Tar Heel defense.

Perhaps the most intriguing thing to watch this season will be the maturation of quarterback T.J. Yates. Two years ago Yates was the talk of campus when he lit up the field for over 2,600 yards passing and 14 touchdowns, both of which are North Carolina single season records.

However, Yates ended his freshmen year early with a shoulder injury and he missed last season with a broken ankle. Yet, when healthy T.J. Yates is the catalyst to jumpstart a sluggish Tar Heels offense.

Record 6-6 Key Games: East Carolina, Virginia, at NC. State


Virginia Cavaliers: There was plenty of change in Charlottesville this offseason, and for Al Groh’s sake, he better hope they made enough key changes that will positively affect the Cavaliers play on the football field. Last year’s 5-7 campaign was simply embarrassing and it cost Mike Groh his job as Virginia’s offensive coordinator.

Enter Greg Brandon and the spread attack, something new for the Virginia Cavaliers. UVA ranked 114th in scoring last season, that will have to change with their new spread attack.

Virginia lacks the playmakers to truly make the spread offense run, but that does not mean they will fall on their face. The Cavaliers have two possible quarterbacks in Jameel Sewel and Vick Hall, two very talented and experienced quarterbacks who will thrive in the new scheme.

Record 6-6 Key Games: At Maryland, Boston College, Georgia Tech


Duke Blue Devils: David Cutcliffe is in year two of his tenure at Duke, and he is looking to make an even bigger splash in his second year. Last year the Blue Devils earned four victories which matched their combined mark from the previous four years.

If the Blue Devils want to build on last year’s success they will need to up their offensive production. This will be easier said than done. Thad Davis returns as quarterback and he will need to get used to throwing the ball to some new faces, with last year’s leading receiver departing.

Duke is a well coached team under David Cutcliffe, and he will do everything he can to improve his team’s mark. Unfortunately for Cutcliffe he simply does not have the horses to compete just yet. It will be another year at the bottom for the Blue Devils.
Record: 3-9 Key Games: Wake Forest, At Virginia

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