(Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)
The ACC made some strides last year, mainly at the end. An FSU loss to Florida was the only loss for the ACC against the SEC in the last week of the season. Virginia Tech won the Orange Bowl and put an end to the ACC’s eight game losing streak in BCS games. Georgia Tech made major strides with their flexbone offense and have Yellow Jackets fans drooling at their potential.
The bottom line is that the ACC is competitive from top to bottom. Last year anyone could beat anyone at any time, and this year should be no different.
Virginia Tech could be the toast of the conference. Frank Beamer has assembled solid offensive and defensive lines, and look for some big games out of tailback Darren Evans.
Georgia Tech will be right on their heels in the Coastal Division. A solid running game paced by All ACC back Jonathan Dwyer should supply all the firepower needed for the Jackets to run over ACC competition. North Carolina and Miami have the ability to surprise anyone on any given week, and should make it to Bowl games.
In the Atlantic last season it seemed like someone controlled their own destiny about every three hours. This year, I expect Florida State to return to its dominating form. Last year the Seminoles had one of the nation’s youngest offensive lines, and it was productive. This year they will be the anchor of a solid FSU offense. Right behind them will be Clemson. C.J. Spiller will finally get the load at running back; people are excited about the potential of quarterback Willy Korn. N.C. State, Wake, and Maryland will also be headed to bowl games.
ACC Atlantic:
Florida State 2008 Record 9—4 (5—3)
The offseason has been all about 14 wins that the program may have to vacate due to academic fraud. It is a black eye to say the least for a program that showed signs of being back to its form from a few years back.
Leading the way is the offensive line. Three sophomores and two juniors including All Conference guard Rodney Hudson lead a unit that is athletic and can provide a thump up front. Christian Ponder seems ready to take another big step.
Last year he managed games, and threw for over 2000 yards, and had the ability to move around and scramble when he needed to. The Hurricanes will remember that fondly.
The main issues will be replacing the receivers and Antone Smith at tailback. Look for the ‘Noles to be fine on the outside, and Jermaine Thomas to have huge numbers. Thomas averaged seven yards per carry last year, and with Smith gone, will undoubtedly get between 20—25 carries.
The defense will have to rebuild. Only three starters from last year return. Gone are NFL draftee Everette Brown and Rhodes Scholar Myron Rolle.
Look for linebacker Dekoda Watson to step up and be a leader in the middle. The coaching staff is hoping that Markus White can step up at end and be a pass rushing force that the ‘Noles so badly need.
In the secondary it will be all about who can fill Rolle’s shoes. Look for either Ochucko Jenije or Dionte Allen to step up and take that job. If the defensive unit under Mickey Andrews can get all the parts moving as one, look out for a dominating Seminoles defense in 2009.
8 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete