Patrick Hite from accnation.com was kind enough to answer some questions for Bleacher Report ACC liaison, Doug Adams.
Who do you see as the front-runners in the ACC conference? What teams appear primed for a run at the ACC title?
The easy pick in the Atlantic is Clemson. The Tigers have the best skill players in the conference. Cullen Harper was every bit as good as Matt Ryan last year and is my preseason first-team all-ACC quarterback for 2008. James Davis and C.J. Spiller form the best running-back tandem in the country and Aaron Kelly is a first-team receiver.
That being said, my pick to win the Atlantic is Wake Forest. Clemson’s offensive line worries me, and other than their secondary, the Tigers defense is full of holes. And don’t forget, Clemson has a way of underachieving. A loss at BC or UVa wouldn’t shock anyone.
Meanwhile, Wake has a quarterback in Riley Skinner that, if healthy for the entire season, may put up numbers similar to Harper. Also, Josh Adams will give both Davis and Spiller a run for first-team all-ACC. But it’s the Wake defense that could be the difference. Two years ago, during Wake's surprise run to the conference title, the Demon Deacons won in part with a strong defense. Expect the same this season.
Wake's schedule also helps. The Deacons don't have to play Virginia Tech or North Carolina, the teams many experts think will battle it out for the Coastal Division title, and Clemson has to play in Winston-Salem on a Thursday night. Wake does have to go to Florida State, but it's the third game of the season and the Seminoles will still be hurting because of early-season suspensions.
The Coastal appears to be the weaker of the two divisions for the upcoming season. Virginia Tech has questions at running back, receiver, and linebacker, just to name a few positions, but the Hokies still appear to be the best team in this division.
Tech needs to find a way to use Tyrod Taylor effectively. He's as talented as anyone on the Tech roster, but Sean Glennon is probably the better quarterback. Will the Hokies use both like they did at the end of last season? The quarterback situation and how Tech uses both players may be a key to this team.
North Carolina is young and it will be interesting to see how the players deal with preseason hype. Georgia Tech and Duke have new coaches. Virginia is dealing with personnel losses, both expected and unexpected. Miami needs someone to step up at quarterback, receiver and most spots on defense. The Hurricanes could be really good or really bad. That goes for a lot of teams in the Coastal.
Who do you see as the dark horse or sleeper teams?
In the Atlantic, I like Maryland as a surprise team. They need to settle on a quarterback. Chris Turner finished strong last year after replacing Jordan Steffy. Those two will be in the mix again, as will Josh Portis, who may be the most talented. Whichever player nails down the job, they'll have great receivers, starting with Darrius Heyward-Bey, as targets.
There's talent, if not experience, at running back, but the backs will benefit from what could be a great offensive line. The offense will have to carry the defense early, but if some of the younger players come around on defense, the unit could be good enough to keep the Terps in games. I don't think Maryland will sneak past Wake and Clemson, but an eight-win season is not out of the question.
This year's Coastal surprise could be last year's Coastal surprise. It seems for every Chris Long that was expected to be gone this season, a Jeffrey Fitzgerald unexpectedly left the program. The defense has some issues, but if the offensive line can come together quickly I really like the UVa skill players.
Peter Lalich will be the quarterback after Jameel Sewell found himself in academic trouble. Lalich isn't as mobile as Sewell, but he is a more traditional pocket quarterback and he'll have some weapons, including Kevin Ogletree. Running back should also be a strength for the Cavaliers. A weak division opens the door for Virginia, as well as every other team in the Coastal.
The ACC seems to be filled with competition at the Quarterback position. What can you tell us about the position battles that are surfacing in this conference?
Florida State: Drew Weatherford will most likely start at quarterback, but it's anyone's guess how long he remains in that position. The rising senior missed spring practice, giving Christian Ponder and D'Vontrey Richardson a chance to play. Both may push for starting time if Weatherford struggles. I like Ponder to get the job by the time FSU is at Miami Oct. 4, but this will probably be a season-long saga in Tallahassee.
Maryland: Chris Turner got his chance last year when Jordan Steffy was injured. Turner led Maryland to a couple of big wins, including one over Boston College, and is the likely starter come Aug. 30. But look for Turner to have a short leash. Steffy will likely get a chance if Turner falters. I really like Florida transfer Josh Portis, who missed last season at Maryland after some academic issues, but I don't believe he'll get a chance unless things go south in a hurry for the Terps.
N.C. State: Close your eyes and pick a name out of a hat—that may be the way N.C. State decides on a starting quarterback this year. Daniel Evans was the starter last year, but his competitors at the position are more athletic, plus Evans had an injury in the spring which may have hurt his chances at earning the starting job this season.
Justin Burke had a good spring game but was buried on the depth chart last year. Harrison Beck isn't the best decision maker but does have a strong arm. Mike Glennon is the hope for the future, but it's doubtful a true freshman can win the job unless the coaching staff decides at some point this year that the season is lost and starts playing for 2009.
Those are the three teams with actual battles heading into the season. As we've seen in the past, any of the other schools could end up with battles once the season gets under way. For instance, North Carolina will go with T.J. Yates to begin the season, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Mike Paulus if the Heels don't start out strong.
Robert Marve is my pick to start at Miami, but keeping the job all season isn't a given. I don't consider Virginia Tech's situation a quarterback battle because I think Frank Beamer fully expects to play both guys throughout the season.
Last year's top teams, Virginia Tech and Boston College, are graduating a lot of seniors and seem to be inexperienced at a lot of positions. Is there concern in the conference that this could be a down year?
This has been a hot topic on our podcast for the last few years. Recently, every year seems like a down one for the ACC. When the ACC expanded, conference officials dreamed about the day they landed two teams in the BCS. Not only is the ACC not close to realizing that dream, but the nightmare is that the one team that does get in every year can't win. The last time the ACC won a BCS game was in 1999.
It hasn't helped that the two teams with a history of being national powers—Florida State and Miami—have been down for the past few years. Virginia Tech has been on the verge of being a national power, but the Hokies can't seem to beat top-10 teams or win BCS games.
This year there is hope that Clemson can make some noise on a national level. The Tigers open with Alabama, and a Clemson win would be a huge step toward respect for the ACC. Other key non-conference games that the ACC could win include Maryland hosting California, UNC at Rutgers, and Virginia Tech at Nebraska.
If the ACC can win those games and finally get another BCS victory, it may go from being a down year to the year that things start heading in the right direction for the conference.
Who are some of the conference elite players that you believe will end the season with very high draft grades?
If you're looking at the NFL Draft, most 2009 mock drafts I see have Georgia Tech's Michael Johnson in the top 10, some in the top five. He could use some work on stopping the run, but Tech has used him almost exclusively in passing situations. His ability to get to the quarterback has caused NFL scouts to fall in love with Johnson. He will have a different defensive coordinator this season at Tech, so we'll see if that helps or hurts his production.
James Davis could be a solid NFL prospect, but I like C.J. Spiller better. He is more explosive than Davis and more of a threat in the passing game. Spiller is only a junior, so he may want to stick around one more year at Clemson to get the job all to himself after Davis is gone. Then again, if the NFL thinks he's a first-round pick in 2009, the Tigers may be without Thunder and Lightning next season.
Clemson receiver Aaron Kelly almost jumped into the draft last year, but decided to return. He could be a first-round pick in 2009, but Maryland's Darrius Heyward-Bey could be the better pro prospect. He is fast and has great hands. It's shocking to me Maryland hasn't made him more of a central figure in its offense.
I also like Virginia left tackle Eugene Moore, who didn't give up a sack last season. With a great year in 2008, Moore could become a top-10 pick in the 2009 NFL draft.
Finally, Victor "Macho" Harris could be a top-20 pick in the draft. He pulled his name out of the 2008 draft at the last minute to see if an extra year at Virginia Tech improves his draft stock. I could see him at either corner or safety in the NFL.
Can you rank all the teams in the ACC according to how you think they will finish from first to last?
Coastal
1. Virginia Tech
2. Virginia
3. North Carolina
4. Georgia Tech
5. Duke
6. Miami
Atlantic
1. Wake Forest
2. Clemson
3. Maryland
4. Florida State
5. North Carolina State
6. Boston College
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3 months ago
UNC will surprise a lot of people! Head Coach Butch Davis has them on the incline for sure.
3 months ago
You are probably right about Clemson. Bowden has yet to keep his team's focused for an entire season. Also, Clemson's finesse syle of play does not lend itself to the championship mentality necessary to win close, physical contests.
3 months ago
Interesting pick, Wake Forest over Clemson. Clemson is 7-2 against the Deacons since Tommy Bowden came to Clemson in 1999. Wake Forrest also has a an exremely young offensvie line that many teams will confuse and over power this year. This will make life difficult for both Skinner and Adams. The defense is more expierneced but does not have the depth of most of the other schools it will be facing. Wake Forest should content in 2009. This year they will not. FSU is young but with talent. FSU gets Wake Forest and Clemson at home. However FSU must travel to Miami, NC State and Maryland. Do not overlook NC State in the mix. The best coach in the ACC may reside in Raleigh.
3 months ago
Wake Forest will win the ACC this season. You're on the money there. I like Ga Tech's chances to be successful with Paul Johnson's running game. I'll take Wake Forest to go to the Orange Bowl. Clemson will probably go back to the Peach Bowl. There they'll lose to another SEC team as they always do.
3 months ago
Wake will not win the ACC or the Atlantic. I think you seem to forget that Clemson's defense has finished in the top 10 the past 3 years, the best in the conference. Babytate, where do you think GT will be any good? They don't have an experienced QB, they lost their best WR and RB. Oh, and they fumbled 14 times in their spring game. They really have a grasp on that offense.
Oh, and in Clemson's last 2 peach bowls, we're 1-1 with a loss to Auburn and a win against #6 Tennessee. You have no idea what you're talking about.
from 3 months ago
Josh Nesbitt played in every game last year at QB. As far as our "best" WR, James Johnson barely had more yards and definitely less TDs than Freshman Demaryius Thomas who is back. Jonathan Dwyer was nasty last year as Tashard Choice's back up.
Tech has the best DL in the ACC and some darn athletic LBs. Needless to say, no one will be able to run on them.
3 months ago
Just for the record, John, Clemson's total defense the last three years ranked 9, 13, 20. Virginia Tech's defense ranked 4, 1, 1. Maybe you meant "best in the division", not in the conference.
3 months ago
If wake Forest wins the ACC.. that would be pathetic...so that isnt going to happen....its the Hokie's title to lose....VT over Clempson 34-17
from 3 months ago
Obviously a Hokie!! Give it a rest!!!!
from 3 months ago
I love how you can tell what the score of the game is going to be. Dumbass Hokies...
3 months ago
Kyle, that is an ignorant statement and you obviously have no idea what you are talking about. You are a blind Hokie fan with no real clue. Will Wake win it, maybe not, but to say it is "pathetic" is ignorant.
from 3 months ago
It's always the previous years champ's title to lose the next season. You are no better than than Kyle with your 'ignorant' name calling to his 'pathetic'. Kyle is entitled to an opinion that difers from yours. I do believe this is AMERICA. It's only a chat board. Good luck this Fall.
3 months ago
wow this is a joke miami will atleast beat duke and prob unc
3 months ago
Go Deacs!
3 months ago
georgia tech always has a good D and O line and if they can find a decent QB they will be battling it out for top spot
3 months ago
Duke over Miami? Really. Just say that out loud and see if you it sounds like a good idea - "Duke will be better than Miami in football" Doesn't pass the test for me.
3 months ago
I'm surprised that you're concerned about Clemson's inexperience at OL, but it doesn't seem to worry you with Wake. So much of Wake's success on offense is contingent on their line working as a unit, yet the inexperience along the Deacs' front line is easily as pronounced as Clemson's. As the Tigers showed last year, Skinner isn't nearly as effective when he's running for his life. And Steve Justice isn't around anymore.
Also, Skinner's effectiveness was enhanced by experienced targets like Kenneth Moore and Joe Tereshinski. They won't be there, either.
There's young talent, and a solid coaching staff. It will be interesting to see how well they've meshed for that Thursday night game against the Tigers.
3 months ago
I hope BC wins and shocks everyone. Phil Steele picked BC to finish LAST in the ACC Atlantic last year. I am done listening to any expects.
3 months ago
Totally underestimating Clemson. While I think Wake Forest will be strong this year, Clemson will NOT lose at BC or UVA. I guarantee that--both teams were decent last year, but BC loses all its firepower (theres a reason you picked them behind NC State for Christ's sake), and UVA was overestimated last year. A couple of squeak-by wins and a bowl bid and everyone thinks theyve turned into a perennial monster of a team. 6-6 this season, I'm calling it now.
I think this guys rankings are a little out of tune. Miami last in the coastal? I think they might surprise people this season, 7 wins or so. and UNC is going to need a little more time to get that high.
Clemson will win at least 9 regular season games. The only three I am concerned about are Alabama season opener (unlike most ACC teams, Clemson doesn't back down and schedule cupcake out of conference schedules--2 SEC opponents this year), at Wake Forest on Thursday night, and at Florida State.
I like our chances and think the Atlantic will go to Clemson, followed closely by FSU and WF though.
from 3 months ago
"unlike most ACC teams, Clemson doesn't back down and schedule cupcake out of conference schedules--2 SEC opponents this year"
Kevin, I have to argue with you there. Alabama and South Carolina are hardly SEC powerhouses. Both of their 5 year records are hovering right around the .500 mark (Alabama just under it, SC just over). On top of that, "unlike most ACC teams", Clemson also scheduled two division 1-AA opponents.
I think Clemson is going to be a great team this year and I'm hoping they beat both of those SEC opponents to try and get some credit for the ACC, but I wouldn't brag about their OOC matches when they now have to earn an extra win to be bowl elligible since they're playing two 1-AA teams.
from 3 months ago
Clemson has choked year after year and somehow Bobby Bowden has kept his job. Along with VT they have been the ACC's media darlings. They have great talent on that team, but need a coach that can pull it together.
I can fully see Clemson losing to Virginia or BC. BC is still good and while Virginia lost a lot in the trenches they are also putting some players who should wind up being great in those starting positions. UVA's secondary will be better and the Linebacker corps is going to be the best in the ACC. The only question mark that I have with them is Peter Lalich coming in and taking over. I don't doubt his ability, but this will be his first year starting in a new system. Also, UVA was NOT overestimated. They win six in a row with their starting running back on the sidelines and a win is a win no matter how many points it was by. If they had lost six by two points or less would we be saying that they were better last year? I don't think so.
BC as I said has a good coach and good upcoming talent and will still be a good team.
Clemson fully has the firepower to win the ACC, but if history has taught us anything it's that Bobby Bowden's teams can't get it done down the stretch.
from 3 months ago
Clemson OOC (I won't count USCe since that is every year):
2004- Texas A&M, Utah State
2005- Texas A&M, Temple
2006-Florida Atlantic, Louisiana Tech, Temple
2007- Louisiana-Monroe, Furman, Central Michigan
2008- Alabama, The Citadel, South Carolina State
Looks like since 2004, Clemson has steadily gotten worse about lowering their OOC schedule rather than bolstering it. None of those teams are stiff competition. A&M and Bama are NOT that great. Sorry.
from 2 months ago
by referring to bobby bowden as the coach of Clemson not once but twice, you lost all credibility and your comment was automatically moved to irrelevant by my mind. sorry for not reading it all; i cant overlook flagrant errors like that.
3 months ago
I think Bowden can pull it out this year. He has SO much talent at every position, and I know I know, in recent years he has just lost it after starting well, but I believe this coming year is the year for Clemson. Great list though. Eugene Monroe will become the next great Virginia lineman (D'Brickshaw Ferguson, Brenden Albert)
3 months ago
The fact that you wrote Patrick thinks Duke will finish higher than Miami, means 1. He smokes crack, and 2. You need to pull down your article and start over. We get it, Miami is rebuilding and had a bad year. Gotcha. That doesn't mean you start putting the likes of Duke, NC, and GA Tech as an automatic lock to beat them or finish ahead of them.
Even a rebuilding Canes team will win games. They may not beat every ranked team they play this year, but to count them out is either pure bias, or pure ignorance. Yes its a youthful team, but it will be a hungry team, with hungry players, from a class that was ranked number 1 by many experts. It may take a year or two for the Canes to get back into National Title contention, but this is absurd.
So please take down this article. Since Patrick has such a high opinion of Duke, maybe he should just talk about what the lacrosse team is up to these days, and leave the football talk to someone else.
3 months ago
Duke finish ahead of Miami? I'll believe that when I see it
3 months ago
Matt, Ga Tech has beaten your Canes 3 years in a row and played for the ACC title just 2 seasons ago, so I wouldn't lump them in the same category as UNC and Duke.
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