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.
27 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete