I think they will beat the Hokies, but it still might not be enough to top them for the title.
The best chance for that to happen is if UNC can win at Virginia, a place it has lost 13 straight times.
Make that No. 14 this year, even though the Wahoos are down.
3. Miami (6-6, 4-4)
Expect one more tough year for the Hurricanes before they get back on track.
Javarris James and Graig Cooper make a solid one-two punch in the backfield, but yet again there are major questions at QB.
It looks like a bunch of freshmen will be competing for the job, which is trouble. However, it can’t be much worse than what they have had there recently.
The defense loses many players, but the newcomers are better and should play with more passion.
Early season trips to Florida and Texas A&M will have this team on the ropes early.
It will be very important to win the following home games against UNC and FSU to keep the team from quitting this year.
The Canes also get Virginia Tech and Wake at home, so the potential for a good season is there. However, it is hard it imagine much of a home field advantage.
4. Georgia Tech (5-7, 3-5)
It seems like everyone but UNC is having a down year on this side of the conference.
The big problem for the Jackets is the adjustment to an option offense under Paul Johnson, which will take a couple years.
Losing Tashard Choice won’t help that process.
Everything on the offense will have a new look, and it will be up to running back Jonathan Dwyer to keep the team afloat.
The defense loses its top four tacklers and coordinator, making it a rough year on both sides of the ball.
That said, there is still enough talent for a possible bowl push.
It doesn’t help that Tech has to go to VT, Clemson, UNC, and Georgia.
Home games with Mississippi State and FSU aren’t easy either.
5. Duke (4-8, 2-6)
This will be a much improved Duke team with David Cutcliffe at the helm and many returning starters.
QB Thaddeus Lewis has been up and down over his career, but expect QB guru Cutcliffe to make him much better.
It will also help to have Eron Riley to throw the ball to—he averaged over 20 yards per catch a year ago.
Although the defense was bad last year, having nearly everyone back means that they should be at least decent this year.
While I don’t think they will win many games, the first seven are all winnable and should be at least competitive.
Road trips to Wake, Clemson, and VT are the only unwinnable games in my opinion.
6. Virginia (4-8, 2-6)
It has been an up-and-down ride for UVA the past few years, and that should continue.
The Cavs won several close games last year, but that will be much harder to do without much of their defense and a new signal caller, since Jameel Sewell was ruled academically ineligible.
The running game should be the team’s strength, but that won’t get them far enough to reach a bowl game.
After opening with USC, there are some winnable games throughout the season before closing with Wake, Clemson, and Virginia Tech.
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