Here are three major conferences, read and feedback.
ACC (predicted order of finish and records)
Clemson Tigers (10-2) – Senior quarterback Cullen Harper has no shortage of weaponry at his disposal this season, led by the lethal backfield tandem of Davis and Spiller, along with a number of gifted wide receivers. Clemson has the talent to win the ACC, but must overcome the recent trend of disappointment in seasons with big expectations. It seems as if Tommy Bowden’s Tigers will shake the disease this year.
Virginia Tech Hokies (9-3) – Virginia Tech is always a reliable pick to win the ACC’s Coastal Division, but it’s not very often that Frank Beamer must replace as many as the eight starters that left for the NFL after 2007. After disappointment in last year’s Orange Bowl, this team looks to right the ship and continue recent success. The Hokies will still be able to contend for the conference title, even during a reloading phase.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons (8-4) – It doesn’t seem as if this program will come back to earth after piling up 20 wins over the past two seasons, as head coach Jim Grobe has built Wake Forest into a perennial contender in this conference. Led by junior quarterback Riley Skinner, a proven winner in the past, the Deacs are certainly capable of threatening for an ACC title, hoping to continue their recent positive trends.
Florida State Seminoles (7-5) – Should the Tigers or Deacs falter, Florida State may be able to return to the top of the Atlantic Division standings. Bobby Bowden returns for at least one more season, and with a more talented and tougher team and seven home games, the ‘Noles hope to reverse the pattern of disappointing losses exhibited in the past few years, despite their somewhat tarnished reputation due to academic scandal.
Miami Hurricanes (7-5)
Boston College Eagles (6-6)
Maryland Terrapins (6-6)
North Carolina Tar Heels (5-7)
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (4-8)
North Carolina State Wolfpack (4-8)
Virginia Cavaliers (3-9)
Duke Blue Devils (1-11)
Big East (predicted order of finish and records)
West Virginia Mountaineers (10-2) – The hire of coach Bill Stewart and his Fiesta Bowl victory was exactly what this team needed after Rich Rodriguez’s hasty departure. The explosive offense, led by quarterback and Heisman candidate Pat White should put up astronomical totals in a somewhat shallow conference. West Virginia should be a top 10 caliber team all year long on their way to their fifth Big East title in the last six years.
South Florida Bulls (8-4) – A team that was ranked as high as No. 2 in the nation last year hopes to see some of the same success from their balanced attack, led by an explosive offense and All-American defensive end George Selvie. The Big East title is a possibility for USF, but would likely have to win a December 6th showdown at West Virginia, and winning it would be a huge step in the right direction for the emerging Bulls.
Pittsburgh Panthers (7-5) – This should be the season that Dave Wannstedt’s recruiting prowess finally pays off, making it hard to imagine Pitt not winning at least seven games and reaching a respectable bowl. They are led by s
2008 College Football Preview - ACC/Big East/Big Ten
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