2009 NCAA Football Conference Previews: ACC Coastal Division

2009 will be a year of triumphs and tragedies for the ACC, a conference of plentiful talent yet no dynasty to lead the conference into national title contention.

Like 2008, the ACC will continue its run as a balanced, middle-tier conference, with plenty of stars yet not enough concentration on a single team to support a top-five program. However, there will be plenty of changes in the Atlantic Coast Conference from '08 to '09, as well.

Superstars will emerge, like the one pictured on your right (Tyrod Taylor, QB, Virginia Tech), and recruits will turn out as immediate impacts.

But with that come the busts, disappointments, and failures of college football, and it is inevitable that at least one ACC team will fall from the top to the bottom (enter Boston College).

So, without further introduction, here is my preview for the Atlantic Coast Conference's Coastal Division. For the Atlantic Division preview, just follow this link.

1. Virginia Tech Hokies

There is no question that the Hokies enter this season with confidence not felt by any other team in the ACC. Virginia Tech is one of just three FBS teams who have won at least 10 games (including bowls) every time in the past five seasons (along with Florida and Texas), and are coming off back-to-back conference titles, as well.

It seems likely that could turn into back-to-back-to-back conference titles, as the outlook once again looks great for Tech.

Quarterback Tyrod Taylor has emerged as a top-15 national quarterback, and he has a boatload of skillful running backs as well to take some of the pressure off. Virginia Tech also boasts a solid offensive line, although the receivers unit is young and inexperienced.

Defensively, Tech has another very solid defensive line, and a well-balanced secondary. The linebackers could use improvement, but shouldn't be too bad.

Tech does have some questions in the kicking and punting game.

On the schedule, Virginia Tech opens with a huge game against Alabama in Atlanta, and also faces non-conferences foes Nebraska and East Carolina. An important road game versus Georgia Tech on October 17 may decide the division title.

Projected Record: 9-3 (7-1 ACC)

Projected Bowl: Orange Bowl (BCS) (vs. Ohio State)

2. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Despite not being predicted as the top finisher in the Coastal Division by most, Georgia Tech still has boatloads of talent and could very easily turn the division into a two-team race.

The top player is All-American halfback Jonathan Dwyer, who is arguably one of the ten best RBs in the country.

Georgia Tech also boasts a powerful lineup behind him at the position, and will often use backup RBs Lucas Cox and Roddy Jones in split back/I-formation plays. Last year, the Jackets finished fourth in the NCAA in rushing yards per game, and don't expect them to fall any bit off that mark.

Quarterback Josh Nesbitt is also very mobile, and can run some excellent draws in normally-passing formations. When he does pass, top-flight receiver Demaryius Thomas is there waiting.

On defense, the secondary is strong but questions remain on the line. The Yellow Jackets also need to improve their points allowed, giving up 38 to LSU in the Chick-Fil-A bowl last season.

Overall, Georgia Tech boasts such a dominating offense that it would be hard for them not to perform well. Besides the yearly Georgia match, the non-conference schedule should benefit their record, too.

Predicted Record: 9-3

Projected Bowl: Chick-Fil-A Bowl (vs. Alabama)

3. North Carolina Tar Heels

UNC enters this season with sky-high hopes, coming off an eight-win season, their best in a long time. However, they shouldn't get too hasty with their postseason planning.

T.J. Yates is a decent starter at QB, but his receiving corps has been severely depleted. Running back Shaun Draugn has fair talent but is not used as a key part of the offense.

The defense is the stronghold for this quick Tar Heels team.

Free safety Deunta Williams, a projected 2009 All-American by Sporting News, leads a large, fast secondary.

Linebacker Zach Brown is among the fastest in the country at the position, posting a 4.26 time in the spring 40-yard dash, and his teammates are plenty skilled themselves.

The defensive line has a few issues but should balance over time.

On paper, the schedule seems slotted for success. All four non-conference foes (Citadel, UConn, East Carolina, and Georgia Southern) are beatable, although ECU always has a knack for beating UNC that some may worry about.

However, road affairs at Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech will be tough.

Predicted Record: 8-4 (4-4 ACC)

Projected Bowl: Champs Sports Bowl (vs. Minnesota)

4. Miami Hurricanes

The Hurricanes enter this season with improvement in mind. Coming off a disappointing 5-7 '07 season, Miami entered last year with a vow to improve. They did, but finished just a mediocre 7-6, finishing with a close bowl loss to Cal.

This season, it's about returning to the ACC dynasty they were several years ago. And with a newer, more energetic coaching staff and a well-rounded roster, improvement seems likely.

At QB, Jacory Harris has great size and a beautiful arm, and seems likely to shine. The tailbacks are also a strong unit, led by Graig Cooper.

A speedy wide receiving corps is a balanced groups full of skill players, and also seems to be a top unit for the 'Canes.

Defensively, the linemen group is the sturdiest position. Miami's linebacking should also be good with Sean Spence leading the unit.

The line and secondary are also serviceable, but don't expect anything special.

However, the Hurricanes do face a difficult schedule, which includes an affair against Big-12 powerful Oklahoma. Local teams South Florida and Central Florida provide other challenges.

Predicted Record: 7-5 (5-3 ACC)

Projected Bowl: Eaglebank Bowl (vs. Navy)

5. Duke Blue Devils

For many years, the Blue Devils were in the cellar of the ACC, and just kept dropping lower. But now, under coach David Cutcliffe, Duke is experiencing an unbelievable turnaround. And this year, they're thinking "bowl."

However, the road to a 6-6 season and a postseason berth won't be easy. A difficult schedule including games against Kansas, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, rivals North Carolina and NC State, and Miami all stand in the way.

Quarterback Thaddeus Lewis is one of the better QBs in the league, posting at least 2,100 passing yards in each of the past three years. He will have a very dull, slow receiving group to throw to.

Running back Re'quan Boyette should be decent, but only two returning starters on the offensive line make it appear vulnerable.

The defensive line should be the best unit on the team, with Oghobaase and Okpokowuruk as the anchors.

On the contrary, the linebackers and secondary greatly lack playmakers. However, they try to use their intelligence to balance their lack of talent.

Predicted Record: 4-8 once more

6. Virginia Cavaliers

Virginia enters the year having posted seven-wins-or-better campaigns three of the last five seasons, but it still doesn't look good for the Cavs.

An experienced quarterback position with depth is well should help their record, but an invisible RB unit and a under-performing wide receivers team looks unsuitable for ACC standards. The good thing is that the offensive line is intact and looks powerful and sturdy.

On defense, linebacker is an issue position, and the 3-4 scheme imphasizes the unit. Without talent there, the defense could struggle. The secondary is speedy and experienced, which should help.

There is also a no real starting-caliber kicker, which can hurt a team more than most think, and the schedule is brutal. Games against non-conference foes TCU and Southern Miss should be hard enough, plus you have to add in road games at UNC and Miami and home matches versus Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech.

Predicted Record: 3-9