College Football Predictions: ACC Power Rankings and Championship Pick
The ACC might not have a clear-cut national title contender heading into the season, but there is no question that the conference as a whole will be much improved. The early indications are that roughly six teams will compete for conference supremacy.
Georgia Tech looks to rebound from a disappointing Orange Bowl loss to Iowa with a revamped unit. Paul Johnson’s team will have to overcome the loss of several key players in order to capture another Coastal Division title. Virginia Tech has a modern version of “the untouchables” with Ryan Williams and Darren Evans in the backfield. The only thing keeping Miami from being a clear-cut BCS favorite is college football’s toughest schedule. North Carolina has one of the best defenses in America and one of the worst offenses. At the rear of the pack, Duke appears to have a slight edge over Virginia.
Shifting to the Atlantic Division, the prognosis is equally cloudy. As usual, Clemson looks good on paper and has the luxury of baseball prospect Kyle Parker at quarterback—for the moment. Florida State finally has an offensive line and has plenty of talent out on the outside. Boston College is just plain steady; so steady that they could easily win the ACC. Maryland, Wake Forest and North Carolina State have some nice pieces and could find themselves in contention for a bowl game.
Here’s a closer look at how things could pan out in the ACC this season:
No. 6 Atlantic: Wake Forest
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The Deacons are a perfect illustration of why preseason rankings are a very dangerous entity. Jim Grobe’s team regularly exceeds expectations, which is what made last season’s 5-7 record such a huge surprise.
This season probably won’t go much better, thanks to turnover at key positions and a difficult schedule.
Wake loses dependable quarterback Riley Skinner and welcomes in two running quarterbacks. Grobe is planning to use an option attack this season, showcasing the talents of young QB Skyler Jones and running backs Josh Adams and Brandon Pendergrass.
Receiver Devon Brown is a Greg Little clone and could have a big season. The same goes for pass-rush specialist Kyle Wilber, who is back after suffering a broken leg. The big question is on the offensive line, where both tackles will be first-year starters. Not exactly a recipe for success in the ACC.
Easy Wins: Sept. 2 vs. Presbyterian, Sept. 11 vs. Duke
Likely Losses: Sept. 18 at Stanford, Sept. 25 at Florida State and Oct. 16 at Virginia Tech
No. 6 Coastal: Virginia
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Few states produce more talented football players at the prep level than Virginia, which makes the Cavaliers’ recent struggles a bit of a mystery. The program finds itself fighting to stay ahead of Duke, which is not a good thing.
Mike London, who was Virginia’s defensive coordinator before leading Richmond to the National Championship, takes over for the embattled Al Groh. His first move was to switch Virginia from the 3-4 scheme to a 4-3 in an effort to step up the pressure. Such transitions are rarely easy and probably won’t be this season.
The Cavalier offense will be led by senior Marc Verica, who has a number of talented skill players at his disposal. Ras-I Dowling gives Virginia a dynamic playmaker on defense. The cornerback could contend for All-American honors and projects as a safety at the NFL level.
There just isn’t enough for London to work with this year.
Easy wins: Sept. 25 VMI, Oct. 23 Eastern Michigan
Likely losses: Sept. 11 at USC, Oct. 2 Florida State and Nov. 27 at Virginia Tech
No. 5 Atlantic: Maryland
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Maryland’s fall from grace to mediocrity then to complete futility has been difficult to understand. Another puzzler; Ralph Friedgen still has a job. After going 2-10 last season, Friedgen seemed destined for retirement. Instead, he could be destined for another stinker of a season.
Like most ACC teams, Maryland has some nice individual pieces. Running back Da’Rel Scott and wide receiver Torrey Smith are game-breakers. Quarterback Jamarr Robinson has speed to burn and a strong arm. The offense should be fairly solid this season.
On defense, Maryland has three NFL-caliber linebackers but few sure things. The defensive side of the ball could keep the Terps from winning more than five games this season.
Easy wins: Sept. 11 Morgan State, September 25 FIU
Likely losses: Oct. 16 at Clemson, Nov. 6 at Miami
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No. 5 Coastal: Duke
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This ain’t your granddaddy’s Duke. It ain’t even your older brother’s Duke. This is present day Duke football, where a postseason appearance is somewhat of reality.
Before we get too excited, let’s look at what head coach David Cutcliffe has to work with this season.
The cupboard is far from bare, but the big question is at quarterback where Thaddeus Lewis needs to be replaced. Duke has three quarterbacks in the running and should be able to find an answer before the start of the season. The Blue Devils have a decent offensive line and plenty of talent at receiver, led by Donovan Varner.
Duke’s schedule could be easier, but with a little luck the Blue Devils will make it to the six-win plateau.
Easy wins: Sept. 4 vs. Elon, Nov. 6 vs. Virginia
Likely losses: Sept. 18 vs. Alabama, Oct. 16 vs. Miami and October 23 at Virginia Tech
No. 4 Atlantic: NC State
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Russell Wilson probably has more potential as a baseball player than as a NFL quarterback, but the talented junior is sticking with football for another year. That’s obviously great news for Tom O’Brien’s team.
Wilson has shown a continued improvement as a passer and has become one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation. The Wolfpack have several playmakers on offense, including tight end George Bryan and wide receiver Owen Spencer.
The big question is on defense, a unit that struggled as the NC State limped to a 2-6 finish last season. Linebacker Nate Irving returns from his knee injury but the secondary is very, very young.
NC State is the type of team that could pull an upset or two in the ACC and sneak into a bowl game.
Easy wins: Sept. 4 vs. Eastern Carolina, Nov. 13 vs. Wake Forest
Likely losses: Oct. 2 vs. Virginia Tech, Nov. 6 at Clemson
No. 4 Coastal: Georgia Tech
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The Yellow Jackets could fall victim to a number of tough circumstances this season.
First off, the team must find a way to replace a number of key contributors, most notably Demaryius Thomas at receiver and Derrick Morgan at defensive end.
The loss of running back Jonathan Dwyer will be another issue, but Anthony Allen appears poised for a huge season. The Louisville transfer averaged nearly 10 yards per carry last season and gives Tech a chance for a big play whenever he touches the ball.
Josh Nesbitt’s ability as a runner won’t be good enough to carry Georgia Tech’s offense unless Paul Johnson can find some diamonds in the rough at receiver.
The defensive side of the ball could struggle the most. Al Groh has installed a 3-4 defense that is certain to endure some growing pains.
Georgia Tech doesn’t play Florida State, Virginia or Boston College, but there are simply too many questions making it difficult to forecast more than seven or eight wins.
Easy wins: Sept. 4 vs. South Carolina State, Oct. 9 vs. Virginia
Likely losses: Sept. 18 at North Carolina, Oct. 23 at Clemson
No. 3 Atlantic: Clemson
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The Tigers have an abundance of talent on both sides of the ball, especially in the trenches. The only thing that could keep Dabo Swinney’s team for taking the ACC Atlantic is a supremely challenging slate of games.
The offense returns Kyle Parker, who has decided to put off baseball and display his rocket arm on the gridiron. There is plenty of speed at receiver, but Clemson is likely to be primarily a running team next season.
Andre Ellington provides the lighting and gigantic Jamie Harper provides the thunder in what will be one of the better backfield duos in the country.
The defense is led by three can’t-miss NFL prospects, including playmaking safety DeAndre McDaniel.
But that schedule is sooo tough.
Clemson plays road games against four top-25 teams, including a trip to Tallahassee on Nov. 13 that could be pivotal in shaping the outcome of the ACC.
Easy wins: Sept. 4 vs. North Texas, Sept. 11 vs. Presbyterian
Likely losses: Sept. 18 at Auburn, Nov. 13 at Florida State
No. 3 Coastal: North Carolina
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North Carolina has six NFL-caliber defensive players and one NFL-caliber offensive player. The problem is that the offensive player might not be able to play right away or even at all this season.
Greg Little’s dealings with an agent are being investigated by the NCAA, which could strip the Heels of a much-needed weapon on offense. Little is a receiver by trade, but also has the ability to display his talents in the running game and in the Wildcat.
The defense is arguably the best in college football, with an athletic front seven and ball-hawking defensive backs.
North Carolina’s offense was atrocious last season, and that could be enough to create a quarterback controversy. T.J. Yates is a senior who has never produced with a great deal of consistency despite being surrounded by talented weapons.
The forecast would be much clearer if not for a challenging early season schedule that could see UNC get off to a 0-3 start.
Easy wins: Oct. 16 at Virginia, Oct. 30 William & Mary
Likely loses: Sept. 4 vs. LSU (In Atlanta), Oct. 23 at Miami
No. 2 Atlantic: Boston College
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Boston College overachieved a bit last season as a number of new players made huge contributions.
Dave Shinskie and Luke Keuchly are now known commodities and figure to produce another solid season for the Eagles.
Running back Montel Harris returns and will once again represent Boston College’s biggest weapon on offense. As for the aerial attack, Shinskie’s job is safe for the moment, but the Eagles were horrible on third downs last season (ranking 116th in the nation) and struggled in obvious passing situations. A repeat performance in that area could lead to a change under center.
Keuchly leads a scrappy defense that welcomes back former ACC Defensive Player of the Year Mark Herzlich with open arms.
Boston College could easily win eight or nine games, but it might not be enough to make an appearance in the ACC Championship Game.
Easy wins: Sept. 4 vs. Weber State, Sept. 11 vs. Kent State
Likely losses: Sept. 25 vs. Virginia Tech, Oct. 16 at Florida State
No. 2 Coastal: Virginia Tech
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For all of the Hokies preseason accolades, the reality is that Virginia Tech lost nearly half of its starters on both sides of the ball last season.
Frank Beamer has assembled his usual collection of talent and has one of the best running games in college football with Ryan Williams and Darren Evans likely to unseat The Untouchables and become the best duo school history.
Tyrod Taylor remains a better runner than passer, which could limit the offense somewhat. Jarrett Boykin should have plenty of downfield opportunities if Taylor can make things happen in the play-action game.
In might sound odd, but Virginia Tech’s offense is well ahead of the defense. Bud Foster is planning to thrust several unproven players into the spotlight, including at both defensive end positions.
Regardless of what happens in the highly anticipated season opener against Boise State, Virginia Tech will clearly be a factor in the ACC.
Easy wins: Sept. 11 vs. James Madison, Oct. 9 vs. Central Michigan
Likely losses: Nov. 13 at North Carolina, Nov. 20 at Miami
No. 1 Atlantic: Florida State
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For one reason or another, the ‘Noles seemed to struggle to meet expectations in the final years of the Bobby Bowden era. It’s time to turn over a new leaf.
Enter Jimbo Fisher and an offense with plenty of experience. Christian Ponder finally can feel safe now that the offensive line has improved, and take full advantage of the speed on the outside. The ‘Noles offense should be lethal through the air and solid on the ground.
The defense has an abundance of talent at linebacker and a budding star in sophomore cornerback Greg Reid.
Talent doesn’t always translate to production, which makes forecasting much improvement from a unit that allowed over 30 points per game last season a bit of a leap of faith. New defensive coordinator Mark Stoops has his work cut out for him.
Overall, Florida State’s dynamic offense and favorable conference schedule makes them an attractive pick.
Easy wins: Sept. 25 vs. Wake Forest, Oct. 2 at Virginia
Likely losses: Sept. 11 at Oklahoma, Oct. 9 at Miami
No. 1 Coastal: Miami
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Look at the roster, then look at the schedule, then back at the roster, then back at the schedule…
Miami has all the ingredients of a BCS team, with an established quarterback, a solid defense and plenty of young players capable of producing great things.
Non-conferences games at Ohio State and Pittsburgh could result in two losses that ultimately won’t impact the ‘Canes chances in an overly negative way. Even if Miami drops in the polls, they are the most dangerous team in the ACC.
Jacory Harris is the key. His talent is easy to spot, but his inconsistency seemed to be contagious last season. He will need to make big strides.
The defensive side of the ball should be rock solid, and the special teams are among the best in the ACC.
That means great things are in store for Randy Shannon this season.
Easy wins: Sept. 2 vs. Florida A&M, Oct. 16 at Duke
Likely losses: Sept. 11 at Ohio State, Nov. 13 at Georgia Tech
The 2010 ACC Champion Is:
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Miami and Florida State tangle in early December with a trip to the BCS on the line. Since both teams will likely come into the game with multiple losses, the loser isn’t likely to receive a BCS berth.
Early in the forecast, one of Florida State’s “likely losses” was Miami. Can the ‘Canes beat FSU twice in the same season?
Florida State’s offense appears to have a slight edge on Miami, but the ‘Canes offense has a big advantage over the ‘Noles defensive unit. Miami’s special teams unit is another reason to believe that racking up two wins over its hated rival is a strong possibility.
No matter who comes out on top, the 2010 ACC football season is going to be a treat for college football fans.
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