NCAA Offensive Player of the Year:
Winner: QB Cameron Newton, Auburn
Newton took an 8-5 team and has them playing in the National Championship Game. He's the highest rated passer in all of College Football and he's 13th in rushing (including leading the SEC in rushing....as a QB).He has 20 TD running the football, 28 passing and he even caught a TD pass against Ole Miss. What more is there to say? He was amazing to watch. His stats were incredible and his highlights were even more jaw-dropping. He was a sensation.
Runner-Up: RB LaMichael James, Oregon
Honorable Mention: QB Andrew Luck (Stanford), QB Denard Robinson (Michigan), QB Dan Persa (Northwestern), QB Ryan Mallet (Arkansas), QB Kellen Moore (Boise St), QB Andy Dalton (TCU), WR Justin Blackmon (Oklahoma St)
NCAA Defensive Player of the Year:
Winner: DE Da'Quan Bowers, Clemson
He led the Nation in sacks with 15 averaging 1.15 per game. He was second in the Nation (to Ryan Kerrigan of Purdue) with 25 tackles for loss.
Runner-Up: DT Nick Fairley, Auburn
Honorable Mention: DE Ryan Kerrigan (Purdue), CB Patrick Peterson (LSU), CB Jaron Hosley (Virginia Tech), LB Von Miller (Texas A&M), LB Luke Kuechly (Boston College)
NCAA Coach of the Year:
Winner: Chip Kelly, Oregon
Kelly has really developed Oregon into an offensive juggernaut. They score the most points at 49.3 per game and also gain the most yards at 537 per game. But they aren't a one-dimensional football team as their defense also ranks 12th in points allowed at 18 per game. Kelly has this machine running and he just fills in the pieces as needed.
Runner-Up: Jim Harbaugh, Stanford
Honorable Mention: Randy Edsall (UConn), Bret Bielema (Wisconsin), Gene Chizik (Auburn), Michael Haywood (Miami/OH), Mark Dantonio (Michigan State), Dan Mullen (Mississippi State), Doug Marrone (Syracuse), Gary Patterson (TCU), Mike Gundy (Oklahoma State)
NCAA Coordinator of the Year:
Winner: Gus Malzahn, Auburn
Sure Malzahn has Cam Newton to thank but Malzahn did a great job this year molding his offense into an offense that best fits Cam Newton and his personnel. Malzahn would probably rather throw the ball all over the field but he saw what would help his team win and made some tweaks as the season went on.Without Malzahn, Auburn is not playing in the National Championship Game...it's that simple.
Runner-Up: Dana Holgorsen, Oklahoma State
Honorable Mention: Dick Bumpas (TCU), Mark Helfich (Oregon), Scott Shafer (Syracuse), John Chavis (LSU), Paul Chryst (Wisconsin), Bryan Harsin (Boise State), Kirby Smart (Alabama)
SEC Player of the Year:
Winner: QB Cam Newton, Auburn
Do we need to re-hash this? If he's the NCAA Offensive Player of the Year then we are also taking him for SEC Player of the Year.
Runner-Up: QB Ryan Mallett, Arkansas
Honorable Mention: DT Nick Fairley (Auburn), WR Alshon Jeffrey (South Carolina), RB Marcus Lattimore (South Carolina), CB Patrick Peterson (LSU), WR Julio Jones (Alabama)
Big Ten Player of the Year:
Winner: QB Denard Robinson, Michigan
This was a very tight race between Robinson and Persa but ultimately Robinson stats were just too good to ignore. As a QB Robinson rushed for 1702 yards (second to only Mikel Leshoure of Illinois who rushed for 4 more yards than Denard) averaging 6.6 yards per carry. Robinson also threw for 2570 yards. Without Robinson, Michigan doesn't go to a bowl game.
Runner-UP: QB Dan Persa, Northwestern
Honorable Mention: DE Ryan Kerrigan (Purdue), RB Mikel Leshoure (Illinois), QB Kirk Cousins (Michigan State), QB Scott Tolzien (Wisconsin), QB Terrelle Pryor (Ohio State), WR Dan Sanzenbacher (Ohio State), RB Montee Ball (Wisconsin), RB James White (Wisconsin)
Big 12 Player of the Year:
Co-Winner: WR Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
Blackmon finished his freshman season with 20 receptions for 2 TD. This year he had 111 receptions for 1782 yards (and that's missing a game) and was a big reason for Oklahoma State exceeding everybody's expectations this year. Blackmon finished 3rd in the Nation in receptions, 2nd in receiving yards, 2nd in receptions per game and 1st in TD. He was a difference maker in the Big 12.
Co-Winner: QB Landry Jones, Oklahoma
What a difference a year makes. Landry really blossomed this year and helped the Sooners rebound from a disappointing 8-5 season to winning the Big 12 and playing in a BCS bowl game. Landry finished 2nd in the Nation in Passing Yards (only Bryant Moniz of Hawai'i had more) and passing TD with 38 (2nd again to Moniz).
Honorable Mention: WR Ryan Broyles (Oklahoma), QB Robert Griffin (Baylor), QB Brandon Weeden (Oklahoma State), RB Kendall Hunter (Oklahoma State), RB Daniel Thomas (Kansas State), LB Von Miller (Texas A&M)
ACC Player of the Year:
Winner: QB Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech
The season could not have started out worse for Virginia Tech as they lost to Boise State and then fell victim of an unfathomable upset at the hands of James Madison. Behind Tyrod's Senior Leadership the Hokies rebounded and won 11 straight regular season games and went undefeated in the ACC. Taylor passed for 2743 yards and had a great TD to INT ratio (24 TD and only 5 INT). He finished the year as the highest rated passer in the ACC (a conference that also includes Christian Ponder, Russell Wilson, Kyle Parker and T.J. Yates). Tyrod also placed in the Top 15 in the ACC in rushing as he finished with 659 yards and 5 TD running the football.
Runner-Up: DE Da'Quan Bowers, Clemson
Honorable Mention: QB Russell Wilson (NC State), QB T.J. Yates (UNC), CB Jayron Hosley (VT), RB Montel Harris (BC), WR Torrey Smith (Maryland)
Big East Player of the Year
Winner: RB Jordan Todman (UConn)
UConn rode Todman to their first BCS birth and Big East Championship. Todman had an incredible year and led the Big East in rushing and came in 3rd Nationally (only 11 yards behind Mikel Leshoure and 7 behind Denard Robinson) despite missing the game against Buffalo. Todman was a symbol of consistency as he rushed for over 100 yards in 10 of the 12 games he played and his lowest output of the year was 80 yards.
Runner-Up: QB Geno Smith (WVU)
Honorable Mention: RB Bilal Powell (Louisville), QB Ryan Nassib (Syracuse), WR Armon Binns (Cincy), DE Bruce Irvin (WVU), DT Jabaal Sheard (Pitt), CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson (UConn)
Pac-10 Player of the Year
Winner: RB LaMicheal James, Oregon
James finished 3rd in the Heisman voting behind Cam Newton and Andrew Luck but we picked James over Luck (by the narrowest of margins). James was a Tour de Force for Oregon running up 1682 yards at 5.99 yards per clip and also scoring 21 TDs. James did all of this while also missing a game against one of the weakest opponents on Oregon's schedule. Like Todman, James was a model of consistency gaining over 100 yards in 9 of Oregon's 11 games played (so far) and he also gained over 90 yards in every game he played.
Runner-Up: QB Andrew Luck, Stanford
Honorable Mention: QB Darron Thomas (Oregon), RB Jacquizz Rodgers (Oregon St), QB Nick Foles (Arizona), WR Juron Criner (Arizona), WR Jeff Maehl (Oregon)
Non-BCS Conference Player of the Year
Winner: QB Kellen Moore, Boise State
Moore has done everything that Boise State has asked him to do. He engineered a game winning drive in the season opening victory against Virginia Tech and put them in the same position against Nevada before a very make-able FG was missed. Moore was 2nd to only Cam Newton in Passer Rating and posted an incredible TD/INT ratio (35 to 6).
Runner-Up: QB Andy Dalton, TCU
Honorable Mention: QB Colin Kapaernick (Nevada), QB Bryant Moniz (Hawai'i), QB Dominique Davis (ECU), RB Vai Taua (Nevada), QB Ryan Lindley (SDSU), QB Chandler Harnish (NIU), WR Greg Salas (Hawai'i)
Showing posts with label Virginia Tech Hokies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Virginia Tech Hokies. Show all posts
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Saturday, December 4, 2010
ACC Championship Preview: Virginia Tech vs. Florida State
On Saturday Dec. 4, the Virginia Tech Hokies and the Florida State Seminoles will play for just the fourth time since ACC expansion in 2004 (FSU is 2-1 in those games). Although it doesn't quite feel the same to see Bobby Bowden opposite Frank Beamer, don't expect Hokie fans to be silent about their distaste for FSU.
Historically, the 'Noles have dominated the Hokies, holding a 22-11-1 advantage. Of these games, six have been played this decade, (I know, I shouldn't be counting this year's game as it's 2010) with the Hokies winning only the 2007 matchup in Blacksburg. Otherwise the Hokies lost the National Championship game to the 'Noles in 2000, lost the Toyota Gator Bowl to them in 2002, lost the inaugural ACC Championship Game in 2005, and lost the only matchup this decade in Tallahassee in 2008 after Tyrod Taylor went down on the game's first play and Tech was forced to use three quarterbacks.
Our record against the 'Noles is a reason for our inferiority complex when it comes to our hatred for them, but I'd say as a general rule, fans of any fan base tend to feel ill-will for ANY team they have been beaten by soundly over a long period of time, ESPECIALLY if that team is a college football power the likes of FSU.
Amplified are these feelings by the experiences Hokies fans have had with 'Noles fans over the years, as many a Hokie fan have told me there is no worse experience they have had with a fan base than that of the 'Noles. Of course, based on the interactions I have had with the Seminole Nation, they may take that as a compliment. Take it as you will. There are always bad apples in any fan base, but FSU fans take the cake in my book. Another reason for Hokie fans' disgust felt for the Seminoles is the mind-numbing, torturous, and inescapable spectacle that is the Tomahawk Chop. News to Seminoles fans: in a world that includes Rockytop (and though I will concede our "Key Play" on EVERY 3rd down is dumb), you have BY FAR the most annoying chant/fight song/ in stadium tradition college sports. Please vary it up for a change. I may even have to become a FSU fan myself just to invent something to replace some of the endless Tomahawk Chops, but based on what you've read so far I'm unlikely to do that.
Here are some examples of the hostility that the Hokie fans have for the 'Noles and their infamous chop.
This was at the 2007 matchup between the Hokies and the 'Noles, in which Hokies fans, tired of seeing/hearing "THE CHOP" took it upon themselves to make the visiting FSU fans leave early, by chopping the ENTIRE fourth quarter stadium wide when it became evident the Hokies would win. So consider that this treatment will repeat if we feel you have chopped too much Saturday night and we have a lead late.
Now, down to the game. The Hokies clenched a week before the Seminoles did, so they got a tremendous head start on filling the stadium. I ordered my tickets a mere hour after the Hokies locked up the Coastal Division and Tech had already gone through their allotment of tickets, meaning that a good portion if not all the "extra" tickets not sold through the two schools' athletic departments will probably either be in the hands of scalpers or Hokie fans. Also, playing the game in Charlotte for the first time (a game that makes perfect geographical sense as the league is centered in Tobacco Road and not a home game for the two traditionally powerful Florida ACC programs) equates to what will essentially be a home game for the Hokies (as Blacksburg is a little over 2 hours from the Queen City).
When it comes down to the X's and O's, both teams are incredibly similar. Here's a link to GobblerCountry.com, where wisec4g posted the two teams offensive and defensive rankings. As you can see neither team strays very far in the rankings from one another.
When it comes down to it, you have a coach that is in his first year as the head coach at FSU and a coach on the opposing sideline who has been at Virginia Tech now for 24 years. But the seniority doesn't necessarily make his team better. I think if anything the advantage the Hokies have is being the better coached team. But the 'Noles have an advantage as well. They have a lot of good athletes and recruits that have been highly touted and are usually ranked higher (despite the fact that recruiting rankings aren't always the best determinant of success) than their counterpart Hokies.
The Hokies have Tyrod Taylor and the 'Noles Christian Ponder, two incredibly experience quarterbacks whose influence and ability will weigh heavily on this game. I don't want it to sound like a cop-out, but in my determination, the game is as simple as this: the team whose quarterback shines or even plays better will win. That encompasses turnovers, the passing game, for Virginia Tech the rushing game, and how a defense reacts and/or is able to contain the opposing player. I also think that whichever team wins the battle in the trenches and can establish the run can infinitely improve their chances of winning.
I may be riding the fence here, but as a Hokie fan wary of our past history with the 'Noles, I'm not making any predictions. As the great Michael Scott said, I'm not superstitious, I'm just a little stitious.
Historically, the 'Noles have dominated the Hokies, holding a 22-11-1 advantage. Of these games, six have been played this decade, (I know, I shouldn't be counting this year's game as it's 2010) with the Hokies winning only the 2007 matchup in Blacksburg. Otherwise the Hokies lost the National Championship game to the 'Noles in 2000, lost the Toyota Gator Bowl to them in 2002, lost the inaugural ACC Championship Game in 2005, and lost the only matchup this decade in Tallahassee in 2008 after Tyrod Taylor went down on the game's first play and Tech was forced to use three quarterbacks.
Our record against the 'Noles is a reason for our inferiority complex when it comes to our hatred for them, but I'd say as a general rule, fans of any fan base tend to feel ill-will for ANY team they have been beaten by soundly over a long period of time, ESPECIALLY if that team is a college football power the likes of FSU.
Amplified are these feelings by the experiences Hokies fans have had with 'Noles fans over the years, as many a Hokie fan have told me there is no worse experience they have had with a fan base than that of the 'Noles. Of course, based on the interactions I have had with the Seminole Nation, they may take that as a compliment. Take it as you will. There are always bad apples in any fan base, but FSU fans take the cake in my book. Another reason for Hokie fans' disgust felt for the Seminoles is the mind-numbing, torturous, and inescapable spectacle that is the Tomahawk Chop. News to Seminoles fans: in a world that includes Rockytop (and though I will concede our "Key Play" on EVERY 3rd down is dumb), you have BY FAR the most annoying chant/fight song/ in stadium tradition college sports. Please vary it up for a change. I may even have to become a FSU fan myself just to invent something to replace some of the endless Tomahawk Chops, but based on what you've read so far I'm unlikely to do that.
Here are some examples of the hostility that the Hokie fans have for the 'Noles and their infamous chop.
This was at the 2007 matchup between the Hokies and the 'Noles, in which Hokies fans, tired of seeing/hearing "THE CHOP" took it upon themselves to make the visiting FSU fans leave early, by chopping the ENTIRE fourth quarter stadium wide when it became evident the Hokies would win. So consider that this treatment will repeat if we feel you have chopped too much Saturday night and we have a lead late.
Now, down to the game. The Hokies clenched a week before the Seminoles did, so they got a tremendous head start on filling the stadium. I ordered my tickets a mere hour after the Hokies locked up the Coastal Division and Tech had already gone through their allotment of tickets, meaning that a good portion if not all the "extra" tickets not sold through the two schools' athletic departments will probably either be in the hands of scalpers or Hokie fans. Also, playing the game in Charlotte for the first time (a game that makes perfect geographical sense as the league is centered in Tobacco Road and not a home game for the two traditionally powerful Florida ACC programs) equates to what will essentially be a home game for the Hokies (as Blacksburg is a little over 2 hours from the Queen City).
When it comes down to the X's and O's, both teams are incredibly similar. Here's a link to GobblerCountry.com, where wisec4g posted the two teams offensive and defensive rankings. As you can see neither team strays very far in the rankings from one another.
When it comes down to it, you have a coach that is in his first year as the head coach at FSU and a coach on the opposing sideline who has been at Virginia Tech now for 24 years. But the seniority doesn't necessarily make his team better. I think if anything the advantage the Hokies have is being the better coached team. But the 'Noles have an advantage as well. They have a lot of good athletes and recruits that have been highly touted and are usually ranked higher (despite the fact that recruiting rankings aren't always the best determinant of success) than their counterpart Hokies.
The Hokies have Tyrod Taylor and the 'Noles Christian Ponder, two incredibly experience quarterbacks whose influence and ability will weigh heavily on this game. I don't want it to sound like a cop-out, but in my determination, the game is as simple as this: the team whose quarterback shines or even plays better will win. That encompasses turnovers, the passing game, for Virginia Tech the rushing game, and how a defense reacts and/or is able to contain the opposing player. I also think that whichever team wins the battle in the trenches and can establish the run can infinitely improve their chances of winning.
I may be riding the fence here, but as a Hokie fan wary of our past history with the 'Noles, I'm not making any predictions. As the great Michael Scott said, I'm not superstitious, I'm just a little stitious.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Conference Championship Game Predictions
SEC: Auburn (12-0) vs. South Carolina (9-3)
Kevin: OK, everybody who had Auburn vs South Carolina at the beginning of the year raise your hands. Seriously, the odds of this happening had to be very narrow at the beginning of the season. Florida and Georgia both under-performed this year and South Carolina beat both of them to take the SEC East Crown. Auburn had a much tougher road as they are in the same division as 4 other Top 25 teams but still finished the year unbeaten. All year I was waiting for Auburn to lose but as the year went on Auburn seemed to get stronger. They fell behind against Georgia and Alabama but showed a lot of mental toughness and came back to win both of those games. It's just hard to bet against Auburn right now. That being said, I will be rooting against them as I just can't root for Nick Unfairley after his repeated late hits to my redshirt freshman QB Aaron Murray.
Prediction: AUBURN 31 SOUTH CAROLINA 24
Ross: On one hand, you have an Auburn team that seems like a team of destiny after the way they came back from the dead against Alabama and pulled off an incredible comeback win. They also happen to have the best player in college football this year (Cam Newton), who's playing at an incredibly high level. And they have one of the best defensive players in college football, too, in Nick Fairley. On the other hand, you have a South Carolina team that seems to have flipped a switch in the last three weeks, turning in three straight dominant performances, including blowout wins over Florida (to clinch the SEC East) and Clemson (to win a rivalry game). Stephen Garcia's not turning the ball over, Marcus Lattimore is running like a man possessed, Alshon Jeffery is the best receiver no one talks about, and the defense is stoning people. Oh, and they did come awful close to knocking off Auburn when they played earlier this year, until Newton Hulked up in the fourth quarter and the Cocks helped out by turning the ball over four times. So... they could win, right? Yeah, they could, but only a fool would bet against Cam Newton at this point -- and I don't feel like being a fool.
Prediction: AUBURN 38, SOUTH CAROLINA 31
Big 12: Oklahoma (10-2) vs. Nebraska (10-2)
Kevin: This is a HUGE game for Oklahoma and the Big 12. Nobody in the Big 12 wants to see Nebraska win the Big 12 title in their last season in the conference. OU is riding a 3-game winning streak over Texas Tech, Baylor and rival Okie State. Nebraska comes into the game having lost to Texas A&M just before blowing out Colorado. I really don't have a feel for this one but I just think OU is going to tough it out.
Prediction: OKLAHOMA 27 NEBRASKA 24
Ross: How fitting that the last-ever Big 12 Championship Game features the two teams that defined the conference that birthed the Big 12 -- the Big 8. Oklahoma and Nebraska had one of the game's most legendary rivalries in the 70s and 80s and while it was unavoidably diminished when the Big 12 was formed and they stopped playing each other every year, it's still a pretty good thing -- especially when both teams are good, which is the case this year. Neither team is great (they each have two losses for a reason), but they've both been very impressive for stretches of the season. Oklahoma seems to be rounding into form at the end of the season, especially on offense (three straight efforts of 40+ points) and for all of Bob Stoops' failures in BCS bowls, he's been a killer in the Big 12 Championship Game (5-1). On the other hand, Nebraska has a far better defense than what Oklahoma has been playing. The key for them will be whether Taylor Martinez is healthy enough to be effective in this game -- Nebraska blew out Colorado without him, but they aren't going to get solid performances from the usually lousy Cody Green or two touchdown passes from a running back (Rex Burkhead) too often. Defense usually wins championships, but going against Stoops in a game like this is usually a losing proposition.
Prediction: OKLAHOMA 27, NEBRASKA 20
ACC: FSU (9-3) vs. Virginia Tech (10-2)
Kevin: FSU showed some fire that I didn't know they had in them last week when they took Herban Meyer and Florida to the woodshed. That being said, Virginia Tech is on a 10-game winning streak. Who would have thought that after falling Boise State and then James Madison (yes, James Madison) that Virginia Tech would be undefeated in the ACC. I can't bet against the Hokies in this one.
Prediction: VIRGINIA TECH 34 FLORIDA STATE 21
Prediction: VIRGINIA TECH 28, FLORIDA STATE 24
Saturday, August 21, 2010
ACC Preview
2009 Standings
Atlantic Division
Clemson Tigers 9-5 (6-2)
Boston College Eagles 8-5 (5-3)
Florida State Seminoles 7-6 (4-4)
Wake Forest Demon Deacons 5-7 (3-5)
North Carolina St Wolfpack 5-7 (2-6)
Maryland Terrapins 2-10 (1-7)
Coastal Division
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 10-3 (7-1)
Virginia Tech Hokies 10-3 (6-2)
Miami Hurricanes 9-4 (5-3)
North Carolina Tar Heels 8-5 (4-4)
Duke Blue Devils 5-7 (3-5)
Virginia Cavaliers 3-9 (2-6)
ACC Championship Game: Georgia Tech 39 Clemson 34
Returning Leaders: Passing
Jacory Harris, Miami, Jr (242 of 406 for 3352 yds, 24 TD, 17 INT)
Russell Wilson, NC St, Jr (224 of 378 for 3027 yds, 31 TD, 11 INT)
Kyle Parker, Clemson, Soph (205 of 369 for 2526 yds, 20 TD, 12 INT)
Tyrod Taylor, Va Tech, Sr (136 of 243 for 2311 yds, 13 TD, 5 INT)
T.J. Yates, NC, Sr (214 of 355 for 2136 yds, 14 TD, 15 INT)
Returning Leaders: Rushing
Ryan Williams, Va Tech, Soph (293 carries for 1655 yds, 21 TD)
Montel Harris, BC, Jr (308 carries for 1457 yds, 14 TD, 4.7 ypc)
Joshua Nesbitt, GT,Sr, (279 carries for 1037 yds, 18 TD, 3.7 ypc)
Jermaine Thomas, FSU, Jr (163 carries for 832 yds, 9 TD, 5.1 ypc)
Ryan Houston, UNC, Sr (191 carries for 713 yds, 9 TD, 5.1 ypc)
Returning Leaders: Receiving
Donovan Varner, Duke, Jr (65 rec for 1047 yds, 8 TD, 5.4 rec/game)
Greg Little, UNC, Sr (62 rec for 724 yds, 5 TD, 4.8 rec/game)
Torrey Smith, Maryland, Jr (61 rec for 828 yds, 5 TD, 5.1 rec/game)
Devon Brown, Wake Forest, Jr (61 rec for 671 yds, 6 TD)
Marshall Williams, Wake Forest, Sr (60 rec for 867 yds, 6 TD)
Bert Reed, FSU, Jr (60 rec for 711 yds, 0 TD, 4.6 rec/game)
Returning Leaders: Tackles
Luke Kuechly, BC, Soph, LB (158 total, 12.1 tackles/game)
Alex Wujciak, Maryland, Sr, LB (131 total, 10.9 tackles/game)
DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson, Sr, SS (98 total, 7 tackles/game
Marcus Gilchrist, Clemson, Sr, CB (96 total, 6.8 tackles/game)
Barquell Rivers, Va Tech, Jr, LB (96 total, 7.3 tackles/game)
Returning Leaders: Sacks
Robert Quinn, UNC, Jr, DE (11.0 sacks)
Allen Bailey, Miami, Sr, DE (7.0)
Adrian Moten, Maryland, Sr, LB (5.5)
Mister Alexander, FSU, Sr, LB (5.0)
Quinton Copes, UNC, Jr, DE (5.0)
Returning Leaders: Interceptions
DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson, Sr, SS (8 interceptions)
Deunta Williams, UNC, Sr, FS (6)
Rashad Carmichael, Va Tech, Sr, CB (6)
Rashard Hall, Clemson, Soph, FS (6)
Kendric Burney, UNC, Sr, CB (5)
Around the Blogs
Who is your pick to win the ACC?
BC Interruption:
Virginia Tech. It always comes back to the Hokies.
Gobbler Country:
I'm a homer so I have to go with Virginia Tech. I think issues with both lines might cause the Hokies to struggle early on, but they'll hit their stride in time for conference play. They have a tough gauntlet of games in November against the other three Coastal contenders, but they're helped by not having to play FSU or Clemson this year.
From The Rumble Seat:
I am picking Georgia Tech to win the conference again. Despite the pundits stating otherwise, Georgia Tech's schedule lines up perfectly. The easy games are early in the season allowing Georgia Tech to focus on tougher opponents later in the season and build momentum. The offense relies heavily on timing and execution. CPJ gets the wheels turning by the midpoint of the season and very few teams late in the season can slow down GT's rushing attack. And I have proof. Check out the average points and yards per game per month since CPJ has been at GT:
September - 26.0 PPG, 362 YPG
October - 31.6 PPG, 393 YPG
November - 32.4, 433 YPG
No other team in the ACC has shown more consistency from start to finish in the regular season from 2008-2009 besides the Jackets. VPI lost a ton of talent on defense (their offense's crutch). Miami and FSU will ruin one or the other's season on Labor Day and the winner of that game will start losing once the temperature drops below 85 degrees. UNC and Clemson are tragically flawed (UNC with a terrible offense and Clemson with a terrible head coach). And the rest of the teams don't have the horses to run with Georgia Tech in a Championship Game.
The Sports Age
I think Virginia Tech finally gets it done this season. The Hokies always come in as a top-rated team, but never seem to be able to finish the job in conference. However, quarterback Tyrod Taylor, running backs Ryan Williams and Darren Evans (who missed all of last season), and a healthy dose of Beamer ball can finally get the job done and bring an ACC Conference Championship to Blacksburg this season.
Breaking Down The ACC With The Zealots
Boston College Eagles
Chris (Atlantic Prediction: #2): The Eagles return many of the major pieces to the puzzle. The odd piece out is Dave Shinskie, although his low profile hard work are character traits rather famous with former BC quarterbacks. Montel Harris can be a star, but at worst he's a very productive back...to the tune of 1,450 yards 14 TD's a year ago. Add in Mark Herzlich and you've got your Atlantic Division runners up. But if Shinskie can improve, there is no doubt the Eagles are capable of going to the ACCCG.
J Martin (Atlantic Prediction: #2): Each of the last two years, I've picked BC to finish last in the division. And each year, they've made me look foolish, winning the division in 2008 and placing second last season. So I'm not making that mistake again. This year's squad looks like another really solid unit with good experience and a great running back in Montel Harris. If Dave Shinskie can cut his interceptions in half, there's no reason they can't compete for the division title. And remember, they're 3-1 over the last 4 years against Florida State, their primary competition. Though they travel to Tallahassee and get a visit from Virginia Tech this season, they also draw the two worst teams from the Coastal Division (Duke, Virginia) and have no other really challenging away games. Whatever they can get out of Mark Herzlich is just gravy. There will be a lot of inspirational stories told about what he means to this team, but in truth, they're capable of winning big without him.
Ross (Atlantic Prediction: #2): BC has an overpowering OL, a top-notch RB (Montel Harris), and a member of the Chris Weinke All-Stars at QB (26-year old sophomore Dave Shinskie). On the other hand, Shinskie threw 14 interceptions last year and lacks many returning targets at WR. Until the offense proves they can throw the ball at least moderately well, Harris may not have much room to run. The defense should be good as it returns a pair of starters at LB, DL, and in the secondary -- and could be really good if cancer survivor Mark Herzlich is as good as he was in 2008 (ACC Defensive Player of the Year). They draw Virginia Tech, Duke, and Virginia from the other division, which is pretty favorable; the division title may come down to their 10/16 road tilt against Florida State.
Clemson Tigers
Chris (Atlantic Prediction: #1): Kyle Parker shocked a lot of people when he decided to return to school despite being picked early in the MLB Draft in an early round. He brings back with him a nearly intact offensive line, though the skill position players are relatively new. The guy who it just seems like was the fresh face (Parker) will have to lead and teach these new guys the ropes. Even after losing Spiller and Jacoby Ford, I believe that Parker is up to the job. Add in a defense that was very good overall last year and returns 7 starters and it begins to start becoming more apparent why I picked these guys. Remember, not too many reasons are needed, after all, this is the weaker side of the ACC.
J Martin (Atlantic Prediction: #3): I'm feeling Clemson a little more than I was, now that Kyle Parker has confirmed he's returning this season. He looked very promising as a freshman, but at the same time, you have to wonder how much he's improved in the off-season with so much of his attention going towards baseball. You also have to wonder how much motivation he has to improve from here out, knowing that this is likely going to be his last year playing football. Regardless, Clemson is better off with him under center than to be breaking in a freshman for the second straight year. But that's somewhat beside the point. The REAL issue facing the Tigers this season is figuring out where they can dig up about 2,700 total yards and 21 TDs, because that's what walked out the door with CJ Spiller. He WAS the offense last year. Andre Ellington and Jamie Harper are nice players, but they won't come close to matching Spiller's impact. Clemson also doesn't have a returning receiver who caught more than 14 passes last year. The defense should be alright, but Clemson draws 3 of the toughest teams out of the Coastal division AND has to go on the road to play FSU and BC. On second thought, maybe this wouldn't be such a bad year to break in Tajh Boyd at QB. They aren't going to contend for anything, anyway.
Ross (Atlantic Prediction: #3): The good news for Clemson's offense is that they return four starters on the offensive line and their starting QB; the bad news is they don't return much else. CJ Spiller leaves a big hole to fill and they have no proven receivers. The defense should be pretty solid since they return a lot along the defensive line and in the secondary, but until this team finds some new stars at the skill positions, they're going to have a tough time equaling last year's accomplishments. They draw Miami, North Carolina, and Georgia Tech from the other division, too, which is no picnic.
Duke Blue Devils
Chris (Coastal Prediction: #5): Let me now clarify that I hate Duke. Having said that, I think Duke is improving under David Cutcliffe. It will certainly be interesting to see how sophomore Sean Renfree tries to fill the shoes of four-year starter at quarterback Thaddeus Lewis. I think Duke could finish as high as fourth and maybe even contend for a bowl this year, BUT it all centers around Renfree. He has the skill position players to get it done, as was evidenced by Duke finishing #9 in the nation last year in passing. But they also finished DEAD last in rushing. Many teams had a single player that out-rushed Duke's 762-yard rushing output for the season. So to improve and become bowl eligible, it starts with being able to have some semblance of a running game. And then the Blue Devils must also improve upon a defense that was a little below average last year. But if they can stay in that range, they will put themselves in position to maybe move up a spot in the ACC pecking order.
J Martin (Coastal Prediction: #5): I'm a big fan of David Cutcliffe as a coach. He walked in the door at Duke and had them pushing for bowl eligibility after 4 straight years of 2 wins or less (6 double-digit loss seasons in the previous 8 years). However, I think he takes a step back in 2010. Its a bit of a rebuilding year on defense (and when you're rebuilding at Duke you're REALLY rebuilding), and Duke has to replace Thad Lewis at QB. Sean Renfree looks promising as his replacement, but there are going to be major growing pains. And the schedule doesn't set up well for them at all. Their only winnable conference home game looks like Virginia, beyond that maybe they catch Maryland or Wake Forest on the road. Regardless, the gap between Duke and the Big Four in the Coastal is gargantuan.
Ross (Coastal Prediction: #5): They lose their best player in some time (Thaddeus Lewis), as well as slew of other key players on offense and defense and play in arguably the toughest division in college football. David Cutcliffe is doing a nice job at Duke, but this year doesn't set up too well for him.
Florida State Seminoles
Chris (Atlantic Prediction: #3): I know, I know, I know. I am not picking the post-Bobby Bowden Seminoles to win the Atlantic. I just don't think that Christian Ponder is the savior of the fan nation with the annoying chop chant (most annoying thing in college football, closely followed by Rockytop). Rather, he reminds me more of the lineage of Chris Weinke, Chris Rix, or Wyatt Sexton (Minus the whole I am the messiah worship me part). On one hand they do return their entire offensive line. A GREAT offensive line! On the other hand, which skill position player is going to do something with it? Also, a key skill player was already suspended. The BIGGEST question mark is how drastically the D can improve under Jimbo Fisher. Without it, they don't stand a chance at #1 in the Atlantic. If they do, I may need to think about changing my pick.
J Martin (Atlantic Prediction: #1): The Jimbo Fisher era at FSU got off to a hot start on the recruiting trail, where he dramatically upgraded the defensive talent level with the likes of LaMarcus Joyner, Jeff Luc, and Christian Jones, among others. Those guys are throwbacks to the freak athletes that used to dominate the Seminole defense, and all of them will get on the field this year. Of course, they'll be a bit erratic, being so inexperienced, but they'll make up for it by making the sort of dynamic plays FSU has lacked on that side of the ball during Mickey Andrews' last years. And expect new defensive coordinator Mark Stoops to light a fire under everyone. It's unlikely they're going to turn into a defensive powerhouse over night, but if they can just keep their points allowed under 30 points per game (last year's average), FSU is going to win a lot of games. Because the offense is going to take care of itself. FSU may boast the best offensive line in the country, and Christian Ponder seemed to be making a lot of progress as a passer before going down with an injury last season. I'm not buying into the Heisman hype, though.
Ross (Atlantic Prediction: #1): Every year we talk about Florida State being "back"... but this really might be the year. Christian Ponder should be the best QB in the league (and a possible Heisman contender) and he should get ample time to find his experienced receivers behind an offensive line that returns all five starters. That same line should be able to open up a lot of holes for a pair of solid running backs (Jermaine Thomas and Chris Thompson), too. As good as the offense should be, though, the defense will need to be a lot better for FSU to win the division. They were one of the worst in the nation a year ago, so there's a lot of work for new defensive coordinator Mark Stoops to do. But if he can get them up to even respectable levels, the offense should be potent enough to lead them back to the promised land. The schedule is a little tricky, especially in October when they play Miami, Boston College, and North Carolina over the span of four games (the fourth game is against NC State). That run of games will either sink their title hopes or put them in pole position.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Chris (Coastal Prediction: #4): This may finally be the year where Paul Johnson's triple option attack at GT will look humanly possible to contain. Aside from quarterback Josh Nesbitt, the Yellow Jackets lost nearly every other playmaker on offense and defense. Roddy Jones and Embry Peoples will try to reproduce some of the explosiveness and productivity of Dwyer while Anthony Allen will try to be the punishing back that Dwyer could channel as well. However, the Yellow Jackets may have to go away from their run, run, run, run, run, hail mary deep pass strategy with the loss of Demaryius Thomas. Thomas was a huge field-stretcher for the Yellow Jackets and their most reliable option. Nesbitt was able to throw up balls for grabs and Thomas would come down with them. Even still, Nesbitt completed a paltry 46% of his passes, and that is likely to worsen and make the Jackets into even more of a running team that in Johnson's two previous years with them. The Jackets also lose a lot on the defensive side of the ball, most notably with Derrick Morgan. They are changing their defense as well, so I would imagine it may take some time to click. Basically, Georgia Tech is high in many peoples polls, but not mine. Despite Nesbitt's leadership and experience, working with some new skill position players and behind a completely revamped offensive line (2 returning starters) makes me doubt their ACC contention. In my eyes, Duke even has a chance to leap the Yellow Jackets. Don't sleep on the Dookies!
J Martin (Coastal Prediction: #4): I'm looking for a big step backwards for Paul Johnson's option attack this season. The biggest loss for this team probably isn't even Jonathan Dwyer; Anthony Allen should fill his role as the big B-back very well. No, the guy they'll miss the most is Demaryius Thomas. His emergence as a gigantic deep threat (1,154 receiving yards - out of 1,701 passing yards for Josh Nesbitt), opened up the field for the option game to be even more explosive than before. With him gone, teams are going to clamp down again. I highly doubt there are any other receivers on the team capable of filling that void. I doubt Nesbitt could get the ball to them, anyway. Nesbitt really can't throw, but Thomas was great for him because he was so huge, he was hard to miss. Two of GT's biggest conference rivals also have bye weeks prior to their games with the Yellow Jackets (UNC and VT), which further lessens the effectiveness of the option by giving them more prep time. They'll still roll up yards, but scoring is going to be much more difficult. Defensively, they slipped last season, and I see more slippage in 2010 with the loss of guys like Morgan Burnett, Sedric Griffin, and Derrick Morgan. They return nearly every one else, but Johnson doesn't seem to be refreshing the talent level to the same standard as Chan Gailey to this point. You also have to expect some degree of an adjustment period as they make the switch to a 3-4 defense.
Ross (Coastal Prediction: #4): It's hard not to see this team taking a step back, given how much they lost on offense (three linemen, plus their leading rusher [Jonathan Dwyer] and their top receiver [Demaryius Thomas]) and defense (Derrick Morgan, Morgan Burnett). That's a lot of high-level production to replace. Nesbitt was a poor passer a year ago even with a stud WR and a more experienced OL... what's he going to be like if he has to scramble more and he doesn't have a target like Thomas out there? The defense was lousy a year ago and adding Al Groh as defensive coordinator and switching to a 3-4 isn't going to fix things overnight. It doesn't help that two of their toughest opponents (Virginia Tech, North Carolina) are on the road and get 10-14 days to prep for GT's funky offense. High-level defense + extended prep time = bad news for Georgia Tech.
Maryland Terrapins
Chris (Atlantic Prediction: #5): The only separation I have between Maryland and Wake at the bottom of the division is that Maryland not only has play-makers in Da'Rel Scott and Torrey Smith, but they also have a quarterback to get it to them, or at least they know who the guy who will try to do that is. Friedgen is on the hot seat, and all indications point to him being gone by this time next year. This could negatively effect this team and cause them to lose focus or feel like they really don't have anything to play for. It will be interesting to see how this team reacts. Looking at what the Terps need to improve on, the list goes on so long that I can't definitively say what it is that needs most improvement. They have a bad defense, a bad offense, and a young roster. If they don't improve though, they could be asking him to leave College Park mid-season and return that athletic department Nordic Trek that's collecting dust somewhere in the Friedgen house.
J Martin (Atlantic Prediction: #5): I can only assume the people at Maryland don't care about football. That's the only explanation I have as to why Ralph Friedgen still has a job there. I know he had those 3 great years in the beginning, but the program has been trending downwards every since, bottoming out at 2-10 last season. I don't see them doing much better this year. What they gain in favorable conference scheduling (drawing Duke and Virginia from the Coastal), they make up for in tough non-conference games against Navy and at West Virginia. Maybe they'll get serious about football up there after their 5th losing season in the last 7 years.
Ross: (Atlantic Prediction: #6): Ralph Friedgen is a dead man walking and this doesn't look like the sort of team that can give him a proud send-off.
Miami Hurricanes
Chris (Coastal Prediction: #3): Many people have Miami in the second spot switched with Carolina, but not me. I like the Canes, and I like Jacorry Harris (although he needs to limit his mistakes), but I think replacing 3 offensive linemen and the leading rusher for 3 consecutive years in Greg Cooper will be a big blow. Cooper may return, but it is doubtful. Defensively, they will be good, but I would expect Carolina to unseat the Hokies at the top of the division if it is going to be anyone.
J Martin (Coastal Prediction: #2): They're the glamor team in the ACC this year. And for good reason, I guess. I think they're by far the most athletically gifted team in the conference. Leonard Hankerson and Alderius Johnson look like gazelles running around on the field. And, of course, everyone is in love with Jacory Harris. I'm...not so much. Obviously, he has the talent, but I question his decision making process. 17 interceptions is just unacceptable. Normally, you would expect progression in that area between seasons, but he missed a lot of valuable reps during the spring with an injury. Defensively, they lose a handful of very good players, but return a ton more. I think this could be the year Randy Shannon finally gets them under 20 points allowed per game. And the schedule will definitely help them (in conference at least), as they get all their big games except Georgia Tech at home and draw Virginia and Duke from the Atlantic. At times, I think the biggest thing holding this team back is Shannon himself. Half the time I see him, he looks half asleep. Teams tend to take on the personalities of their coaches, and I wonder if this Miami team's lack of intensity and killer instinct, things that would take them to the next level, comes straight from the languorous Shannon.
Ross: (Coastal Prediction: #2): The lingering Randy Shannon factor is still a concern, but there's a lot of returning talent on offense and defense here -- especially on defense, where they could field the most Miami-like defense in quite a while this year. On the other hand, they have to find three new starters on the offensive line and the schedule is loaded with potholes, especially a brutal four-game stretch early on: @ Ohio State (9/11), @ Pitt (9/23), @ Clemson (10/2), Florida State (10/9). Only two of those games will have a bearing on their hunt for a division title, but that's still a stretch of games that could take a lot out of them.
North Carolina Tar Heels
Chris (Coastal Prediction: #2): You will never catch me praising Butch Davis for his coaching skills (what? he has those?), but he is an amazing recruiter. And finally, his players that he has brought in have made what will be the most intimidating defense in the nation this year. If Butch Davis can coach his way out of a paper bag then the Heels may take the Hokies spot in the ACC title game, but he hasn't proven to have any competence in the area that his job title indicates. What you will see is a NASTY defense, an anemic but improving offense (it can't get much worse than 108th nationally), and a coach trying to make sense of it all on the sideline. If he ever does, watch out. If not, just expect Butch to keep landing top of the line kids and twiddle his thumbs on gameday.
J Martin (Coastal Prediction: #3): On paper, this should be North Carolina's year. With something like 19 returning starters, including a 3 year starter at QB, a deep o-line, and a ton of guys on defense who are going to be getting paid to play on Sundays (if they're not already), the Tar Heels seem like a no-brainer for #1 in the division, maybe even the conference. But, for one thing, there have been SO many distractions around the team as of late. Even if everybody stays eligible, I don't see how they can NOT be affected by it. And even if they can stay focused and the defense only allows 17 points per game again, can the offense be counted on to score 18? That's two too many if's. TJ Yates is such an enigma at QB. I have no idea what to expect out of him. I do know that another 15 interception year isn't going to be winning any titles. And while Ryan Houston and Shaun Draughn are nice players, neither are exactly a Mark Ingram that can carry a game and hide rough QB play while the defense wins it. I won't be shocked if Butch Davis gives Bryn Renner a shot at QB is Yates struggles early. So that's my dilemma: the defense is BCS bowl material, the offense is Pizza Bowl material. Who do I side with? Unless the defense puts up crazy 08 USC numbers (think under 10 points a game), I don't think they can win consistently enough to get above that Meineke Car Care Bowl level they've been at the past couple of years.
Ross (Coastal Prediction: #3): If Agentgate doesn't take too big a bite out of their team, they could be even better than this, frankly. Their defense should be flat-out nasty, given how many returning starters they have -- and how many guys they have who turned down the NFL to come back to Chapel Hill. And just ask Virginia Tech how far a dominant defense can carry you in the ACC, even with a middling offense. Whether or not the UNC offense is any better than middling will depend on what kind of progress QB TJ Yates can make. 15 TD/14 INT again probably won't get it done. UNC also benefits from the scheduling, which spaces out their toughest games (aside from back-to-back games with FSU and Virginia Tech in late November) pretty nicely.
North Carolina State Wolfpack
Chris (Atlantic Prediction: #4): When Coach Tom O'Brien left a successful Boston College program for a stalling NC State program, I was shocked. Still, 4 years late I sit here shocked...not at the result, but the decision. The reason I have NC State at #4 is this: I don't trust a team that is not as talented as the top-3 and returns a total of 9 starters to make a run for the Atlantic Division crown. Heck, if not for Russell Wilson, they would be dead last in the Atlantic in my mind. But they do happen to have one of the nation's best quarterbacks. People feeling bad for Jake Locker should look at Wilson. Their skill position players are similar in talent and yet Wilson is the more efficient. The Pack will have to make the most of their opportunities and their junior quarterback, and try to aide their inexperience at the three interior offensive line spots and defense. If they can do that, they'll be going bowling.
J Martin (Atlantic Prediction: #4): This is probably the end for Tom O'Brien in Raleigh. The Wolfpack has one of the best QBs in the conference, in terms of his actual production to this point, with Russell Wilson, but they have NOTHING around him. Despite owning North Carolina on the field, O'Brien has been taken to the woodshed by Butch Davis on the recruiting trail. He just doesn't have the talent on hand to compete in an ACC with several program peaking at the same time. The schedule is hellacious. By my count, there's only one sure win on their entire schedule. Every other game is going to be a desperate fight for survival. I like them heads-up against Wake Forest and Maryland, but beyond that...I don't see them being bowl eligible. UCF and ECU will give them a run for their money.
Ross (Atlantic Prediction: #4): Russell Wilson might be the second best QB in the ACC, but there may not be much to work with here. NC State has big holes to fill on both lines and the defense was miserable last year. It doesn't help that they have to play Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, and North Carolina from the other division.
Virginia Cavaliers
Chris (Coastal Prediction: #6): I like Mike London, don't get my wrong. I think he was the right guy for the job. But man is he going to have one tough first year. Usually when coaches vacate their jobs they at least leave something behind. For UVA, the cupboard is almost completely bare. They will be EXTREMELY lucky to win more than one ACC game this year.
J Martin (Coastal Prediction: #6): Step 1 is acknowledging you have a problem. Virginia did that when they finally showed Al Groh the door. Unfortunately, there's no undoing the damage he did in short order. It's going to be a lengthy process. I'm not sure if Mike London is the guy to get it done, but consider this inevitably brutal season as Step 2. At the very least, I expect Virginia to avoid another William & Mary-esque debacle against Richmond or VMI. That's progress.
Ross (Coastal Prediction: #6): Getting rid of Groh was a good first step, but it's still going to take a while to turn this ship around. Especially in this division.
Virginia Tech Hokies
Chris (Coastal Prediction: #1 and ACC Champion): The Hokies return a crop of offensive talent the likes of which Blacksburg has never seen at any one time. They are loaded in the backfield, challenging Alabama for the best backfield in the nation. They have one of the nation's top 5 running backs in Ryan Williams and a guy backing him up that is also previously a 1,000 yard rusher. Their backup from a season ago was moved to fullback to get him touches and the most athletic player on the team, sophomore David Wilson, is a former High School All-American and will probably redshirt because the backfield is too deep for him despite scoring 4 touchdowns in 2009 in a reserve role. His replacement will be Tony Gregory, a back who prepped for an extra year and was the star of the spring game, breaking tackles left and right...yet he will be the Hokies fifth rushing option out of the backfield as Tyrod Taylor is a mobile QB. Speaking of Taylor, he will be entering his third full year as a starter. He finally started to turn his game around a year ago, and was impressive and efficient. He returns all of his receivers, a VERY deep and versatile core, except for TE Greg Boone who was only in on 7 catches in 2009. Back up quarterback Logan Thomas, a former Army All-American will also play tight end and H-back and be a big time player wherever he lines up. The Hokies lost their best offensive lineman in Sergio Render and somewhat of a liability in Ed Wang. However, I do not see much of a drop off in offensive line play. On defense, believe it or not the Hokies will not be AS good as their counterparts on the offensive side of the ball. I actually think they are getting off a little easy in the media for what they have coming back. They return 5 starters, only 4 of which will be on the field against Boise State, when their most experienced linebacker Barquell Rivers will be out of action still with a torn quadriceps tendon, so that could be big. Eventually, conventional wisdom says that they will be alright there, especially with defensive coordinator Bud Foster at the helm. The offense may have to beat teams early though for the defense to catch on. There is too much talent to ignore on this Virginia Tech team, and they will win the Coastal Division and the Conference Championship.
J Martin (Coastal Prediction: #1 and ACC Champion): Generally speaking, it's hard to go wrong picking Virginia Tech to win the Coastal. What Frank Beamer does in Blacksburg isn't flashy, but it wins a heck of a lot of football games. However, this year he could have his most prolific offene since the days of Mike Vick. Ryan Williams and a healthy Darren Evans comprise the most powerful 1-2 punch at running back outside the Tuscaloosa city limits. And while I'm not a huge fan of Tyrod Taylor as a quarterback, he did show improvement in his decision making last year, and with Williams and Evans dominating on the ground, it should make his job much easier. He'll also have the benefit of playing with all of his favorite receiving targets from last year. Defensively, they'll be somewhat of a work in progress, but Bud Foster has a tremendous reputation as a defensive coordinator and hasn't allowed opponents to average over 20 points or 300 yards per game in 6 years. They'll be fine. They do have to travel to North Carolina and Miami, but Beamer has winning records against both schools over the past 5 years. If they can get up for Boise State and take care of business to start the year, they'll be dark horse national title contenders.
Ross (Coastal Prediction: #1 and ACC Champion): When in doubt, bet on Virginia Tech in the ACC. And with so much parity in the ACC (and this division in particular), there's room for plenty of doubt. But they should have an absolutely dynamite offense and it's not really taking a huge leap of faith to expect Bud Foster to assemble another nasty defense, even if the does have to slot in a lot of new faces this year. That said, their season really boils down to a three-game stretch in November: Georgia Tech (11/4), @ UNC (11/13), and @ Miami (11/20). If they go at least 2-1 in that stretch, they should be in good shape to win the division. Getting 10 days to prep for Georgia Tech's offense and playing them in Blacksburg on a Thursday night (where VT is almost unbeatable) is a big boost.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Chris (Atlantic Prediction: #6): This call is so hard because of how little teams like Maryland and Wake can be separated on paper, and possibly will be at the end of the year. The two teams are so similar that Athlon sports projected them one pick apart nationally and 5th and 6th in this division respectively. Wake can be a lot higher if their young athletic defense can mature and if their quarterback (s) (realize I use an s. They don't know who their starter is definitively yet) and young offensive line don't slow down what is otherwise an impressive slew of skill position players. Jim Grobe is one of the best coaches in the league and has been as consistent as you can expect for the smallest school in FBS football (enrollment just over 4,000), you just kind of feel sorry for the guy because it's hard to recruit players there.
J Martin (Atlantic Prediction: #6): The post-Riley Skinner Era begins in much the same place the pre-Riley Skinner Era ended: with a losing record. Jim Grobe is a very good coach, and he did an excellent job of taking advantage of a down ACC. But the ACC is coming back around again, and he just doesn't have the talent to keep up. You can actually track the resurgence of the ACC against Wake's conference record since their BCS season in 06 (7-2, 5-3, 4-4, 3-5). Well, this is going to be the best ACC in a long while, and I can easily see Wake only winning 1 conference game (home against Duke in week 2). Beyond that, all their home games are tough and all their winnable matchups are on the road.
Ross (Atlantic Prediction: #5): Jim Grobe's a helluva coach, but they're looking a little thin in the talent department at the moment.
CFBZ Predicted ACC Finish
Coastal Division
1. Virginia Tech Hokies
2. Miami Hurricanes
3. North Carolina Tar Heels
4. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
5. Duke Blue Devils
6. Virginia Cavaliers
Atlantic Division
1. Florida State Seminoles
2. Boston College Eagles
3. Clemson Tigers
4. North Carolina State Wolfpack
5. Maryland Terrapins
6. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
ACC Championship Game: Virginia Tech over FSU
Atlantic Division
Clemson Tigers 9-5 (6-2)
Boston College Eagles 8-5 (5-3)
Florida State Seminoles 7-6 (4-4)
Wake Forest Demon Deacons 5-7 (3-5)
North Carolina St Wolfpack 5-7 (2-6)
Maryland Terrapins 2-10 (1-7)
Coastal Division
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 10-3 (7-1)
Virginia Tech Hokies 10-3 (6-2)
Miami Hurricanes 9-4 (5-3)
North Carolina Tar Heels 8-5 (4-4)
Duke Blue Devils 5-7 (3-5)
Virginia Cavaliers 3-9 (2-6)
ACC Championship Game: Georgia Tech 39 Clemson 34
Returning Leaders: Passing
Jacory Harris, Miami, Jr (242 of 406 for 3352 yds, 24 TD, 17 INT)
Russell Wilson, NC St, Jr (224 of 378 for 3027 yds, 31 TD, 11 INT)
Kyle Parker, Clemson, Soph (205 of 369 for 2526 yds, 20 TD, 12 INT)
Tyrod Taylor, Va Tech, Sr (136 of 243 for 2311 yds, 13 TD, 5 INT)
T.J. Yates, NC, Sr (214 of 355 for 2136 yds, 14 TD, 15 INT)
Returning Leaders: Rushing
Ryan Williams, Va Tech, Soph (293 carries for 1655 yds, 21 TD)
Montel Harris, BC, Jr (308 carries for 1457 yds, 14 TD, 4.7 ypc)
Joshua Nesbitt, GT,Sr, (279 carries for 1037 yds, 18 TD, 3.7 ypc)
Jermaine Thomas, FSU, Jr (163 carries for 832 yds, 9 TD, 5.1 ypc)
Ryan Houston, UNC, Sr (191 carries for 713 yds, 9 TD, 5.1 ypc)
Returning Leaders: Receiving
Donovan Varner, Duke, Jr (65 rec for 1047 yds, 8 TD, 5.4 rec/game)
Greg Little, UNC, Sr (62 rec for 724 yds, 5 TD, 4.8 rec/game)
Torrey Smith, Maryland, Jr (61 rec for 828 yds, 5 TD, 5.1 rec/game)
Devon Brown, Wake Forest, Jr (61 rec for 671 yds, 6 TD)
Marshall Williams, Wake Forest, Sr (60 rec for 867 yds, 6 TD)
Bert Reed, FSU, Jr (60 rec for 711 yds, 0 TD, 4.6 rec/game)
Returning Leaders: Tackles
Luke Kuechly, BC, Soph, LB (158 total, 12.1 tackles/game)
Alex Wujciak, Maryland, Sr, LB (131 total, 10.9 tackles/game)
DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson, Sr, SS (98 total, 7 tackles/game
Marcus Gilchrist, Clemson, Sr, CB (96 total, 6.8 tackles/game)
Barquell Rivers, Va Tech, Jr, LB (96 total, 7.3 tackles/game)
Returning Leaders: Sacks
Robert Quinn, UNC, Jr, DE (11.0 sacks)
Allen Bailey, Miami, Sr, DE (7.0)
Adrian Moten, Maryland, Sr, LB (5.5)
Mister Alexander, FSU, Sr, LB (5.0)
Quinton Copes, UNC, Jr, DE (5.0)
Returning Leaders: Interceptions
DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson, Sr, SS (8 interceptions)
Deunta Williams, UNC, Sr, FS (6)
Rashad Carmichael, Va Tech, Sr, CB (6)
Rashard Hall, Clemson, Soph, FS (6)
Kendric Burney, UNC, Sr, CB (5)
Around the Blogs
Who is your pick to win the ACC?
BC Interruption:
Virginia Tech. It always comes back to the Hokies.
Gobbler Country:
I'm a homer so I have to go with Virginia Tech. I think issues with both lines might cause the Hokies to struggle early on, but they'll hit their stride in time for conference play. They have a tough gauntlet of games in November against the other three Coastal contenders, but they're helped by not having to play FSU or Clemson this year.
From The Rumble Seat:
I am picking Georgia Tech to win the conference again. Despite the pundits stating otherwise, Georgia Tech's schedule lines up perfectly. The easy games are early in the season allowing Georgia Tech to focus on tougher opponents later in the season and build momentum. The offense relies heavily on timing and execution. CPJ gets the wheels turning by the midpoint of the season and very few teams late in the season can slow down GT's rushing attack. And I have proof. Check out the average points and yards per game per month since CPJ has been at GT:
September - 26.0 PPG, 362 YPG
October - 31.6 PPG, 393 YPG
November - 32.4, 433 YPG
No other team in the ACC has shown more consistency from start to finish in the regular season from 2008-2009 besides the Jackets. VPI lost a ton of talent on defense (their offense's crutch). Miami and FSU will ruin one or the other's season on Labor Day and the winner of that game will start losing once the temperature drops below 85 degrees. UNC and Clemson are tragically flawed (UNC with a terrible offense and Clemson with a terrible head coach). And the rest of the teams don't have the horses to run with Georgia Tech in a Championship Game.
The Sports Age
I think Virginia Tech finally gets it done this season. The Hokies always come in as a top-rated team, but never seem to be able to finish the job in conference. However, quarterback Tyrod Taylor, running backs Ryan Williams and Darren Evans (who missed all of last season), and a healthy dose of Beamer ball can finally get the job done and bring an ACC Conference Championship to Blacksburg this season.
Breaking Down The ACC With The Zealots
Boston College Eagles
Chris (Atlantic Prediction: #2): The Eagles return many of the major pieces to the puzzle. The odd piece out is Dave Shinskie, although his low profile hard work are character traits rather famous with former BC quarterbacks. Montel Harris can be a star, but at worst he's a very productive back...to the tune of 1,450 yards 14 TD's a year ago. Add in Mark Herzlich and you've got your Atlantic Division runners up. But if Shinskie can improve, there is no doubt the Eagles are capable of going to the ACCCG.
J Martin (Atlantic Prediction: #2): Each of the last two years, I've picked BC to finish last in the division. And each year, they've made me look foolish, winning the division in 2008 and placing second last season. So I'm not making that mistake again. This year's squad looks like another really solid unit with good experience and a great running back in Montel Harris. If Dave Shinskie can cut his interceptions in half, there's no reason they can't compete for the division title. And remember, they're 3-1 over the last 4 years against Florida State, their primary competition. Though they travel to Tallahassee and get a visit from Virginia Tech this season, they also draw the two worst teams from the Coastal Division (Duke, Virginia) and have no other really challenging away games. Whatever they can get out of Mark Herzlich is just gravy. There will be a lot of inspirational stories told about what he means to this team, but in truth, they're capable of winning big without him.
Ross (Atlantic Prediction: #2): BC has an overpowering OL, a top-notch RB (Montel Harris), and a member of the Chris Weinke All-Stars at QB (26-year old sophomore Dave Shinskie). On the other hand, Shinskie threw 14 interceptions last year and lacks many returning targets at WR. Until the offense proves they can throw the ball at least moderately well, Harris may not have much room to run. The defense should be good as it returns a pair of starters at LB, DL, and in the secondary -- and could be really good if cancer survivor Mark Herzlich is as good as he was in 2008 (ACC Defensive Player of the Year). They draw Virginia Tech, Duke, and Virginia from the other division, which is pretty favorable; the division title may come down to their 10/16 road tilt against Florida State.
Clemson Tigers
Chris (Atlantic Prediction: #1): Kyle Parker shocked a lot of people when he decided to return to school despite being picked early in the MLB Draft in an early round. He brings back with him a nearly intact offensive line, though the skill position players are relatively new. The guy who it just seems like was the fresh face (Parker) will have to lead and teach these new guys the ropes. Even after losing Spiller and Jacoby Ford, I believe that Parker is up to the job. Add in a defense that was very good overall last year and returns 7 starters and it begins to start becoming more apparent why I picked these guys. Remember, not too many reasons are needed, after all, this is the weaker side of the ACC.
J Martin (Atlantic Prediction: #3): I'm feeling Clemson a little more than I was, now that Kyle Parker has confirmed he's returning this season. He looked very promising as a freshman, but at the same time, you have to wonder how much he's improved in the off-season with so much of his attention going towards baseball. You also have to wonder how much motivation he has to improve from here out, knowing that this is likely going to be his last year playing football. Regardless, Clemson is better off with him under center than to be breaking in a freshman for the second straight year. But that's somewhat beside the point. The REAL issue facing the Tigers this season is figuring out where they can dig up about 2,700 total yards and 21 TDs, because that's what walked out the door with CJ Spiller. He WAS the offense last year. Andre Ellington and Jamie Harper are nice players, but they won't come close to matching Spiller's impact. Clemson also doesn't have a returning receiver who caught more than 14 passes last year. The defense should be alright, but Clemson draws 3 of the toughest teams out of the Coastal division AND has to go on the road to play FSU and BC. On second thought, maybe this wouldn't be such a bad year to break in Tajh Boyd at QB. They aren't going to contend for anything, anyway.
Ross (Atlantic Prediction: #3): The good news for Clemson's offense is that they return four starters on the offensive line and their starting QB; the bad news is they don't return much else. CJ Spiller leaves a big hole to fill and they have no proven receivers. The defense should be pretty solid since they return a lot along the defensive line and in the secondary, but until this team finds some new stars at the skill positions, they're going to have a tough time equaling last year's accomplishments. They draw Miami, North Carolina, and Georgia Tech from the other division, too, which is no picnic.
Duke Blue Devils
Chris (Coastal Prediction: #5): Let me now clarify that I hate Duke. Having said that, I think Duke is improving under David Cutcliffe. It will certainly be interesting to see how sophomore Sean Renfree tries to fill the shoes of four-year starter at quarterback Thaddeus Lewis. I think Duke could finish as high as fourth and maybe even contend for a bowl this year, BUT it all centers around Renfree. He has the skill position players to get it done, as was evidenced by Duke finishing #9 in the nation last year in passing. But they also finished DEAD last in rushing. Many teams had a single player that out-rushed Duke's 762-yard rushing output for the season. So to improve and become bowl eligible, it starts with being able to have some semblance of a running game. And then the Blue Devils must also improve upon a defense that was a little below average last year. But if they can stay in that range, they will put themselves in position to maybe move up a spot in the ACC pecking order.
J Martin (Coastal Prediction: #5): I'm a big fan of David Cutcliffe as a coach. He walked in the door at Duke and had them pushing for bowl eligibility after 4 straight years of 2 wins or less (6 double-digit loss seasons in the previous 8 years). However, I think he takes a step back in 2010. Its a bit of a rebuilding year on defense (and when you're rebuilding at Duke you're REALLY rebuilding), and Duke has to replace Thad Lewis at QB. Sean Renfree looks promising as his replacement, but there are going to be major growing pains. And the schedule doesn't set up well for them at all. Their only winnable conference home game looks like Virginia, beyond that maybe they catch Maryland or Wake Forest on the road. Regardless, the gap between Duke and the Big Four in the Coastal is gargantuan.
Ross (Coastal Prediction: #5): They lose their best player in some time (Thaddeus Lewis), as well as slew of other key players on offense and defense and play in arguably the toughest division in college football. David Cutcliffe is doing a nice job at Duke, but this year doesn't set up too well for him.
Florida State Seminoles
Chris (Atlantic Prediction: #3): I know, I know, I know. I am not picking the post-Bobby Bowden Seminoles to win the Atlantic. I just don't think that Christian Ponder is the savior of the fan nation with the annoying chop chant (most annoying thing in college football, closely followed by Rockytop). Rather, he reminds me more of the lineage of Chris Weinke, Chris Rix, or Wyatt Sexton (Minus the whole I am the messiah worship me part). On one hand they do return their entire offensive line. A GREAT offensive line! On the other hand, which skill position player is going to do something with it? Also, a key skill player was already suspended. The BIGGEST question mark is how drastically the D can improve under Jimbo Fisher. Without it, they don't stand a chance at #1 in the Atlantic. If they do, I may need to think about changing my pick.
J Martin (Atlantic Prediction: #1): The Jimbo Fisher era at FSU got off to a hot start on the recruiting trail, where he dramatically upgraded the defensive talent level with the likes of LaMarcus Joyner, Jeff Luc, and Christian Jones, among others. Those guys are throwbacks to the freak athletes that used to dominate the Seminole defense, and all of them will get on the field this year. Of course, they'll be a bit erratic, being so inexperienced, but they'll make up for it by making the sort of dynamic plays FSU has lacked on that side of the ball during Mickey Andrews' last years. And expect new defensive coordinator Mark Stoops to light a fire under everyone. It's unlikely they're going to turn into a defensive powerhouse over night, but if they can just keep their points allowed under 30 points per game (last year's average), FSU is going to win a lot of games. Because the offense is going to take care of itself. FSU may boast the best offensive line in the country, and Christian Ponder seemed to be making a lot of progress as a passer before going down with an injury last season. I'm not buying into the Heisman hype, though.
Ross (Atlantic Prediction: #1): Every year we talk about Florida State being "back"... but this really might be the year. Christian Ponder should be the best QB in the league (and a possible Heisman contender) and he should get ample time to find his experienced receivers behind an offensive line that returns all five starters. That same line should be able to open up a lot of holes for a pair of solid running backs (Jermaine Thomas and Chris Thompson), too. As good as the offense should be, though, the defense will need to be a lot better for FSU to win the division. They were one of the worst in the nation a year ago, so there's a lot of work for new defensive coordinator Mark Stoops to do. But if he can get them up to even respectable levels, the offense should be potent enough to lead them back to the promised land. The schedule is a little tricky, especially in October when they play Miami, Boston College, and North Carolina over the span of four games (the fourth game is against NC State). That run of games will either sink their title hopes or put them in pole position.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Chris (Coastal Prediction: #4): This may finally be the year where Paul Johnson's triple option attack at GT will look humanly possible to contain. Aside from quarterback Josh Nesbitt, the Yellow Jackets lost nearly every other playmaker on offense and defense. Roddy Jones and Embry Peoples will try to reproduce some of the explosiveness and productivity of Dwyer while Anthony Allen will try to be the punishing back that Dwyer could channel as well. However, the Yellow Jackets may have to go away from their run, run, run, run, run, hail mary deep pass strategy with the loss of Demaryius Thomas. Thomas was a huge field-stretcher for the Yellow Jackets and their most reliable option. Nesbitt was able to throw up balls for grabs and Thomas would come down with them. Even still, Nesbitt completed a paltry 46% of his passes, and that is likely to worsen and make the Jackets into even more of a running team that in Johnson's two previous years with them. The Jackets also lose a lot on the defensive side of the ball, most notably with Derrick Morgan. They are changing their defense as well, so I would imagine it may take some time to click. Basically, Georgia Tech is high in many peoples polls, but not mine. Despite Nesbitt's leadership and experience, working with some new skill position players and behind a completely revamped offensive line (2 returning starters) makes me doubt their ACC contention. In my eyes, Duke even has a chance to leap the Yellow Jackets. Don't sleep on the Dookies!
J Martin (Coastal Prediction: #4): I'm looking for a big step backwards for Paul Johnson's option attack this season. The biggest loss for this team probably isn't even Jonathan Dwyer; Anthony Allen should fill his role as the big B-back very well. No, the guy they'll miss the most is Demaryius Thomas. His emergence as a gigantic deep threat (1,154 receiving yards - out of 1,701 passing yards for Josh Nesbitt), opened up the field for the option game to be even more explosive than before. With him gone, teams are going to clamp down again. I highly doubt there are any other receivers on the team capable of filling that void. I doubt Nesbitt could get the ball to them, anyway. Nesbitt really can't throw, but Thomas was great for him because he was so huge, he was hard to miss. Two of GT's biggest conference rivals also have bye weeks prior to their games with the Yellow Jackets (UNC and VT), which further lessens the effectiveness of the option by giving them more prep time. They'll still roll up yards, but scoring is going to be much more difficult. Defensively, they slipped last season, and I see more slippage in 2010 with the loss of guys like Morgan Burnett, Sedric Griffin, and Derrick Morgan. They return nearly every one else, but Johnson doesn't seem to be refreshing the talent level to the same standard as Chan Gailey to this point. You also have to expect some degree of an adjustment period as they make the switch to a 3-4 defense.
Ross (Coastal Prediction: #4): It's hard not to see this team taking a step back, given how much they lost on offense (three linemen, plus their leading rusher [Jonathan Dwyer] and their top receiver [Demaryius Thomas]) and defense (Derrick Morgan, Morgan Burnett). That's a lot of high-level production to replace. Nesbitt was a poor passer a year ago even with a stud WR and a more experienced OL... what's he going to be like if he has to scramble more and he doesn't have a target like Thomas out there? The defense was lousy a year ago and adding Al Groh as defensive coordinator and switching to a 3-4 isn't going to fix things overnight. It doesn't help that two of their toughest opponents (Virginia Tech, North Carolina) are on the road and get 10-14 days to prep for GT's funky offense. High-level defense + extended prep time = bad news for Georgia Tech.
Maryland Terrapins
Chris (Atlantic Prediction: #5): The only separation I have between Maryland and Wake at the bottom of the division is that Maryland not only has play-makers in Da'Rel Scott and Torrey Smith, but they also have a quarterback to get it to them, or at least they know who the guy who will try to do that is. Friedgen is on the hot seat, and all indications point to him being gone by this time next year. This could negatively effect this team and cause them to lose focus or feel like they really don't have anything to play for. It will be interesting to see how this team reacts. Looking at what the Terps need to improve on, the list goes on so long that I can't definitively say what it is that needs most improvement. They have a bad defense, a bad offense, and a young roster. If they don't improve though, they could be asking him to leave College Park mid-season and return that athletic department Nordic Trek that's collecting dust somewhere in the Friedgen house.
J Martin (Atlantic Prediction: #5): I can only assume the people at Maryland don't care about football. That's the only explanation I have as to why Ralph Friedgen still has a job there. I know he had those 3 great years in the beginning, but the program has been trending downwards every since, bottoming out at 2-10 last season. I don't see them doing much better this year. What they gain in favorable conference scheduling (drawing Duke and Virginia from the Coastal), they make up for in tough non-conference games against Navy and at West Virginia. Maybe they'll get serious about football up there after their 5th losing season in the last 7 years.
Ross: (Atlantic Prediction: #6): Ralph Friedgen is a dead man walking and this doesn't look like the sort of team that can give him a proud send-off.
Miami Hurricanes
Chris (Coastal Prediction: #3): Many people have Miami in the second spot switched with Carolina, but not me. I like the Canes, and I like Jacorry Harris (although he needs to limit his mistakes), but I think replacing 3 offensive linemen and the leading rusher for 3 consecutive years in Greg Cooper will be a big blow. Cooper may return, but it is doubtful. Defensively, they will be good, but I would expect Carolina to unseat the Hokies at the top of the division if it is going to be anyone.
J Martin (Coastal Prediction: #2): They're the glamor team in the ACC this year. And for good reason, I guess. I think they're by far the most athletically gifted team in the conference. Leonard Hankerson and Alderius Johnson look like gazelles running around on the field. And, of course, everyone is in love with Jacory Harris. I'm...not so much. Obviously, he has the talent, but I question his decision making process. 17 interceptions is just unacceptable. Normally, you would expect progression in that area between seasons, but he missed a lot of valuable reps during the spring with an injury. Defensively, they lose a handful of very good players, but return a ton more. I think this could be the year Randy Shannon finally gets them under 20 points allowed per game. And the schedule will definitely help them (in conference at least), as they get all their big games except Georgia Tech at home and draw Virginia and Duke from the Atlantic. At times, I think the biggest thing holding this team back is Shannon himself. Half the time I see him, he looks half asleep. Teams tend to take on the personalities of their coaches, and I wonder if this Miami team's lack of intensity and killer instinct, things that would take them to the next level, comes straight from the languorous Shannon.
Ross: (Coastal Prediction: #2): The lingering Randy Shannon factor is still a concern, but there's a lot of returning talent on offense and defense here -- especially on defense, where they could field the most Miami-like defense in quite a while this year. On the other hand, they have to find three new starters on the offensive line and the schedule is loaded with potholes, especially a brutal four-game stretch early on: @ Ohio State (9/11), @ Pitt (9/23), @ Clemson (10/2), Florida State (10/9). Only two of those games will have a bearing on their hunt for a division title, but that's still a stretch of games that could take a lot out of them.
North Carolina Tar Heels
Chris (Coastal Prediction: #2): You will never catch me praising Butch Davis for his coaching skills (what? he has those?), but he is an amazing recruiter. And finally, his players that he has brought in have made what will be the most intimidating defense in the nation this year. If Butch Davis can coach his way out of a paper bag then the Heels may take the Hokies spot in the ACC title game, but he hasn't proven to have any competence in the area that his job title indicates. What you will see is a NASTY defense, an anemic but improving offense (it can't get much worse than 108th nationally), and a coach trying to make sense of it all on the sideline. If he ever does, watch out. If not, just expect Butch to keep landing top of the line kids and twiddle his thumbs on gameday.
J Martin (Coastal Prediction: #3): On paper, this should be North Carolina's year. With something like 19 returning starters, including a 3 year starter at QB, a deep o-line, and a ton of guys on defense who are going to be getting paid to play on Sundays (if they're not already), the Tar Heels seem like a no-brainer for #1 in the division, maybe even the conference. But, for one thing, there have been SO many distractions around the team as of late. Even if everybody stays eligible, I don't see how they can NOT be affected by it. And even if they can stay focused and the defense only allows 17 points per game again, can the offense be counted on to score 18? That's two too many if's. TJ Yates is such an enigma at QB. I have no idea what to expect out of him. I do know that another 15 interception year isn't going to be winning any titles. And while Ryan Houston and Shaun Draughn are nice players, neither are exactly a Mark Ingram that can carry a game and hide rough QB play while the defense wins it. I won't be shocked if Butch Davis gives Bryn Renner a shot at QB is Yates struggles early. So that's my dilemma: the defense is BCS bowl material, the offense is Pizza Bowl material. Who do I side with? Unless the defense puts up crazy 08 USC numbers (think under 10 points a game), I don't think they can win consistently enough to get above that Meineke Car Care Bowl level they've been at the past couple of years.
Ross (Coastal Prediction: #3): If Agentgate doesn't take too big a bite out of their team, they could be even better than this, frankly. Their defense should be flat-out nasty, given how many returning starters they have -- and how many guys they have who turned down the NFL to come back to Chapel Hill. And just ask Virginia Tech how far a dominant defense can carry you in the ACC, even with a middling offense. Whether or not the UNC offense is any better than middling will depend on what kind of progress QB TJ Yates can make. 15 TD/14 INT again probably won't get it done. UNC also benefits from the scheduling, which spaces out their toughest games (aside from back-to-back games with FSU and Virginia Tech in late November) pretty nicely.
North Carolina State Wolfpack
Chris (Atlantic Prediction: #4): When Coach Tom O'Brien left a successful Boston College program for a stalling NC State program, I was shocked. Still, 4 years late I sit here shocked...not at the result, but the decision. The reason I have NC State at #4 is this: I don't trust a team that is not as talented as the top-3 and returns a total of 9 starters to make a run for the Atlantic Division crown. Heck, if not for Russell Wilson, they would be dead last in the Atlantic in my mind. But they do happen to have one of the nation's best quarterbacks. People feeling bad for Jake Locker should look at Wilson. Their skill position players are similar in talent and yet Wilson is the more efficient. The Pack will have to make the most of their opportunities and their junior quarterback, and try to aide their inexperience at the three interior offensive line spots and defense. If they can do that, they'll be going bowling.
J Martin (Atlantic Prediction: #4): This is probably the end for Tom O'Brien in Raleigh. The Wolfpack has one of the best QBs in the conference, in terms of his actual production to this point, with Russell Wilson, but they have NOTHING around him. Despite owning North Carolina on the field, O'Brien has been taken to the woodshed by Butch Davis on the recruiting trail. He just doesn't have the talent on hand to compete in an ACC with several program peaking at the same time. The schedule is hellacious. By my count, there's only one sure win on their entire schedule. Every other game is going to be a desperate fight for survival. I like them heads-up against Wake Forest and Maryland, but beyond that...I don't see them being bowl eligible. UCF and ECU will give them a run for their money.
Ross (Atlantic Prediction: #4): Russell Wilson might be the second best QB in the ACC, but there may not be much to work with here. NC State has big holes to fill on both lines and the defense was miserable last year. It doesn't help that they have to play Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, and North Carolina from the other division.
Virginia Cavaliers
Chris (Coastal Prediction: #6): I like Mike London, don't get my wrong. I think he was the right guy for the job. But man is he going to have one tough first year. Usually when coaches vacate their jobs they at least leave something behind. For UVA, the cupboard is almost completely bare. They will be EXTREMELY lucky to win more than one ACC game this year.
J Martin (Coastal Prediction: #6): Step 1 is acknowledging you have a problem. Virginia did that when they finally showed Al Groh the door. Unfortunately, there's no undoing the damage he did in short order. It's going to be a lengthy process. I'm not sure if Mike London is the guy to get it done, but consider this inevitably brutal season as Step 2. At the very least, I expect Virginia to avoid another William & Mary-esque debacle against Richmond or VMI. That's progress.
Ross (Coastal Prediction: #6): Getting rid of Groh was a good first step, but it's still going to take a while to turn this ship around. Especially in this division.
Virginia Tech Hokies
Chris (Coastal Prediction: #1 and ACC Champion): The Hokies return a crop of offensive talent the likes of which Blacksburg has never seen at any one time. They are loaded in the backfield, challenging Alabama for the best backfield in the nation. They have one of the nation's top 5 running backs in Ryan Williams and a guy backing him up that is also previously a 1,000 yard rusher. Their backup from a season ago was moved to fullback to get him touches and the most athletic player on the team, sophomore David Wilson, is a former High School All-American and will probably redshirt because the backfield is too deep for him despite scoring 4 touchdowns in 2009 in a reserve role. His replacement will be Tony Gregory, a back who prepped for an extra year and was the star of the spring game, breaking tackles left and right...yet he will be the Hokies fifth rushing option out of the backfield as Tyrod Taylor is a mobile QB. Speaking of Taylor, he will be entering his third full year as a starter. He finally started to turn his game around a year ago, and was impressive and efficient. He returns all of his receivers, a VERY deep and versatile core, except for TE Greg Boone who was only in on 7 catches in 2009. Back up quarterback Logan Thomas, a former Army All-American will also play tight end and H-back and be a big time player wherever he lines up. The Hokies lost their best offensive lineman in Sergio Render and somewhat of a liability in Ed Wang. However, I do not see much of a drop off in offensive line play. On defense, believe it or not the Hokies will not be AS good as their counterparts on the offensive side of the ball. I actually think they are getting off a little easy in the media for what they have coming back. They return 5 starters, only 4 of which will be on the field against Boise State, when their most experienced linebacker Barquell Rivers will be out of action still with a torn quadriceps tendon, so that could be big. Eventually, conventional wisdom says that they will be alright there, especially with defensive coordinator Bud Foster at the helm. The offense may have to beat teams early though for the defense to catch on. There is too much talent to ignore on this Virginia Tech team, and they will win the Coastal Division and the Conference Championship.
J Martin (Coastal Prediction: #1 and ACC Champion): Generally speaking, it's hard to go wrong picking Virginia Tech to win the Coastal. What Frank Beamer does in Blacksburg isn't flashy, but it wins a heck of a lot of football games. However, this year he could have his most prolific offene since the days of Mike Vick. Ryan Williams and a healthy Darren Evans comprise the most powerful 1-2 punch at running back outside the Tuscaloosa city limits. And while I'm not a huge fan of Tyrod Taylor as a quarterback, he did show improvement in his decision making last year, and with Williams and Evans dominating on the ground, it should make his job much easier. He'll also have the benefit of playing with all of his favorite receiving targets from last year. Defensively, they'll be somewhat of a work in progress, but Bud Foster has a tremendous reputation as a defensive coordinator and hasn't allowed opponents to average over 20 points or 300 yards per game in 6 years. They'll be fine. They do have to travel to North Carolina and Miami, but Beamer has winning records against both schools over the past 5 years. If they can get up for Boise State and take care of business to start the year, they'll be dark horse national title contenders.
Ross (Coastal Prediction: #1 and ACC Champion): When in doubt, bet on Virginia Tech in the ACC. And with so much parity in the ACC (and this division in particular), there's room for plenty of doubt. But they should have an absolutely dynamite offense and it's not really taking a huge leap of faith to expect Bud Foster to assemble another nasty defense, even if the does have to slot in a lot of new faces this year. That said, their season really boils down to a three-game stretch in November: Georgia Tech (11/4), @ UNC (11/13), and @ Miami (11/20). If they go at least 2-1 in that stretch, they should be in good shape to win the division. Getting 10 days to prep for Georgia Tech's offense and playing them in Blacksburg on a Thursday night (where VT is almost unbeatable) is a big boost.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Chris (Atlantic Prediction: #6): This call is so hard because of how little teams like Maryland and Wake can be separated on paper, and possibly will be at the end of the year. The two teams are so similar that Athlon sports projected them one pick apart nationally and 5th and 6th in this division respectively. Wake can be a lot higher if their young athletic defense can mature and if their quarterback (s) (realize I use an s. They don't know who their starter is definitively yet) and young offensive line don't slow down what is otherwise an impressive slew of skill position players. Jim Grobe is one of the best coaches in the league and has been as consistent as you can expect for the smallest school in FBS football (enrollment just over 4,000), you just kind of feel sorry for the guy because it's hard to recruit players there.
J Martin (Atlantic Prediction: #6): The post-Riley Skinner Era begins in much the same place the pre-Riley Skinner Era ended: with a losing record. Jim Grobe is a very good coach, and he did an excellent job of taking advantage of a down ACC. But the ACC is coming back around again, and he just doesn't have the talent to keep up. You can actually track the resurgence of the ACC against Wake's conference record since their BCS season in 06 (7-2, 5-3, 4-4, 3-5). Well, this is going to be the best ACC in a long while, and I can easily see Wake only winning 1 conference game (home against Duke in week 2). Beyond that, all their home games are tough and all their winnable matchups are on the road.
Ross (Atlantic Prediction: #5): Jim Grobe's a helluva coach, but they're looking a little thin in the talent department at the moment.
CFBZ Predicted ACC Finish
Coastal Division
1. Virginia Tech Hokies
2. Miami Hurricanes
3. North Carolina Tar Heels
4. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
5. Duke Blue Devils
6. Virginia Cavaliers
Atlantic Division
1. Florida State Seminoles
2. Boston College Eagles
3. Clemson Tigers
4. North Carolina State Wolfpack
5. Maryland Terrapins
6. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
ACC Championship Game: Virginia Tech over FSU
Monday, August 9, 2010
Looking in on Fall Practice: Virginia Tech
As summer winds down in the mountains and valleys of Southwest Virginia, locals always look forward to the football season, and more specifically the Hokie football season. Well before the leaves begin to turn maroon and orange (and yes, this is the true inspiration for our colors) the Hokies begin their fall practice. On August 6th the Hokies took the field with 104 players, one short of what the NCAA allows. The reason for this was quite a depressing one for the die-hard Hokie fan as Kenny Lewis Jr. decided not to return to the team for his last season of eligibility. For those of you unfamiliar with Tech sports, Lewis Jr. is a Virginia Tech legacy. His father is in the HOF at Virginia Tech. Kenny originally signed with the Hokies in their 2003 class, but elected to play baseball instead, playing in the minor leagues with the Cincinnati Reds' organization. Kenny was drafted in the fourth round of the MLB rookie draft in case you were wondering why he passed up college football.
Kenny finally joined his 2003 recruiting classmates at Tech in the spring of 2006. Lewis quickly worked his way up the depth chart, and despite what was originally planned as a redshirt year due to severely sprained ankles, Kenny became the Hokies' #2 back, rushing for 215 yards and 2 TD's in relief of Branden Ore. Kenny started the final regular season game due to a Branden Ore injury and performed well, helping an anemic Hokie offense to a 17-0 shutout of UVA. Lewis played every game in his second season, starting in the Orange Bowl for the suspended Branden Ore (tardiness). Ore was only suspended for the first quarter. Kenny had 205 yards and 4 touchdowns on the year. After Branden Ore was kicked off the team for his off the field troubles (the guy showed up two weeks late to fall practice without an explanation and just expected everything to be kosher) Kenny finally became the starting running back entering the 2008 season, despite just returning from shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum. Kenny opened up the season in electric fashion against ECU, netting 63 yards on the game's first three plays, followed by an NCAA first as Sean Glennon became the first player to throw an interception to the same player on his first passing attempt of the season for two consecutive seasons. Yeah, not a typo there.
Lewis was then mysteriously substituted in and out for the next couple of weeks for no rhyme or reason for a struggling Darren Evans (although it turned out to be a godsend, it was and still is very peculiar that they used Evans so much early on without much success and despite Kenny's success). In the sixth game of the season, Kenny went down with a torn achilles, an injury that would end his season and ultimately create the opportunity for Darren Evans to thrive and reset all of the school's freshman rushing records (which were promptly reset by Ryan Williams last year when Evans went down with a torn ACL). Kenny suffered a setback when he fell in the shower in the winter after some rehab success, re-injuring the achilles and having to have surgery again. He took a medical redshirt in 2009. With a crowded backfield it would have been hard for Kenny to even get on the field all year long, but nobody thought he would not return. He would also have turned 26 during this season, a rarity in college athletics. He was the team's emotional leader for the last couple of years, so despite his role, the Hokies are losing an extremely good person.
Tech Running back coach Billy Hite (who actually preceded Frank Beamer at Tech) who is entering his 33rd year at Tech, has produced 26 NFL running backs and the top 11 in the Virginia Tech record books has said that Kenny Lewis Jr. was both his favorite and the hardest working player he has ever coached, so that's the kind of loss that Tech suffered there.
In other news, it appears that Tech's most experienced linebacker, Barquell Rivers will miss the Boise State game and perhaps beyond with a torn quadriceps tendon from lifting weights in the off-season. According to hokiesports.com, "Head athletic trainer Mike Goforth all but ruled Rivers out for the first game." If this is the case, the Hokies would be forced to go with Bruce Taylor who has 6 career tackles. That lineup would represent a total of 4 starters from last year's defense against a Boise offense that returns all 11 starters. However, Gorforth also implied that all-everything O-line backup Michael Via would most likely be back in the fold for that matchup.
As for position battles, almost all of the spots are set. At fullback there may be a battle with Josh Oglesby's move there. He and Kenny Younger will battle it out, but in all likelihood they will platoon there, with Oglesby used in specially designed sets as an H-back and will receive all of the carries. Younger will be used more as a goal-line blocker and in back-heavy run formations.
At left guard former converted tight end Greg Nosal looks to hold the edge, but will have to hold off former blue-chipper Vinston Painter and brother of former Hokie Ed Wang, David Wang. Nosal is by all accounts a hard worker and a smart player, but he is the biggest problem spot on the offensive line. Generously listed at 6'6" 293 lbs., Greg has strugged with his strength, especially run blocking. This is disconcerting considering how often we'd like to run the ball. Look for the Hokies to run to the right side behind mammoth run-blocking guard Jaymes Brooks and two-year incumbent OT Blake DeChristopher much more often. I completely expect Vinston Painter to take over for Nosal midway through the season, much the same fate of the embattled Richard Graham in the 2007 season.
At field corner Jayron Hosley is the leader for the starting nod and he will have to continue to edge out his elder and more experienced competitor Cris Hill. In my estimation, the Hokie staff are not happy with what they have gotten in Cris Hill, a redshirt-junior who was a four-star recruit. He has been terribly ineffective in his spot duty on the field, and even the smallest advantage for Hosley would probably mean he gets the job because of the potential for him to be a long-term answer there.
At defensive end, Steven Friday has all but locked up one of the spots. For all the Hokie fans out there, I know, I'm with you...it is about time! Expect him to be an impact player and a true surprise filling Jason Worilds' big shoes out there this year. Also, Chris Drager may start opening day, but don't be surprised to see somebody like James Gayle, Duan Perez-Means, or even true freshie Zach McCray to work his way into the mix there. Drager was just so-so in his first year at DE for the Hokies, and from what I've heard the coaches may not have gotten what they thought they would by moving him there. He's not bad, but he's not a game-changer.
The final position battles are on special teams, where it looks like Brian Saunders is a shoe-in for the punter position. If for some reason he loses the job or is injured, Grant Bowden, yes the brother of the Enter Sandman-playing Brent Bowden will battle it out with converted punter Scott Demler for the job. And when it comes to kicker, Chris Hazley is the leader, and Justin Myer will probably remain the kickoff man. However, a host of other players including walk-ons (but inexplicably not scholarship kicker Cody Journell) will compete with Hazley for the job. As for the kickoff return position next to Dyrell Roberts, David Wilson would be the favorite if he were not headed for redshirt. Wilson is regarded as the team's best athlete, recording a 4.29 40-yard dash, a 40-inch vert, and a 1.65 10-yards...all team bests. However, with a pair of 1,000 yard rushers in the backfield along with Oglesby at FB, a running QB in Tyrod Taylor and an emerging star in Tony Gregory, last year's 3rd-string blue chipper could probably use a redshirt. He is the future starter there, but playing him this year may be a waste, unless they can find a way to be creative and get him touches...and creativity is not Brian Stinespring's strong suit.
Frank Beamer expects the sleeper player on offense to be first-year starter at LT Nick Becton. He is physically imposing and was among the best and most consistent linemen in the spring.
Defensive Coordinator Bud Foster is impressed with true freshman DT Nick Acree. Foster said something to the effect of the way his body looks is the way I want mine to look. He may not contribute this year, but Foster is high on him for the future.
Last but not least John Graves was awarded the prestigious lunch pail by Foster.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
My Favorite Moment of the 2009 season
Hello all, I'm Chris Hatcher, one of the new bloggers for College Football Zealots. I first wanted to thank Kevin for affording me the opportunity to blog about something I love...COLLEGE FOOTBALL BABY (a little bit of Corso). Kevin sent us a topic for this week, asking us to tell about our favorite moment of the 2009 season...so here it goes.
Even though I am a diehard Virginia Tech Hokie, and anyone would be hard pressed to find a better ending to a game than the Hokies had against Nebraska in 2009, I'm going with another game that the blackshirts played in. That's right, the Big XII Championship Game. It was a true pleasure as a college football fan to see Ndamukong Suh TAKE OVER a game as important as this one, especially from the DT position. I didn't hide it at all that I felt Suh should have been toting the Heisman after this game, even though Ingram was good all season long too.
This game was ugly, gritty, and a defensive battle (a couple of things I'm very familiar with from watching Hokie football). It was on later than the more high profile SEC Championship, but have no doubt, it was just as important. It was almost a defining career moment for Colt McCoy in a BAD way when he milked the clock a little too much and the Cornhuskers ran on the field celebrating. But after a review, the refs determined :01 should be put back up on the clock, which allowed Texas to kick a field goal and escape with a 12-10 victory. From a college football fan's objective perspective, that was the game of the year.
However, it did feel good to get the win against the Huskers (who by the way had some of the classiest fans I have EVER met), especially in the way we did. It felt like karma played a part in that one because it was almost identical to the game in 2007 where BC's Matt Ryan engineered two fourth-quarter drives in the last 6 minutes, the last one coming with :14 seconds left, to come from behind and beat the Hokies.
Also, it was GREAT to be able to shut up all of the Tennessee fans who had been talking trash for years with a win in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. For someone who grew up basically equidistant to Knoxville and Blacksburg, you can't even imagine how sweet that was. To add to the joke, all of the Vols' fans were talking about their love affair with Kiffin only to find out Kiffin was cheating on them with his former school USC. That one ended quickly.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Pre-Season Preview: Virginia Tech Hokies
2009 Record: 10-3 (6-2 in ACC)
2009 Bowl: Chik-Fil-A Bowl (beat Tennessee 37-14)
Final 2009 AP Ranking: #10
Head Coach: Frank Beamer (187-92-2 at Virginia Tech, 229-115-4 All-Time)
Non-Conference Schedule: Boise State (9/6), James Madison (9/11), East Carolina (9/18), Central Michigan (10/9)
2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 31.8 points per game (2nd in ACC)
Rushing Yards/Game: 208 (2nd in ACC, 14th in Nation)
Passing Yards/Game: 183 (9th in ACC)
Total Yards/Game: 392 (6th in ACC)
2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 15.6 points per game (1st in ACC, 9th in Nation)
Rushing Yards/Game: 128 (4th in ACC)
Passing Yards/Game: 167 (2nd in ACC, 11th in Nation)
Total Yards/Game: 295 (2nd in ACC, 12th in Nation)
2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: +0.69 per game (1st in ACC, 13th in Nation)
Penalties: 48 yards per game (7th in ACC)
Returning Starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 5
Kicker/Punter: 0
Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB Tyrod Taylor, Sr (136 of 243 for 2311 yds, 13 TD, 5 INT, 177 ypg, 370 yds rushing, 5 rushing TD)
Rushing: RB Ryan Williams, Soph (293 carries for 1655 yds, 21 TD, 5.6 ypc, 127 ypg)
Receiving: WR Jarrett Boykin, Jr (39 rec, 822 yds, 5 TD, 21 yds/rec, 3.0 rec/game)
Tackles: LB Barquell Rivers, Jr (96)
Sacks: DE Steven Friday, Sr (3.5)
Interceptions: CB Rashad Carmichael, Sr (6)
2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Athlon Sports: #10
Lindy's: #8
Mark Schlabach: #6
Phil Steele: #13
Rivals: #11
Scout: #7
Sporting News: #12
Sports Illustrated: #9
2010 Pre-Season ACC Coastal Prediction:
Athlon Sports: #1
Phil Steele: #2
2010 Bowl Prediction
Athlon Sports: Orange Bowl (vs. Nebraska)
Phil Steele: Champs Sports Bowl (vs.Notre Dame)
Last year Virginia Tech opened the season with a tough loss to eventual Nation Champion Alabama. This year they open with a really tough Boise State team in a game that should vault the winner into early National Championship talk. Virginia Tech lost to North Carolina (by 3) and Georgia Tech (by 5) last year. Those are the two biggest games for the Hokies after they play Boise State as VT goes through a really tough Nov stretch of Georgia Tech, at UNC and at Miami. Virginia Tech has 6 straight 10 win seasons and has been to 17 straight bowl games. Both of those streaks look like they should stay in tact this year. We went where any self-respecting college football fan would...to Gobbler Country to pick the brain of the SB Nation Blog.
What are the major strengths and biggest weaknesses of the team?
Our strengths will be offensive and defensive backfield while our weaknesses will probably be the offensive and defensive lines.
On offense, we return Tyrod Taylor at quarterback for his senior year and Ryan Williams who is coming off a record-breaking freshman season. Most of the freshman records he broke in 2009 were set by Darren Evans in 2008. Evans is back after missing last year due to a torn ACL.
The defensive backs are versatile and led by senior cornerback Rashad Carmichael. Carmichael was one of the most improved players on the team last year and had six interceptions. He will play boundary corner for the Hokies in 2010 which will require him to often be left on an island in coverage and help with run stopping.
The offensive line needs to be more consistent and do a better job of keeping Taylor upright this season. The Hokies have had one of the highest sack rates in the ACC each of the last two years despite having a mobile quarterback. The defensive line replaces three of four starters from last season, but returns its anchor in tackle John Graves. Finding capable pass rushes will be Bud Foster's top priority before the opener.
Looking at the schedule who will be the first major test and why?
The first major test comes in the first game against Boise State on Labor Day. The Broncos were undefeated last year and have a legitimate shot at the national championship if they can beat us in Washington.
What team on the schedule do you fear the most?
That would again be Boise State because of when we play them. We're replacing a lot of key components on defense and on the offensive line. Meanwhile, the Broncos return 21 of 22 starters on a team that didn't lose a game.
Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?
This would be wide receiver Jarrett Boykin. Everyone outside of Virginia Tech talks about the backfield and what we have coming back there, but Boykin really progressed as a receiver in 2009. He's become our best deep threat, averaging over 20 yards per catch last year with five touchdowns. He also had a big momentum-changing play at the end of the first half against Tennessee in the Peach Bowl (yes, I know what it's called).
Who is the best offensive player on the team?
Taylor. Evans is the workhorse and Williams gets the headlines, but Tyrod makes the whole thing go.
Who is the most impactful defensive player on the team?
Carmichael. I think he's going to have a breakout year this season.
What player(s) needs to step up this year in order for the team to reach it's full capability?
I don't care who it is, but someone at defensive end needs to step up and have a great year to compensate for the loss of Jason Worilds and Nekos Brown.
Gut feeling on the teams final record at the end of the regular season and what makes this a successful season in your eyes?
I think at the end of the year we'll be 10-2 with a conference loss on the road and a non-conference loss. I think the season is a success is we win the ACC.
Make sure to check out Gobbler Country this college football season. It should be one of the go-to places this fall before and after the Boise State game. You can also follow them on twitter @gobblercountry.
Previous ACC Previews
Boston College Eagles
Florida State Seminoles
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Maryland Terrapins
Next Up: Duke Blue Devils
2010 Previews
Big 12- Kansas State Wildcats, Missouri Tigers, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Big East- Cincinnati Bearcats, Pittsburgh Panthers, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, USF Bulls, West Virginia Mountaineers
Big Ten- Illinois Fighting Illini, Michigan Wolverines, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Northwestern Wildcats, Purdue Boilermakers
C-USA- Houston Cougars, SMU Mustangs, Southern Miss Golden Eagles, Tulane Green Wave, UTEP Miners
MAC- Ball State Cardinals, Bowling Green Falcons, Buffalo Bulls, Central Michigan Chippewas, Temple Owls, Toledo Rockets
MWC- Colorado State Rams, UNLV Rebels, Utah Utes
Pac-10- Arizona State Sun Devils, Oregon Ducks, USC Trojans, Washington Huskies
SEC- Auburn Tigers, Kentucky Wildcats, Mississippi Rebels, South Carolina Gamecocks, Vanderbilt Commodores
Sun Belt- Troy Trojans
WAC- New Mexico State Aggies
2009 Bowl: Chik-Fil-A Bowl (beat Tennessee 37-14)
Final 2009 AP Ranking: #10
Head Coach: Frank Beamer (187-92-2 at Virginia Tech, 229-115-4 All-Time)
Non-Conference Schedule: Boise State (9/6), James Madison (9/11), East Carolina (9/18), Central Michigan (10/9)
2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 31.8 points per game (2nd in ACC)
Rushing Yards/Game: 208 (2nd in ACC, 14th in Nation)
Passing Yards/Game: 183 (9th in ACC)
Total Yards/Game: 392 (6th in ACC)
2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 15.6 points per game (1st in ACC, 9th in Nation)
Rushing Yards/Game: 128 (4th in ACC)
Passing Yards/Game: 167 (2nd in ACC, 11th in Nation)
Total Yards/Game: 295 (2nd in ACC, 12th in Nation)
2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: +0.69 per game (1st in ACC, 13th in Nation)
Penalties: 48 yards per game (7th in ACC)
Returning Starters
Offense: 8
Defense: 5
Kicker/Punter: 0
Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB Tyrod Taylor, Sr (136 of 243 for 2311 yds, 13 TD, 5 INT, 177 ypg, 370 yds rushing, 5 rushing TD)
Rushing: RB Ryan Williams, Soph (293 carries for 1655 yds, 21 TD, 5.6 ypc, 127 ypg)
Receiving: WR Jarrett Boykin, Jr (39 rec, 822 yds, 5 TD, 21 yds/rec, 3.0 rec/game)
Tackles: LB Barquell Rivers, Jr (96)
Sacks: DE Steven Friday, Sr (3.5)
Interceptions: CB Rashad Carmichael, Sr (6)
2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Athlon Sports: #10
Lindy's: #8
Mark Schlabach: #6
Phil Steele: #13
Rivals: #11
Scout: #7
Sporting News: #12
Sports Illustrated: #9
2010 Pre-Season ACC Coastal Prediction:
Athlon Sports: #1
Phil Steele: #2
2010 Bowl Prediction
Athlon Sports: Orange Bowl (vs. Nebraska)
Phil Steele: Champs Sports Bowl (vs.Notre Dame)
Last year Virginia Tech opened the season with a tough loss to eventual Nation Champion Alabama. This year they open with a really tough Boise State team in a game that should vault the winner into early National Championship talk. Virginia Tech lost to North Carolina (by 3) and Georgia Tech (by 5) last year. Those are the two biggest games for the Hokies after they play Boise State as VT goes through a really tough Nov stretch of Georgia Tech, at UNC and at Miami. Virginia Tech has 6 straight 10 win seasons and has been to 17 straight bowl games. Both of those streaks look like they should stay in tact this year. We went where any self-respecting college football fan would...to Gobbler Country to pick the brain of the SB Nation Blog.
What are the major strengths and biggest weaknesses of the team?
Our strengths will be offensive and defensive backfield while our weaknesses will probably be the offensive and defensive lines.
On offense, we return Tyrod Taylor at quarterback for his senior year and Ryan Williams who is coming off a record-breaking freshman season. Most of the freshman records he broke in 2009 were set by Darren Evans in 2008. Evans is back after missing last year due to a torn ACL.
The defensive backs are versatile and led by senior cornerback Rashad Carmichael. Carmichael was one of the most improved players on the team last year and had six interceptions. He will play boundary corner for the Hokies in 2010 which will require him to often be left on an island in coverage and help with run stopping.
The offensive line needs to be more consistent and do a better job of keeping Taylor upright this season. The Hokies have had one of the highest sack rates in the ACC each of the last two years despite having a mobile quarterback. The defensive line replaces three of four starters from last season, but returns its anchor in tackle John Graves. Finding capable pass rushes will be Bud Foster's top priority before the opener.
Looking at the schedule who will be the first major test and why?
The first major test comes in the first game against Boise State on Labor Day. The Broncos were undefeated last year and have a legitimate shot at the national championship if they can beat us in Washington.
What team on the schedule do you fear the most?
That would again be Boise State because of when we play them. We're replacing a lot of key components on defense and on the offensive line. Meanwhile, the Broncos return 21 of 22 starters on a team that didn't lose a game.
Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?
This would be wide receiver Jarrett Boykin. Everyone outside of Virginia Tech talks about the backfield and what we have coming back there, but Boykin really progressed as a receiver in 2009. He's become our best deep threat, averaging over 20 yards per catch last year with five touchdowns. He also had a big momentum-changing play at the end of the first half against Tennessee in the Peach Bowl (yes, I know what it's called).
Who is the best offensive player on the team?
Taylor. Evans is the workhorse and Williams gets the headlines, but Tyrod makes the whole thing go.
Who is the most impactful defensive player on the team?
Carmichael. I think he's going to have a breakout year this season.
What player(s) needs to step up this year in order for the team to reach it's full capability?
I don't care who it is, but someone at defensive end needs to step up and have a great year to compensate for the loss of Jason Worilds and Nekos Brown.
Gut feeling on the teams final record at the end of the regular season and what makes this a successful season in your eyes?
I think at the end of the year we'll be 10-2 with a conference loss on the road and a non-conference loss. I think the season is a success is we win the ACC.
Make sure to check out Gobbler Country this college football season. It should be one of the go-to places this fall before and after the Boise State game. You can also follow them on twitter @gobblercountry.
Previous ACC Previews
Boston College Eagles
Florida State Seminoles
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Maryland Terrapins
Next Up: Duke Blue Devils
2010 Previews
Big 12- Kansas State Wildcats, Missouri Tigers, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Big East- Cincinnati Bearcats, Pittsburgh Panthers, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, USF Bulls, West Virginia Mountaineers
Big Ten- Illinois Fighting Illini, Michigan Wolverines, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Northwestern Wildcats, Purdue Boilermakers
C-USA- Houston Cougars, SMU Mustangs, Southern Miss Golden Eagles, Tulane Green Wave, UTEP Miners
MAC- Ball State Cardinals, Bowling Green Falcons, Buffalo Bulls, Central Michigan Chippewas, Temple Owls, Toledo Rockets
MWC- Colorado State Rams, UNLV Rebels, Utah Utes
Pac-10- Arizona State Sun Devils, Oregon Ducks, USC Trojans, Washington Huskies
SEC- Auburn Tigers, Kentucky Wildcats, Mississippi Rebels, South Carolina Gamecocks, Vanderbilt Commodores
Sun Belt- Troy Trojans
WAC- New Mexico State Aggies
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
