The ACC Preview

By Adam Barone

Atlantic
1. Florida State Seminoles: The entire starting defensive line returns, with eight starters in the unit returning in all. Two new linebackers enter the lineup, but the defense will remain the anchor of the Seminoles. After going just 7-6 last year, something had to change. The offense has gone from a spread style to one featuring the run. Junior tailback Antoine Smith is the player to watch on offense. The question marks come with the offensive line, which may have two freshman starters, and its ability to support the rushing attack
2. Boston College Eagles: Senior QB Matt Ryan returns as the conference’s best passer, and will have a running game that should be solid led by senior L.V. Whitworth. The offensive line brings some uncertainty, but has experience with three returning starters and a total of four seniors. Almost the entire starting defense returns, with just two new starters in the secondary. The Eagles’ strength is against the run. Weaknesses include a lack of depth on the O line and inexperience at receiver.
3. Wake Forest Demon Deacons: Last season’s conference champions will face an average schedule, which should allow them a chance to repeat. Sophomore QB Riley Skinner, returning starting RB Micah Andrews, and three returning starters on the line make up an offense that will bring consistency. Only five starters return on the defense, with the front line and the secondary welcoming three new faces each. After a great ’06 season, the D will have to prove itself again.
4. Clemson Tigers: Only nine starters return to a team that went 8-5 last season, indicating a likely rebuilding year. That doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t have success, as RBs James Davis and C.J. Spiller could compete with any backfield duo in the nation. That said, the offense will need to establish a passing attack with new starting QB Cullen Harper in order to give the pair of runners any running room. Only one starter returns on the offensive line, and the defense could have trouble stopping the run.
5. Maryland Terrapins: After going 9-4 last season the Turtle returns only twelve starters. A new starter at quarterback will make consistency difficult, but RB Lance Ball could take some of the pressure off the passing game. LBs Erin Henderson and Trey Covington will anchor the defense, though that side of the ball will see six new starters. There’s not enough depth on the O line, which is bad news for whoever the quarterback is.
6. North Carolina State Wolfpack: Only eleven starters return to a team that went just 3-9 last season, but new head coach Tom O’Brien’s focus is on discipline. RBs Toney Baker and Andre Brown return, and will remain the focal point of the offense. Question marks all over the field should mean that this will be another off year.

Coastal
1. Virginia Tech Hokies: The Hokies are the clear pre-season favorite in the ACC, with one of 2006’s best defenses. Eight starters return for the defense, including three members of the front line. On offense, RB Brandon Ore is the conference’s best playmaker, and his presence will take attention off of QB Scott Glennon. The Hokies should challenge for a national title if Glennon can manage games well. They’ll face a major test on September 8th against LSU.
2. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: Now that QB Reggie Ball is gone, RB Teshard Choice, last season’s ACC leader in rushing with over 1400 yards, will be the focal point of the offense. The O line brings stability and will give junior quarterback Taylor Bennett plenty of time to throw. There are few weapons for Bennett on the outside and a lack of depth at linebacker, but the Jackets will put up a big fight in the ACC led by Choice.
3. Miami Hurricanes: New head coach Randy Shannon has his work cut out for him, with some of the highest expectations in the country. The defense, formerly coordinated by Shannon, will be one of the nation’s best. The problem comes with the offense, where starters return at every skill position. This is the same offense though, that couldn’t seem to get into a rhythm last season. Everything rides on the consistency of the offensive line.
4. Virginia Cavaliers: With twenty starters returning, ten on defense, the Cavs are expecting a solid season. The problem will be improving on their 5-7 2006 record. A ton of talent resides at defensive end and linebacker. On offense however, QB Jameel Sewell is a sophomore and the only returning starter at any skill position, with close to no experience at receiver. The running game should produce, but the Cavs will need to develop offensive chemistry early. They’ll have that opportunity with three very winnable games to open the year.
5. North Carolina Tar Heels: The Heels have a great recruiting class coming in, but will need to actually get things to come together on the field for new head coach Butch Davis. The main strengths of the team rest on the offensive and defensive lines. A new quarterback and running back are among twelve total new starters, so it’s difficult to know what to expect from the Heels.
6. Duke Blue Devils: Duke lost all twelve of their games last season and shouldn’t see much better results this year. All eleven starters return on offense, but the defense is young and inexperienced. Things won’t prove easy with an extremely challenging schedule. One of the worst teams in the country, Duke finds themselves essentially cemented in the basement.

Read up on the other conferences that Ace has previewed!