The ACC Preview
Atlantic
1 Florida State Seminoles: The entire starting defensive line returns, with eight starters in the unit returning in all. There will be two new linebackers, but the defense will remain the anchor of the Seminoles. After going just 7-6 last year, something had to be changed. The offense has gone from a spread style to one that will feature the run. Junior tailback Antoine Smith will be the one to watch on the offensive side of the ball. The question mark will be whether or not the offensive line, which may have two freshman starters, can support the rushing attack.
2 Boston College Eagles: Senior QB Matt Ryan is the conference’s best, and the running game should be solid with senior L.V. Whitworth. The offensive line has some question marks, but is experienced with three returning starters and a total of four seniors. Almost the entire starting defense returns, with only two new starters, both in the secondary. Their strength will be against the run. Weaknesses will be the 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 and have a chance to repeat. Sophomore QB Riley Skinner will run an offense that will be consistent, returning starting RB Micah Andrews and three offensive linemen. Only five starters will be returning on the defense, and the front line and the secondary will both have three new faces. 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, meaning that this will be a rebuilding year. That doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t have success, as RBs James Davis and C.J. Spiller make up a running back duo that could compete with that of any in the nation. That said, the offense will need to establish a passing attack with new starting QB Cullen Harper in order to give them any room to run. 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 bring uncertainty, but RB Lance Ball could take some of the pressure off. LBs Erin Henderson and Trey Covington will anchor the defense, though it will have six new starters. There’s not enough depth on the O line, which is bad new for whoever the quarterback is.
6 North Carolina State Wolfpack: Only eleven starters will return to a team that went just 3-9 last season, but new head coach Tom O’Brien is focusing on discipline. RBs Toney Baker and Andre Brown return, and will once again be the focal point of the offense. There are question marks all over the field, as this will be another off year.
-AB
Read up on the other conferences that Ace has previewed!
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