The Favorite (Atlantic): Florida State has had only one ten-win season in the past eight seasons. Prior to that, they had won at least ten games in 14 consecutive seasons. The Seminoles have a tough schedule in and out of conference, so they may not be able to recreate the glory days, but they do have a geat shot at playing in the conference title game. The non-conference slate has games against BYU, USF and Florida and in ACC play their are road trips to North Carolina, Clemson and Wake Forest. They do miss Virginia Tech though.
The Favorite (Coastal): Virginia Tech was a little down in the regular season, but still made it to the ACC title game and Orange Bowl, winning both. Virginia Tech broke the ACC's eight game losing streak in BCS bowls last season. The Hokies could be much better this year with an improved offense, although there is some concern with the top running back out for the season. Like Florida State, VT plays a really strong non-conference schedule with games against Alabama, Nebraska and East Carolina.
The Challenger (Coastal): Georgia Tech and Paul Johnson's option attack burst onto the scene last year in a big way. They went 9-3 in the regular season, good for a tie for first in the Coastal. They also beat Georgia in Athens, their first win against their rival in seven years. The offense returns all of the starters except for one offensive lineman, so the option should be sharper and more consistent. Miami might have gotten the pick here, but their schedule, especially the first four games, hurts them.
The Sleeper: NC State could make the leap in the third year under Tom O'Brien. They have eight home games, two of the non-conference games are against South Carolina and Pitt, which won't be easy but are definitely winnable. The Wolfpack won the last four games of the regular season including impressive wins over North Carolina and Miami before losing by six to Rutgers in the bowl game. If the defense can improve and quarterback Russell Wilson can be effective and consistent, NC State could contend in the Atlantic.
The Letdown: Boston College has appeared in the past two ACC title games, but I think they fall off hard this season. Between the offseason soap opera with firing the head coach and the complete lack of experience at the quarterback position, there are major concerns about this team. Also both defensive tackles were taken in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft, hurting what was a great rush defense. It's possible that the Eagles won't even make a bowl game this year.
Conference Players of the Year: Jonathan Dwyer (RB Georgia Tech) on offense, who fits perfectly in GT's system, and Jason Worilds (DE Virginia Tech) on defense.
I Wrote What?: I missed badly on Clemson in last year's preview, unable to predict their in-season implosion.
Non-Conference Games to Watch:
* Virginia Tech vs Alabama at Atlanta, Sept 5 - Some have tabbed Virginia Tech as a surprise national title contender. We'll find out in the first week.
* Oklahoma at Miami, Oct 3 - Miami tries to knock off a Top 5 team at home. The defense is talented, but will it produce results?
* Georgia at Georgia Tech, Nov 28 - Georgia Tech hasn't won this game at home since 1999.
* Florida St at BYU, Sept 19 - Florida State travels a long way for a tough road game.
* TCU at Clemson, Sept 26 - How will the Tiger faithful react if they lose this game, regardless of how good TCU is?
Projected Standings:
Atlantic:
Florida St | 9-3 | 6-2
Clemson | 8-4 | 5-3
Wake Forest | 7-5 | 4-4
NC State | 8-4 | 4-4
Boston College | 5-7 | 3-5
Maryland | 5-7 | 2-6
Coastal:
Virginia Tech | 9-3 | 6-2
Georgia Tech | 8-4 | 5-3
Miami | 8-4 | 5-3
North Carolina | 8-4 | 4-4
Virginia | 4-8 | 2-6
Duke | 5-7 | 2-6
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