Clemson, Hokies are early ACC favorites

By BRIAN WOODSON
Bluefield Daily Telegraph

July 07, 2008 09:11 pm

— BLUEFIELD, Va. — When the Atlantic Coast Conference added Virginia Tech, Miami and Boston College in 2004, it must have envisioned a football super conference, much like the SEC or Big Twelve.
It hasn’t worked out the way they hoped. Florida State and Miami are in rebuilding mode, Clemson has underachieved and Virginia Tech hasn’t been able to win bowl games.
The ACC, long known as a basketball conference, is still trying to make a dent on the gridiron. Not since 1999 has a league school won a BCS game, and Florida State won the last national title that same year over Virginia Tech, which was then in the Big East.
For years, Clemson has been hyped as the team to beat. This had better be the year, with a powerful offense and favorable schedule that won’t include nemesis Virginia Tech, unless the Hokies reach the ACC championship game being played this year in Tampa, Fla.
Clemson is the favorite in the Atlantic, while the Coastal Division crown is up for grabs. The pick here is Virginia Tech unless Miami returns to its glory days.
Look for the Tigers to represent the ACC in a BCS bowl, possibly against West Virginia in the Orange Bowl. As for a national title in the ACC, it won’t happen this year. Here is a look at what the ACC has in store for the 2008 season.
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Coastal Division
1. Virginia Tech Hokies (2007: 11-3, 7-1)
Coach: Frank Beamer (22nd year, 167-85-2)
Starters returning: 11
Top Non-Conference Games: vs. East Carolina (at Charlotte, Aug. 30); at Nebraska (Sept. 27).
Key Conference Games: at Florida State (Oct. 25); at Miami (Nov. 13).
Offensive Standouts: Sean Glennon (QB), Tyrod Taylor (QB), Sergio Render (OG), Ryan Shuman (C).
Ready to shine: Ryan Williams (RB, incoming freshman).
Defensive Standouts: Victor “Macho” Harris (CB), Kam Chancellor (S), Orion Martin (DE), Cam Martin (LB).
Ready to shine: Jason Worilds (DE).
Must replace: Xavier Adibi (LB), Vince Hall (LB), Brandon Flowers (CB), Branden Ore (RB), Eddie Royal (WR).
Strengths: Quarterback, Glennon and Taylor proved to an effective, although inconsistent, 1-2 punch last season. Offensive line, Blake DeChristopher will move into the rotation with the exit of Duane Brown. Coaching, In Bill Foster, Beamer has one of the best coordinators in the America.
Issues: Many. Running back, Ore was dismissed and Kenny Lewis and Jahre Cheeseman are injured, although Cheeseman is expected back in August. Williams, and redshirt freshmen Josh Oglesby and Darren Evans will have to produce. Wide receiver, Four graduated and expected starter Brandon Dillard is out for the season. The defense will be young and inexperienced, but will boast plenty of potential Destination: The Coastal Division is wide open. If Tech can win at Florida State and Miami, they could defend their ACC title. Tech will go bowling, but not to the BCS. The Hokies are just 7-14 all-time in bowl games, and have lost four straight BCS tilts.

2. Miami Hurricanes (5-7, 2-6)
Coach: Randy Shannon (2nd year, 5-7)
Starters returning: 11
Top Non-Conference Games: at Florida (Sept. 6); at Texas A&M (Sept. 20).
Key Conference Games: vs. Florida State (Oct. 4); vs. Virginia Tech (Nov. 13).
Offensive Standouts: Graig Cooper (RB), Javarris James (RB), Jason Fox (OT), Sam Shields (WR).
Ready to shine: A quarterback, perhaps Robert Marve or Jacory Harris.
Defensive Standouts: Eric Moncur (DE), Colin McCarthy (LB), Randy Phillips (S), Glenn Cook (LB).
Ready to shine: Arthur Brown or Sean Spence (LB, incoming freshmen).
Must replace: Kenny Phillips (S), Calais Campbell (DE), Tavares Gooden (LB), Kyle Wrght (QB).
Strengths: Running back, Cooper and James will have to carry the load on a team rebuilding at quarterback and receiver. Both interior lines are stocked with talent. Shannon brought in one of the nation’s top recruiting classes, many of whom will see the field soon. The ’Canes do have Florida State and Virginia Tech at its new home at Dolphins Stadium. Issues: A freshman will take over at what has been Quarterback U. The receiving corps and the secondary must be rebuilt. The ‘Canes kicker could be a redshirt freshman who missed much of his senior year in high school with a broken foot. Shannon is trying to rebuild the football mystique at Miami.
Destination: A bowl game for sure and possibly the ACC championship game. If the incoming recruits are as good as advertised and Miami can find a suitable quarterback, ‘the Canes could be dangerous. Not dynasty dangerous, but good enough in the weak Coastal Division.

3. North Carolina Tar Heels (4-8, 3-5)
Coach: Butch Davis (2nd year, 4-8).
Starters returning: 19
Top Non-Conference Games: at Rutgers (Sept. 11), vs Notre Dame (Oct. 11).
Key Conference Games: The Tar Heels meet their top two Coastal foes in consecutive weeks, vs. Virginia Tech (Sept. 20), at Miami (Sept. 27).
Offensive Standouts: T.J. Yates (QB), Hakeem Hicks (WR) Greg Little (RB), Brandon Tate (WR).
Ready to shine: Garrett Reynolds (OT).
Defensive Standouts: Deunta Williams (S), Marvin Austin (DT), Quan Sturdivant (LB), Trimane Goddard (S). Ready to shine: Aleric Mullins (DT).
Must replace: Kentwan Balmer (DT), Hilee Taylor (LB), Connor Barth (K), Durrell Mapp (LB).
Strengths: In Hicks, Tate and Brooks Foster, the ’Heels can catch the ball. Yates showed potential as a freshman last season, but had offseason surgery on his right shoulder. Little is a solid back, while North Carolina is solid at defensive tackle and safety.
Issues: Inexperience all over the defense, and Yates’ shoulder is a definite concern. The specialists will also need to be replaced. Virginia High product Randy White could get a look as the long snapper.
Destination: A bowl game somewhere. The Tar Heels are still a few years away from competing for an ACC championship, even in the rebuilding Coastal Division. North Carolina does play its toughest games — outside of Miami — at Kenan Stadium.

4. Virginia Cavaliers (9-4, 6-2)
Coach: Al Groh (8th year, 51-37)
Starters returning: 11.
Top Non-Conference Games: vs. Southern Cal (Aug. 30), at Connecticut (Sept. 13).
Key Conference Games: Last four games are tough, including Clemson (Nov. 22) and at Virginia Tech (Nov. 29).
Offensive Standouts: Kevin Ogletree (WR), Eugene Monroe (OT), John Phillips (TE), Cedric Peerman (RB), Mikell Simpson (RB).
Ready to shine: Peter Lalich (QB).
Defensive Standouts: Clint Sintim (LB), Jon Copper (LB), Antonio Appleby (LB), Rasi-I Dowling (CB). Ready to shine: Vic Hall CB).
Must replace: Chris Long (DE), Branden Albert (OG), Tom Santi (TE), Ian-Yates Cunningham (OG).
Strengths: Virginia might have the best tandem of linebackers in the ACC. Monroe is one the nation’s top offensive linemen, while Ogletree returns from a knee injury to combine with Marcus Covington for a solid receiver corps. Simpson and Peerman are talented backs. Virginia can win the close games, winning five last year by two points or less.
Issues: Can they win all those close games again? Long was the leader the defense. Sintim could take that role this season. Lalich is expected to be the quarterback after Jameel Sewell was dismissed with academic woes. The same goes for Jeffrey Fitzgerald, who was expected to return as a defensive end.
Destination: A winning record or .500 mark might get Virginia into some kind of lower tier bowl. The ‘Hoos can’t possibly win as many close games this year which helped the Cavaliers to a surprising nine wins last season. Virginia let a big lead against Texas Tech disappear in the Gator Bowl

5. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (7-6, 4-4)
Coach: Paul Johnson (1st year, 0-0).
Starters returning: 8.
Top Non-Conference Games: at Georgia (Nov. 29). They have two gimmes against Jacksonville State (Aug. 28) and Gardner-Webb (Oct. 11),
Key Conference Games: Early consecutive road games with Boston College (Sept. 6) and Virginia Tech (Sept. 13).
Offensive Standouts: Jonathan Dwyer (RB), Andrew Gardner (OT), David Brown (OG).
Ready to shine: Josh Nesbitt (QB). Defensive Standouts: Vance Walker (DT), Darryl Richard (DT), Michael Johnson (DE), Jahi-Word Daniels (CB).
Ready to shine: Shane Bowen (LB).
Must replace: Tashard Choice (RB), Philip Wheeler (LB), Durant Brooks (P), James Johnson (WR).
Strengths: Coaching. Johnson brings in his own unique option style offense that was so effective at Navy. Dwyer should take advantage of seeing a lot of the football, with enough quick offensive linemen to make it work. The defensive line is one the best in the ACC.
Issues: Will Johnson’s offense fly at Georgia Tech, where the departed Chan Gailey ran a pro-style offense with the Yellow Jackets. Nesbitt appears to be the choice at quarterback, but it won’t be decided until August, while the receiver corps must be rebuilt. Outside of the front four, the defense will need to be rebuilt, as will the special teams.
Destination: A winning record or a .500 mark could mean a bowl game, although two of those wins will come over FCS teams. Johnson’s system will take time to install so call this a rebuilding season in Atlanta. The Jackets have six tough games to end the season, including road trips to ACC favorite Clemson and SEC favorite Georgia.

6. Duke Blue Devils (1-11, 0-8)
Coach: David Cutcliffe (1st year, 0-0).
Starters returning: 19.
Top Non-Conference Games: vs. Northwestern (Sept. 6), vs. Navy (Sept. 13).
Key Conference Games: Best chances to break 25-game ACC losing streak come in consecutive weeks, vs. Virginia (Sept. 27), at Georgia Tech (Oct. 4).
Offensive Standouts: Eron Riley (WR), Thaddeus Lewis (QB).
Ready to shine: Re’quan Boyette (RB).
Defensive Standouts: All-name team includes Ayanga Okpokowuruk (DE), Vince Oghobaase (DT), Michael Tauiliili (LB).
Ready to shine: Greg Akinbiyi (DE).
Must replace: Patrick Bailey (LB), Chris Davis (S), losing attitude after 6-45 mark over the last four-plus season.
Strengths: Cutcliffe was a big reason behind Tennessee’s offensive prowess as an offensive coordinator and he did a solid job as head coach at Mississippi. The first five games gives Duke a chance to win one or even two games before it could get rough. Riley is a solid wide receiver, while the defensive front seven can make plays.
Issues: That 25-game ACC losing streak. Duke has to get beyond that and win some games. The Blue Devils are still far short of having enough depth to complete at a Division I level each week, but there are some building blocks. They’ll need to answer questions on the offensive line, the secondary and the kicking game.
Destination: Duke must beat James Madison, a good Division FCS foe, to get the season off to a winning start. There are opportunities to win early. Look for Cutcliffe to start to turn around a program that has long been one of the worst in Division I. It will, however, take time.

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Atlantic Division
1. Clemson Tigers (9-4, 5-3)
Coach: Tommy Bowden (10th, 69-42)
Starters returning: 17.
Top Non-Conference Games: vs. Alabama, at Atlanta (Aug. 30), vs. South Carolina (Nov. 20).
Key Conference Games: at Wake Forest (Oct. 9), at Florida State (Nov. 8).
Offensive Standouts: C.J. Spiller (RB), James Davis (RB), Cullen Harper (QB), Aaron Kelly (WR).
Ready to shine: Tyler Grisham (WR).
Defensive Standouts: Michael Hamlin (S), Ricky Sapp (DE), Chris Chancellor (CB), Scotty Cooper (LB).
Ready to shine: Dorell Scott (DT).
Must replace: Phillip Merling (DE), Barry Richardson (OT), Nick Watkins (LB), Cortney Vincent (LB).
Strengths: Offense. The skill positions are terrific, with Davis and Spiller providing ‘thunder and lightning’. Harper threw for 27 touchdowns and just picks last season, while Kelly and Grisham combined to catch 148 passes last season. Eight starters return on defense, led by Hamlin at safety.
Issues: The offensive line must be rebuilt, and the defense had significant losses, including Vincent, who was supposed to be back, but was dismissed from the team. The Tigers were still trying to put the pieces in the right spots in the spring.
Destination: BCS bowl. Every year it seems like this is supposed to be Clemson’s year. If it doesn’t happen this year, it won’t. The offense will be downright scary and the schedule is favorable with no Virginia Tech and two games with FBS schools (The Citadel and South Carolina State). Get past Alabama in the opening week and Clemson could be a darkhorse for the national title.

2. Florida State Seminoles (7-6, 4-4)
Coach: Bobby Bowden (33rd year, 300-87-4).
Starters returning: 16.
Top Non-Conference Games: at Miami (Oct. 4), vs. Florida (Nov. 29).
Key Conference Games: vs. Wake Forest (Sept. 20), vs. Clemson (Nov. 8).
Offensive Standouts: Antone Smith (RB), Drew Weatherford (QB), Greg Carr (WR), Rodney Hudson (OG).
Ready to shine: Preston Parker (WR).
Defensive Standouts: Myron Rolle (S), Everette Brown (DE), Derek Nicholson (LB), Patrick Robinson (CB).
Ready to shine: Tony Carter (CB).
Must replace: Andre Fluellen (DE), Letroy Guion (DT), Geno Hayes (LB), De’cody Fagg (WR).
Strengths: Defense. While the offense hasn’t been your typical Florida State attack in recent seasons, the defense is still stingy, and that won’t change this year. The ‘Noles start with three home games, plus a date with Colorado in, along with later games at Doak Campbell with Virginia, Clemson and Florida.
Issues: Offense. Offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher has the reputation, now it’s time to start making it happen. Weatherford returns at quarterback, but he is as inconsistent as the rest of the offense was last season. The ‘Noles will have to deal all season with questions about Bowden’s return or exit after the season.
Destination: Bowl game, but not the big bowl games they’re used to. There’s still much to do to rebuild this team into the juggernaut it once was. This could be it for Bowden, who turns 79 in November. Or, he could keep on coming back like Joe Paterno at Penn State.

3. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (9-4, 5-3)
Coach: Jim Grobe (8th year, 48-39).
Returning starters: 16.
Top Non-Conference Games: vs. Mississippi (Sept. 6), vs. Vanderbilt (Nov. 29).
Key Conference Games: at Florida State (Sept. 20), vs. Clemson (Oct. 9),
Offensive Standouts: Riley Skinner (QB), Josh Adams (RB), Sam Swank (PK), Ben Wooster (TE).
Ready to shine: Jordan Williams (WR).
Defensive Standouts: Alphonso Smith (CB), Aaron Curry (LB), Chip Vaughn (S), Boo Robinson (DT).
Ready to shine: Brandon Ghee (CB).
Must replace: Steve Justice (C ), Kenneth Moore (WR), Jeremy Thompson (DE), Louis Frazier (OG).
Strengths: Defense. Nine of 11 starters return for the Demon Deacons, who are looking for their second ACC in the last three years. That includes All-America candidates in Smith and Curry. Skinner and Adams have won the last two ACC rookie of the year awards. Grobe is one of the nation’s best coaches, having won 20 games in the two seasons at a school where it isn’t easy to win.
Issues: Four of the five members of the offensive line have to be replaced, along with Moore, one of the best receivers to play at Wake Forest so that position is also a concern. Keeping Grobe is always going to be an issue in Winston-Salem. Arkansas was the latest to try and pull him away with a big contract, but he stayed put.
Destination: Another bowl game for the Deacons. When Wake Forest won the ACC in ’06, the Deacons avoided Clemson on the schedule. This year they’ll have the Tigers at home. The defense will be stingy and Skinner just makes plays. The Deacs do have to go to Florida State and Miami, both of whom are still formiable foes.

4. North Carolina State Wolfpack (5-7, 3-5)
Coach: Tom O’Brien (2nd year, 5-7).
Returning starters: 11.
Top Non-Conference Games: at South Carolina (Aug. 28), vs. South Florida (Sept. 27).
Key Conference Games: vs. Boston College (Oct. 4), at North Carolina (Nov. 22).
Offensive Standouts: Daniel Evans (QB), Anthony Hill (TE), Chris Couch (OG), Jamelle Eugene (RB).
Ready to shine: Andre Brown (RB).
Defensive Standouts: Willie Young (DE), Alan-Michael Cash (DT), Jeremy Gray (CB), Antoine Holmes (DT).
Ready to shine: Terrell Manning (LB, incoming freshman).
Must replace: DaJuan Morgan (S), DeMario Pressley (DT), Steven Hauschka (PK), James Martin (LB).
Strengths: N.C. State finished 4-2 after starting 1-5, including wins over Virginia, Miami and North Carolina. They’ll need to carry that momentum into the fall with a schedule that includes visits to South Carolina and Clemson in first three weeks. The ‘Pack will be strong on the defensive line, but it could be a challenge elsewhere.
Issues: Quarterback could be a question. Evans, who was up and down last year, had offseason shoulder surgery. That could leave the slot open for competition, which includes Mike Glennon, the brother of Virginia Tech’s Sean Glennon. The running game ranked 11th in the ACC last year, as did the defense.
Destination: Thanks to the glut of opportunities, the ’Pack or Boston College will go bowling. O’Brien built the program at Boston College and now he’s trying to do the same in Raleigh. It’s going to take some time, but they do get Florida State, Wake Forest and Miami at home.

5. Boston College Eagles (11-3, 6-2)
Coach: Jeff Jagodzisnki (1st year, 11-3).
Returning starters: 14.
Top Non-Conference Games: vs. Central Florida (Sept.20), vs. Notre Dame (Nov. 8).
Key Conference Games: at North Carolina State (Oct. 4), vs. Clemson (Nov. 1).
Offensive Standouts: Ryan Purvis (TE), Clarence Morgan (WR), Clif Ramsey (OG).
Ready to shine: Chris Crane (QB).
Defensive Standouts: Ron Brace (DT), Alex Albright (DE), Brian Toal (LB), Paul Anderson (S).
Ready to shine: Mike McLaughlin (LB).
Must replace: Matt Ryan (QB), Gosder Cherilus (OT), DeJuan Tribble (CB), Andre Callender (RB).
Strengths: Six starters return on both sides of the ball, but the losses were severe. Chris Crane has waited for his chance at quarterback and it’s finally here. Boston College does have a solid defensive line, but did lose Brady Smith, who was dismissed from the team. The Eagles must win games with Kent State and Rhode Island for any hopes at a winning season.
Issues: There is rebuilding all over the place, including no longer being able to call upon Ryan to save the day. They also lost their leading rushers and receivers, and have a schedule that includes trips to North Carolina, Florida State and Wake Forest.
Destination: 2009. It was a a dream season for Jagodzinkski last year, taking Boston College to the ACC championship game before falling to Virginia Tech. There is so much gone that repeating it’s Atlantic Division title is not going to happen and they could be kept home during bowl season.

6. Maryland Terrapins (6-7, 3-5)
Coach: Ralph Friedgen (8th, 56-31).
Returning starters: 16.
Top Non-Conference Games: at Middle Tennessee State (Sept. 6), vs. California (Sept. 13).
Key Conference Games: vs. North Carolina State (Oct. 25), at Boston College (Nov. 29).
Offensive Standouts: Jordan Steffy (QB), Darrius Heyward-Bey (WR), Scott Burley (OT), Edwin Williams (C).
Ready to shine: Chris Turner (QB), Morgan Green (RB).
Defensive Standouts: Dave Philistin (LB), Olugbemi Otulaja (NT), Moise Fokou (LB)
Ready to shine: Terrell Skinner (S).
Must replace: Erin Henderson (LB), Dre Moore (DT), Andrew Crummey (OG), Keon Lattimore (RB).
Strengths: No matter whether it’s Steffy or Turner, Maryland has a capable signal-caller, while Heyward-Bey is an All-ACC caliber receiver. The offensive line returns four starters. Philistin gives Maryland a solid tackler at linebacker. The Terps do have a favorable early schedule with home games against Delaware, Middle Tennessee and Eastern Michigan.
Issues: Running backs Lattimore and Lance Ball are gone so Maryland will turn to sophomores Green or Da’Rel Scott. Significant rebuilding will be needed on defense. Climbing out of the Atlantic Division cellar could be the biggest issue for Friedgen.
Destination: The cellar. While the non-conference slate provides chances for wins, the ACC schedule could be testy, including games at Virginia Tech, Clemson and Virginia. Freidgen is beloved at Maryland, but he could be on a short leash.
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Note: Look for a Conference USA preview later this week.
— Contact Brian Woodson at bwoodson@bdtonline.com

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