Published: July 29, 2009 11:48 pm      

Hokies expected to rule ACC

BLUEFIELD — Since joining the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2004, Virginia Tech has been in control, winning three overall titles, and another division crown in five years.

They’re looking for even more in 2009.

Could Virginia Tech challenge for a national championship? It could happen, although the talent and schedule sets up better for a run at the title in 2010.

Still, don’t count out the Hokies.

Virginia Tech broke the ACC’s long Bowl Championship Series game drought by defeating Cincinnati 20-7 in last year’s Orange Bowl.

Survive the opening month of the season when Virginia Tech plays Alabama, Nebraska and Miami, and the Hokies could be looking at a second straight Orange Bowl berth, and possibly even more.

The talent is in place for a special season. With Sean Glennon gone, it becomes Tyrod Taylor’s team. The junior signal-caller will have as many weapons as any team since Frank Beamer arrived in Blacksburg in 1987.

How Beamer and embattled Virginia Tech offensive coordinator Bryan Stinestring uses that talent will determine much of their success.

Defensive coordinator Bud Foster has a multitude of riches on his side of the ball, and should be able to put together another stingy unit. Beamer, who takes care of the Virginia Tech special teams, will be using a new kicker for a third straight season.

As for Virginia, the Cavaliers have a renewed enthuasiasm after head coach Al Groh dismissed his son, Mike, and brought in Greg Brandon as the Cavaliers’ offensive coordinator.

Virginia, which finished 5-7 last season and were home for the bowl season, will need to address several positions, especially at quarterback, where the Cavs could turn to Vic Hall — a possible two-way weapon — or Jameel Sewell, who missed last year with academic issues.

Defensively, Virginia lost three productive linebackers, but do benefit from the return of Chris Cook to an experienced secondary. The kicking game was a headache last year, and will have to be addressed.

Virginia Tech has won five straight and nine of the last 10 against the Cavaliers. The gap between those state rivals appears to still be wide.

The Hokies were tabbed as the ACC favorite earlier this week during the league’s media days in Greensboro, N.C. Florida State was selected as the team to beat in the Atlantic Division.

Georgia Tech, which will host Virginia Tech in October, is expected to be the Hokies’ top challenger in the Coastal Division, followed by North Carolina and Miami. Virginia and Duke will try to stay out of the cellar.

Florida State will hold off Wake Forest and Clemson, while N.C. State, Boston College — which has played and lost in the last two ACC titles games to Virginia Tech — and Maryland will lag behind.

The ACC has a tie-in with nine bowls, something the league was able to attain 10 bowl bids season, although three of those teams finished with seven wins or less.

It could happen again, but there is such a thing as too many bowl games. The ACC is proof of that.

A look at the Atlantic Coast Conference:



Coastal Division

1 . Virginia Tech Hokies

2008 Record: 10-4, 5-3 / Orange Bowl, def. Cincinnati 20-7.

Coach: Frank Beamer (23rd year at Tech, D-I record, 177-89-2).

Starters returning: 16. / Off: 9; Def: 7.

Top Non-Conference Games: vs. Alabama (Sept. 5, in Atlanta), vs. Marshall (Sept. 12), vs. Nebraska (Sept. 19), at East Carolina (Nov. 5).

Key Conference Games: vs. Miami (Sept. 26), vs. Boston College (Oct. 10), at Georgia Tech (Oct. 17), vs. North Carolina (Oct. 29), at Virginia (Nov. 28).

Offensive standouts: Tyrod Taylor (QB), Darren Evans (RB), Greg Boone (TE), Sergio Render (OG), Ed Wang (OT).

Ready to shine: Ryan Williams (RB), Jarrett Boykin (WR).

Defensive standouts: Jason Worilds (DE), Stephan Virgil (CB), Kam Chancellor (FS), Cody Grimm (LB), Cam Martin (LB).

Ready to shine: John Graves (DT), Barquell Rivers (LB).

Must replace: Sean Glennon (QB), Victor Harris (CB), Purnell Sturdivant (LB), Orion Martin (DE), Brett Warren (LB), Ryan Shuman (C), Nick Marshman (OG).

Strengths: For the first time in years, the defense might not have to carry the Hokies. There are playmakers everywhere and they’re young, meaning the future is only going to get brighter. Talent also abounds on defense, especially on the line and in the secondary.

Biggest Issues: Taylor must stay healthy because a backup is an iffy proposition. The offensive line must develop consistency, while the linebacker corps will be young. Beamer must find a new kicker for a third straight season. The early schedule is stifling, along with back-to-back ACC tilts with Georgia Tech and North Carolina.

Destination: Orange Bowl. A third straight trip to Miami awaits the Hokies. Hopes of a national title will have to wait until 2010.



2. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

2008 Record: 9-4, 5-3 / Chik-fil-A Bowl, lost to LSU 38-3.

Coach: Paul Johnson (2nd year, D-I, 54-33).

Starters returning: 18 / Off: 10, Def: 8

Top Non-Conference Games: at Mississippi State (Oct. 3), at Vanderbilt (Oct. 31), vs. Georgia (Nov. 28).

Key Conference Games: vs. Clemson (Sept.10), at Miami (Sept. 17), vs. North Carolina (Sept. 24), at Florida State (Oct. 10), vs. Virginia Tech (Oct. 17).

Offensive standouts: Jonathan Dwyer (RB), Josh Nesbitt (QB), Demaryius Thomas (WR), Cord Howard (OG), Roddy Jones (RB).

Ready to shine: Dan Voss (C), Lucas Cox (RB).

Defensive standouts: Derrick Morgan (DE), Morgan Burnett (CB), Dominique Reece (FS), Sedric Griffin (LB), Rashaad Reid (CB).

Ready to shine: Brad Jefferson (LB), Cooper Taylor (FS).

Must replace: Michael Johnson (DE), Vance Walker (DT), Darry Richard (DT), Andrew Gardner (OT), Jahi Word-Daniels (CB).

Strengths: Johnson’s triple-option offense will put up points, and the Jackets have three talented backs, and a quarterback who can run it to perfection. The back seven on defense, which must offset the losses on the line. The Jackets get Coastal Division foes Virginia Tech and North Carolina in Atlanta.

Biggest Issues: Georgia Tech tends to become one-dimensional so they must develop some semblance of a passing game. Three of last year’s defensive linemen are in the NFL so that is an area that needs attention. The kicking game is also in flux, where Scott Blair handled the chores last season, and not always with success.

Destination: Chik-fil-A Bowl. The Jackets could be playing in their second straight postseason game at the Georgia Dome. They were stomped by LSU 38-3 last season.



3. Miami Hurricanes

2008 Record: 7-6, 4-4 / Emerald Bowl, lost to California 24-17.

Coach: Randy Shannon (3rd year, D-I, 12-13).

Starters returning: 15 . Off: 8, Def: 7.

Top Non-Conference Games: vs. Okahoma (Oct. 3), at Central Florida (Oct. 17), at South Florida (Nov. 28).

Key Conference Games: at Florida State (Sept. 7), vs. Georgia Tech (Sept. 17), at Virginia Tech (Sept. 26), at Wake Forest (Oct. 31), at North Carolina (Nov. 14).

Offensive standouts: Graig Cooper (RB), Jacory Harris (QB), Jason Fox (OT), Javarris James (RB), Aldarius Johnson (WR).

Ready to shine: LaRon Byrd (WR), Matt Bosher (PK).

Defensive standouts: Eric Moncur (DE), Randy Phillips (FS), Sean Spence (LB), Marcus Folston (DT), Darryl Sharpton (LB).

Ready to shine: Colin McCarthy (LB), Ryan Hill (CB).

Must replace: Robert Marve (QB), Glenn Cook (LB), Anthony Reddick (S), Reggie Youngblood (OT), Dwayne Hendricks (DT).

Strengths: The running game should be in good hands with Cooper, James, and an offensive line that returns five starters. Moncur and Spence are two of the league’s better defensive players, while Bosher is a dual weapon in the kicking game.

Biggest Issues: Harris will have to show improvement, having claimed the quarterback slot for himself after Marve transferred. The schedule might be one of the toughest in D-I, including the opening four games that could put the Hurricanes in an 0-4 hole.

Destination: Emerald Bowl. The ‘Canes are slowing building itself back up, but they’ll have to settle for a second straight trip to San Francisco.



4. North Carolina Tar Heels

2008 Record: 8-5, 4-4 / Meineke Car Care Bowl, lost to West Virginia 31-30.

Coach: Butch Davis (3rd year, D-I, 63-33).

Starters returning: 15 / Off: 6, Def: 9.

Top Non-Conference Games: at Connecticut (Sept. 12), vs. East Carolina (Sept. 19),

Key Conference Games: at Georgia Tech (Sept. 26), vs. Florida State (Oct.22), at Virginia Tech (Oct.29), vs. Miami (Nov. 14), at N.C. State (Nov. 28).

Offensive standouts: T.J. Yates (QB), Shaun Draughn (RB), Greg Little (WR), Kyle Jolly (OT), Casey Barth (PK).

Ready to shine: Zack Pianalto (TE), Aaron Stahl (OG).

Defensive standouts: Quan Sturdivant (LB), Deunta Williams (FS), Kendric Burney (CB), Bruce Carter (LB), Robert Quinn (DT).

Ready to shine: Marvin Austin (DT), E.J. Wilson (DE).

Must replace: Hakeem Nicks (WR), Brandon Tate (WR), Mark Paschal (LB), Trimaine Goddard (SS), Garrett Reynolds (OT).

Strengths: The defense will carry the Tar Heels, just like Butch Davis likes. Austin, Sturdivant and Burney were preseason first team All-ACC selections. Draugh and Ryan Houston are capable to lugging the pigskin.

Biggest Issues: Yates is a walking injury, even spraining his thumb in the spring while playing Ultimate Frisbee. The ‘Heels lost its top three receivers, and the running game will have to develop behind a young offensive line.

Destination: Music City Bowl. North Carolina is about a year away from big things. They’ll try to break a two-game bowl losing streak in this one.



5. Virginia Cavaliers

2008 Record: 5-7, 3-5 / no bowl.

Coach: Al Groh (9th, D-I, 82-84).

Starters returning: 11 / Off: 5, Def: 6.

Top Non-Conference Games: vs. Texas Christian (Sept. 12), at Southern Mississippi (Sept. 19), vs. Indiana (Oct. 10).

Key Conference Games: at North Carolina (Oct. 3), at Maryland (Oct. 17), vs. Duke (Oct .31), at Miami (Nov. 7), vs. Virginia Tech (Nov. 28).

Offensive standouts: Will Barker (RT), Mikell Simpson (RB), Jameel Sewell (QB), B.J. Cabbell (OG), Rashawn Jackson (FB).

Ready to shine: Jared Green (WR), Vic Hall (QB-WR-CB).

Defensive standouts: Ras-I Dowling (CB), Matt Conrath (DE), Corey Mosley (SS), Nick Jenkins (NT), Chris Cook (CB).

Ready to shine: Denzell Burrell (LB), Aaron Clark (LB).

Must replace: Eugene Monroe (OT), Cedric Peerman (RB), Clint Sintim (LB), Jon Copper (LB), Antonio Appleby (LB), Kevin Ogletree (WR), John Phillips (TE).

Strengths: With Cook returning from academic woes, the Cavaliers are loaded in the secondary, and also have four linemen back on offense. The quarterback position, no matter whether it’s Hall, Sewell or Marc Verica, should produce under Greg Brandon, the new offensive coordinator.

Biggest Issues: Who those quarterbacks throw to, while the defense lost three talented linebackers. The kicking game is also a question mark, with answers still being sought. Groh will be under fire all season to produce a winner, and at least be competitive in a final weekend tilt with Virginia Tech.

Destination: Home. Virginia will be a team in transition, but with a difficult schedule, the Cavaliers will probably stay away from the postseason for a second straight season.



6. Duke Blue Devils

2008 Record: 4-8, 1-7.

Coach: David Cutcliffe (2nd year, D-I, 48-37).

Starters returning: 11 / Off: 6, Def: 5.

Top Non-Conference Games: vs. Richmond (Sept. 5), at Army (Sept. 12), at Kansas (Sept. 19).

Key Conference Games: at N.C. State (Oct. 10), vs. Maryland (Oct.24), at Virginia (Oct. 31), at North Carolina (Nov. 7), vs. Wake Forest (Aug. 28).

Offensive standouts: Thaddeus Lewis (QB), Johnny Williams (WR), Brett Huffman (TE), Kyle Hill C, Nick Maggio (PK).

Ready to shine: Re’Quan Boyette (RB), Donovan Varner (WR).

Defensive standouts: Vince Oghobaase (DT), Vincent Rey (LB), Kevin Jones (P), Catron Gainey (FS), Leon Wright (CB).

Ready to shine: Ayanga Okpokowuruk (DE), Damian Thornton (LB).

Must replace: Michael Tauiliili (LB), Eron Riley (WR), Clifford Harris (RB), Cameron Young (OT). Greg Akinbiyi (DE), Glenn Williams (CB).

Strengths: The four wins the Devils earned last season were the same amount they won in the previous four years combined. Lewis leads the Duke attack on offense, while Oghobaase is one of the nation’s best on the defensive line. Boyette’s return from injury should help the run game.

Biggest Issues: Building off those four wins. Duke is still very young, as Cutcliffe continues to bring in reinforcements. Developing a running game after the leading rusher last season gained less than 400 yards. The defense will be full of youth. That could pay dividends in the future, but possibly not this season.

Destination: Home. Duke hasn’t been to a bowl game since 1994. Under Cutcliffe, they’re getting closer, but it won’t happen this year.



Atlantic Division

1 . Florida State Seminoles

2008 Record: 9-4,5-3 / Champs Sports Bowl, def. Wisconsin 42-13.

Coach: Bobby Bowden (34th, D-I, 351-117-4).

Starters returning: 13 / Off: 8, Def: 5.

Top Non-Conference Games: at Brigham Young (Sept. 19), vs. South Florida (Sept. 26), at Florida (Nov. 28).

Key Conference Games: vs. Miami (Sept. 7), vs. Georgia Tech (Oct. 10), vs. N.C. State (Oct. 31), at Clemson (Nov. 7), at Wake Forest (Nov.14).

Offensive standouts: Christian Ponder (QB), Jermaine Thomas (RB), Rodney Hudson (OG), Rodney McMahon C, Taiwan Easterling (WR).

Ready to shine: Bert Reed (WR), Andrew Datko (OT).

Defensive standouts: Patrick Robinson (CB), Dekoda Watson (LB), Markus White (DE), Jamie Robinson (FS), Kendall Smith (LB).

Ready to shine: Nigel Bradham (LB), Kendrick Stewart (DT).

Must replace: Everette Brown (DE), Graham Gano (K/P), Antone Smith (RB), Preston Parker (RB), Greg Carr (WR), Derek Nicholson (LB), Myron Rolle (CB).

Strengths: Led by former West Virginia assistant Rick Trickett, the Seminoles’ offensive line returns everyone. The Robinsons and Watson are the leaders on defense. Bowden is out to prove wrong the doubters that say his better days have passed.

Biggest Issues: The receiving corps was depleted by suspensions and arrests. Ponder has shown flashes, but had nearly as many interceptions (13) last season at touchdowns (14). Answers are being sought at defensive end. Florida State must replace Gano, who did the kicking and punting for the ‘Noles.

Destination: Gator Bowl. The Seminoles will remain in-state, and continue its streak of reaching the postseason every season since 1982.



2. Clemson Tigers

2008 Record: 7-6, 4-4 / Gator Bowl, lost to Nebraska 26-21.

Coach: Dabo Swinney (2nd year, D-I, 4-3).

Starters returning: 15 / Off: 7, Def: 8.

Top Non-Conference Games: vs. Texas Christian (Sept. 26), at South Carolina (Nov. 28).

Key Conference Games: at Georgia Tech (Sept. 10), vs. Wake Forest (Oct. 17), at Miami (Oct. 24), vs. Florida State (Nov. 7), at N.C. State (Nov.14),

Offensive standouts: C.J. Spiller (RB), Jacoby Ford (WR), Thomas Austin (OG), Mason Cloy C,

Ready to shine: Willy Korn or Kyle Parker (QB), Michael Palmer (TE).

Defensive standouts: Ricky Sapp (DE), Brandon Maye (LB), DeAndre McDaniel (SS), Chris Chancellor (CB), Kavell Conner (LB).

Ready to shine: Da’Quan Bowers (DE), Crezdon Butler (CB).

Must replace: James Davis (RB), Dorell Scott (NT), Aaron Kelly (WR), Cullen Harper (QB), Tyler Grisham (WR), Michael Hamlin (SS), Chris Clemons (FS).

Strengths: Spiller nixed the NFL to return for his senior campaign, and he’ll have an offensive line that returns four, having survived last year’s trial by fire. The defense is led by Sapp, Conner and a talented secondary.

Biggest Issues: How will Swinney handle his first season as a full-time head coach? Parker or Korn will have to show the ability to lead an offense that has big-play ability. Both kickers will have to be replaced.

Destination: Champs Sports Bowl. Clemson’s last bowl win came in this game against Colorado in ‘05. They’re 0-3 in their last three postseason games, losing by a combined 16 points.



3. Wake Forest Demon Deacons

2008 Record: 8-5, 4-4 / Eagle Band Bowl, def. Navy 29-19.

Coach: Jim Grobe (9th year, D-I, 87-77-1).

Starters returning: 13 / Off: 9, Def: 4).

Top Non-Conference Games: vs. Baylor (Sept. 5), vs. Stanford (Sept. 12), at Navy (Oct. 24).

Key Conference Games: vs. N.C. State (Oct. 3), at Clemson (Oct. 17), vs. Miami (Oct. 31), at Georgia Tech (Nov. 7), vs. Florida State (Nov. 14).

Offensive standouts: Riley Skinner (QB), Brandon Pendergrass (RB), Chris DeGeare (OT), Marshall Williams (WR), Joe Birdsong (OT).

Ready to shine: Josh Adams (RB), Ben Wooster (TE).

Defensive standouts: Boo Robinson (DT), John Russell (DT), Brandon Ghee (CB), Hunter Haynes (LB), Kyle Wilbur (DE).

Ready to shine: Josh Bush (CB), Matt Woodlief (LB).

Must replace: Aaron Curry (LB), Alphonso Smith (CB), Chip Vaughn (S), Stanley Arnoux (LB), Sam Swank (K/P), DJ Boldin (WR), Kevin Patterson (SS).

Strengths: Skinner is one of the ACC’s top signal-callers, and the Deacons return four offensive linemen, a quartet that will open holes for a pair of talented tailbacks. Robinson and Russell give Wake Forest a talented duo on the defensive side of the ball. Don’t ever count out Grobe, he’s one of the brightest coaching minds in the nation.

Biggest Issues: Four defensive departees were drafted in the top four rounds, meaning the back seven on that side of the ball will need to be addresssed. Swank performed all the kicking duties for the Deacons. Boldin caught 81 balls last season. He’s gone, and the next highest was 26.

Destination: Meineke Car Care Bowl. Wake Forest will make its fourth straight postseason appearance. They defeated Connecticut in Charlotte 24-10 in ‘07.



4. North Carolina State Wolfpack

2008 Record: 6-7, 4-4 / Papajohns.com Bowl, lost to Rutgers 29-23.

Coach: Tom O’Brien (3rd year, D-I, 86-59).

Starters returning: 14 / Off: 7, Def: 7).

Top Non-Conference Games: vs. South Carolina (Sept. 3), vs. Pittsburgh (Sept. 26).

Key Conference Games: at Wake Forest (Oct. 3), vs. Boston College (Oct. 17), at Florida State (Oct. 31), vs. Clemson (Nov. 14), vs. North Carolina (Nov. 28).

Offensive standouts: Russell Wilson (QB), Jarvis Williams (WR), Owen Spencer (WR), Jamille Eugene (RB), Ted Larson C.

Ready to shine: George Bryan (TE), T.J. Graham (Ret).

Defensive standouts: Willie Young (DE), Nate Irving (LB), DeAndre Morgan (CB), Ray Michel (LB), Clem Johnson (SS).

Ready to shine: Alan Michael-Cash (DT), Javon Walker (SS).

Must replace: Andre Brown (RB), Anthony Hill (WR), Robbie Leonard (LB), JC Neal (SS), Jeremy Gray (CB), Antoine Holmes (DT).

Strengths: Wilson might be the league’s top quarterback, and he’s only a sophomore. The defensive line, long a strongpoint in Raleigh, will be again, as will the linebackers.

Biggest Issues: Eugene, who was expected to take over tailback role from Brown, had shoulder issues in the spring. Only Morgan has much experience in the secondary. N.C. State must avoid a slow start. They had to win four straight to end last season to reach a bowl game.

Destination: EagleBank Bowl. N.C. State finished 6-7 season, losing its bowl game after being the 10th ACC team to get a bid. The ‘Pack could be a surprise team in the Atlantic and finish higher than fourth.



5. Maryland Terrapins

2008 Record:8-5, 4-4.

Coach: Ralph Friedgen (9th year, D-I, 64-36).

Starters returning: 9 / Off: 5, Def: 4.

Top Non-Conference Games: at California (Sep. 5), vs. James Madison (Sept. 12), vs. Rutgers (Sept. 26).

Key Conference Games: vs. Clemson (Oct .3), at Wake Forest (Oct. 10), vs. Virginia (Oct. 17), at N.C. State (Nov, 7), vs. Boston College (Nov. 28).

Offensive standouts: Chris Turner (RB), Da’Rel Scott (RB), Torrey Smith (WR), Phil Costa C, Bruce Campbell (OT).

Ready to shine: Lansford Watson (TE), Davin Megget (RB).

Defensive standouts: Travis Ivey (DT), Alex Wujciak (LB), Adrian Moten (LB), Travis Baltz (P), Terrell Skinner (FS).

Ready to shine: Anthony Wiseman (CB), Jamari McCullough (SS).

Must replace:Darrius Heyward-Bey (WR), Kevin Barnes (CB), Jaime Thomas (OG), Jeremy Navarre (DT), Dave Philistin (LB), Moise Fukou (LB).

Strengths: Turner and Scott are a talented combination behind center, while Ivy, Wujciak and Moten are leaders on defense. Baltz might be the league’s best punter. Smith is a difference maker as a kick returner.

Biggest Issues: The Terps lost much of its offensive line and a tight end. Three receivers have departed, including first round pick Heyward-Bey. This is a young team that’s going to need time to develop.

Destination: GMAC Bowl. The final bowl tie-in could come down to Maryland, Boston College and Virginia. Go with the Terps.



6. Boston College Eagles

2008 Record: 9-5, 5-3 / Music City Bowl, lost to Vanderbilt 16-14.

Coach: Frank Spaziani (1st year, D-I, 1-0).

Starters returning: 14 / Off: 7, Def: 7.

Top Non-Conference Games: at Notre Dame (Oct. 24), vs. Central Michigan (Oct. 31).

Key Conference Games: at Clemson (Sept. 19), vs. Wake Forest (Sept. 26), at Virginia Tech (Oct.10), vs. N.C. State (Nov. 17), at Maryland (Nov. 28).

Offensive standouts: Montel Harris (RB), Rich Gunnell (WR), Matt Tennant C, Anthony Castonzo (OT), Thomas Claiborne (OG).

Ready to shine: Dominique Davis (QB), Josh Haden (RB).

Defensive standouts: Mark Herzlich (LB), Wes Davis (FS), Jim Ramella (DT), Alex Albright (DE), Rodrick Rollins (CB).

Ready to shine: Mike McLaughlin (LB), Donnie Fletcher (CB).

Must replace: Chris Crane (QB), B.J. Raji (DT), Ron Brace (DT), Brandon Robinson (WR), Robert Francois (LB), Paul Anderson (SS).

Strengths: With an inexperienced Davis at quarterback, the Eagles may have to run, and they can, with a pair of talented backs. As is usually the case, the offensive line is solid, while the defense is led by Herzlich, one of the league’s top talents.

Biggest Issues: Davis completed less than 46 percent of his pass attempts last season after replacing an injured Crane. Boston College lost a pair of defensive backs — Raji and Brace — in the draft. Spaziani replaced Jeff Jagodzinski after last season, the Eagles’ third coach in the last four years.

Destination: Bowl, somwhere. Boston College could make it 10 teams again with a bowl bid. Some bowl somewhere might need an at-large club.

—Contact Brian Woodson

at bwoodson@bdtonline.com