Atlantic Coast Conference Preview – Atlantic Division

It’s Tuesday August 18^th and the NCAA Football Season kicks off on Thursday, September 3^rd. In other words, it’s certainly the perfect time to continue our look at each of the conferences and the haves and have-nots as the season is about two weeks away! With 120 teams to cover the key here is a quick look at each team which allows you to take away some general concepts for use and further research as we get ready to “dig into” the meat and potatoes of a new season. Who will be up? Who will be down? Who remains “status quo”? Most importantly, who will provide us with point spread value! Read on and we will continue with another one of the top conferences in the country: the Atlantic Coast Conference. We start with the Atlantic Division this week and we follow up with the Coastal Division next week.

Boston College - Another new head coach for the Eagles - their third in four years. However, the good news is that Coach Spaziani has already been with Boston College for ten years - as a defensive coordinator. That, plus the fact that the Eagles have 14 returning starters means we expect another solid season for B.C.

Clemson - We love teams that are solid in the trenches and that is absolutely the case with the Tigers. Their defensive line and offensive line each rank as arguably the top units in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Sure the Tigers lost some top personnel at the skill positions. However, their defense is rock solid with eight starters returning. Best defensive unit in the ACC plus tremendous talent on both lines in the trenches means that Clemson is on the way up this season.

Florida State - Very strong offensive line and, overall, there are eight offensive starters returning for the Seminoles. The defense does have a few holes though - particularly in the secondary and on the defensive line. They are still very solid and should be a play on team but, with just five defensive starters returning, there could be a growth curve required on that side of the ball early this season. Also, this Atlantic Division team does have to play three of the tougher teams from the. Coastal Division.

Maryland - The Terrapins started last season 7-3 but they ended up losing two of their last three games. Then, after the season, they lost a lot more than that! The Terps only have nine returning starters and they also lost a ton of lettermen! This sure looks like a rebuilding season for Maryland. They are strong at running back but weak on the offensive line so there may not be much running room for those talented runners. Also, the defensive line is arguably the weakest in the Atlantic Coast Conference. You know how we like teams who are strong in the trenches so, as you would expect, we foresee some struggles for Maryland this season.

N.C. State - With head coach Tom O'Brien now in his third year with the Wolfpack, we expect their best season yet with him at the helm. Keep in mind, N.C. State won their last four A.C.C. games last season and made it to a bowl. That, plus the fact that they have 14 returning starters, gives the Wolfpack a ton of momentum heading into this season. The Pack is especially talented at wide receiver and quarterback and that makes their aerial attack very dangerous this season! Look for N.C. State to notch their first winning record in conference action since 2002. The pieces are in place including a comfort level with coach O'Brien's systems.

Wake Forest - In recent seasons the defense has carried the Demon Deacons and therein lies the problem as Wake Forest enters the 2009 season. The Demon Deacons lost key members from the defense. In fact, Wake Forest only returns four starters from last season's defense. This is a major concern for the linebackers and secondary in particular. Also, offensively the Demon Deacons are solid in the backfield and on the offensive line but the receiving unit is a major concern. Wake Forest's group of receivers is arguably the weakest in the A.C.C. The Demon Deacons have lived off of turnovers in recent seasons - +39 the last three seasons - and this is a concern now with all the new defensive personnel this season. Wake Forest certainly could slip back in the standings this season.