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Patrick’s ACC predictions

July 18th, 2008

Column by Patrick Hite
patrick@accnation.com

ACC Nation will begin its in-depth (or at least as in-depth as we get) football previewsthe week of July 28. For the four weeks beginning on July 28, we'll have three podcasts per week instead of just one. Each podcast will focus one one team. We'll also have a preview and a feature story on each team on ACCNation.com.

We'll also have lots of good stuff next week from the ACC Football Kickoff at Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Ga.

As for this week, not to be outdone by Will, I'd thought I'd give you my preseason predictions on how I see teams finishing this season. I'll give a brief reason why I think each team will finish where I have them, and in parentheses you'll see the date that we'll post both the podcast and website preview for each team.

I've gone out on a limb on some of these, but what's the fun in making predictions if you can't go out on a limb now and again? I'm sure I'll hear from some of you (especially Miami fans), so let me have it (and, when calling me names, be creative).

Coastal

1. Virginia Tech (Aug. 14)-- 11-1, 7-1. I'm sure the Hokies could stumble at several places (ECU, at UNC, at Nebraska come to mind) on the schedule, but I see them losing only at FSU. Something tells me Frank Beamer and Bud Foster will surprise people with this VT team. I just believe Tech is one of those teams that can replace big-time players with big-time players.

2. Virginia (Aug. 13)- 7-5, 5-3 -- I like the skill positions, especially running back. If the line can block and UVa. gets anything from the defense, I think the Cavaliers can manage this schedule. I love the linebackers and I like the secondary. The defensive line situation worries me, but not enough to think it will cause major problems.

3. North Carolina (Aug. 12) -- 6-6, 4-4 -- Can the young players deal with all the preseason hype? I'm not sure, plus I'm not sold that Greg Little is the answer at running back. He'll have to show me more than just two games at the end of the year. The linebackers are young and T.J. Yates missed the spring. Better, but not as good as most everyone is predicting.

4. Georgia Tech (July 30)-- 4-8, 2-6 -- Paul Johnson will get the job done, but it's a little too early to expect much this season. The offense has to learn a completely new system. The defense will also be learning, but I think you'll see a more consistent unit with Dave Wommack replacing Jon Tenuta. Josh Nesbitt will carry a lot of responsibility and the faster he learns the better the Jackets will play.

5. Duke (July 29)-- 4-8, 2-6 -- I really like the hiring of David Cutcliffe, but don't expect too much in his first season. That being said, I love Thaddeus Lewis and his receivers, including Eron Riley, and if the line can give them any time, the Blue Devils will score points this year. The defense will be better, especially up front. Count on it: Duke will win a conference game this year (I'm actually predicting two).

6. Miami (July 31) -- 3-9, 1-7 -- I worry about a team that can lose 48-0 in its last game ever at the Orange Bowl and a coaching staff that lets that happen. This team is young, there is no experience at quarterback and the Hurricanes have a brutal schedule. I know predicting Miami to finish behind Duke seems crazy, but call it a gut feeling.

Atlantic

1. Wake Forest (Aug. 21)-- 11-1, 7-1 -- This is the fastest, and may very well be the best, defense in the ACC. Wake will continue to force turnovers and put its offense in great position this season. You won't see Riley Skinner throwing as much, with the offense relying on Josh Adams and the ground game. The O-line has some question marks. The schedule shapes up nicely with an early trip to Tallahassee before FSU has all of its players back from suspension and a Thursday night home game against Clemson.

2. Clemson (Aug. 6)-- 10-2, 6-2 -- There's not a better set of skill players in the conference, although the offensive line has some holes. So does the defense, especially at linebacker. Clemson seems to be everyone's pick to win the ACC and I think they have a shot, but look for the Tigers to stumble against some team that shouldn't beat them (at UVa.?). Look, I like Clemson, just not as much as I like Wake.

3. Maryland (Aug. 19)-- 9-3, 5-3 -- This is my surprise team. I do wonder who will be the quarterback, but if the Terps can settle on one guy things will be just fine in College Park. Even with losses at running back, the Terps have talent, and the receivers are among the best in the conference. The defense could be a problem, although linebacker looks like a strength for Maryland.

4. Florida State (Aug. 7)-- 6-6, 4-4 -- A tough schedule and questions at quarterback worry me when it comes to FSU. The offensive line will also be a headache all season. The linebackers will be solid, but the Seminoles could struggle up front and in the secondary (again) on defense. If FSU stays healthy and proves it can score points, maybe things improve over recent years, but I don't see it.

5. North Carolina State (Aug. 20)- 6-6, 4-4 -- Like FSU and Maryland in this division, NC State needs to settle on a quarterback. If healthy (a big if) the running backs are very talented and may be the best part of this offense. I like the defensive line, but the rest of the defense could be a problem. Next year this team could contend for a division title, but not this season with Wake and Clemson leading the way.

6. Boston College (Aug. 5)-- 5-7, 1-7 -- Josh Haden will be very good at BC, but I'm not sure that will be the case this season for the true freshman. If Chris Crane is solid, he will have some weapons at receiver, but the offensive line is a concern again. And I don't think Crane will win games late like Matt Ryan did last year. The defense is good enough, but has some questions, especially in the secondary. Last year was magical for the Eagles. This year, not so much.

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