Atlantic Division Preview and Predictions
July 26, 2012
By: Euan McCreath
Honestly, I really didn’t want to be like the rest of the members of the media and pick the Seminoles to finish first in the ACC Atlantic Division let alone pick them to win the ACC Champions. I mean the Noles received 72 of the 94 votes to win the division and 60 of the 95 votes to win the conference championship. I always like an underdog, I believe in under the radar teams coming out of nowhere to make their mark in college football and I love a good Cinderella story. But in the end I just couldn’t do it. Clemson whom I picked to finish second just doesn’t have the defense to consistently win big games and with an unproven inexperienced offensive line, I just can’t see them overtaking the Noles. So here’s the way I see the Atlantic Division ending up.
Noles to the BCS?
The Florida State Seminoles are the clear favorite in the ACC Atlantic Division this year mainly because of the talent of senior quarterback E.J. Manuel. Manuel showed signs of brilliance last year en route to leading Florida State to a 10 win season. He’s 13-4 as a starter and is only getting better. Another quality he brings to the table is toughness. I mean seriously he finished the Champs Sports Bowl with a fractured fibula and, with his team down by two touchdowns, rallied them back to win! I mean if playing hurt doesn’t get you the admiration of your teammates nothing will. His comeback performance was inspiring and is a big reason why he is so respected in the locker room. I asked E.J. what aspect of his game he’s worked on during the offseason to make him a better quarterback, and how healthy he is going into the season, “I’m a 100 percent healthy and happy because I’ve been staying out of the training room,” he chuckled. “I’ve been spending my free time learning plays and going over the offense. I absolutely think we should be in the National Championship conversation.”
Defense will again reign supreme in Tallahassee. It’s been the defense over the last decade that has carried the Seminoles to their success and after giving up an ACC best 15 points per game and a mere 275 yards per game last season, head coach Jimbo Fisher expects more of the same. “Mark Stoops does a great job. When your defense is great you are always in the game.” Defensive end Brandon Jenkins added these thoughts, “Coach Stoops always emphasizes to us the importance of being disciplined and just being in the right spot and if we do that somebody will make a play.” “I think knowledge of your personnel is another key, you have to be able to move guys around and the versatility our players bring to the table has been a big part of our success in the past, and will again be this year,” added Fisher.
I expect a dominating performance by the Seminoles this year. With Jenkins leading the way up front, and two of the four secondary starters (Lamarcus Joyner S, and Greg Reid CB) being named preseason ALL ACC along with him, I anticipate the Seminole defense to sit atop the ACC again. Coupled with the maturation of E.J. Manuel, I favor the Noles to win the Atlantic Division.
Tigers Got Their Bite Back?
Last year the Clemson Tigers looked amazing out of the gates storming to an 8-0 record. Dabo Swinney’s team was clicking on all cylinders and everyone thought the Tigers are for real! Right? In addition, quarterback Tajh Boyd was playing great, while it seemed the entire college football landscape became enamored with the freshman sensation wide receiver Sammy Watkins. Then the Tigers lost their ferocity all together. Despite beating Virginia Teach for the ACC Championship, they still lost three of their final five games, and then got embarrassed in the Orange Bowl where West Virginia beat them by 37 points. Their 10 win season would have been more impressive if they hadn’t won their first eight. So what will be the key to building on their 10-4 season from a year ago? I talked to Clemson center Dalton Freeman about that and the fact that the Tigers had lost more than half of their offensive linemen. “I’m going into my fourth year as a starter and we’re definitely in a transition on the offensive line this year, but I think we recruited the right guys to step in, guys that want to play and are eager to learn.”
Coach Swinney had high praise for his first team All-ACC center, “It all starts upfront, Dalton is like having another coach on my staff. He’s incredibly smart and focused as a leader. He’s been out there with the young guys all summer. It’s very important for our new guys on the offensive line that they get that type of leadership from him.”
Returning is quarterback Tajh Boyd who led the ACC in accounting for 38 touchdowns as well as 273 passing yards per game. Also back is All American wide receiver Sammy Watkins and preseason All-ACC running back Andre Ellington. They will challenge the Seminoles with their explosiveness, but remember they gave up almost 400 yards defensively last year and had the 68th ranked defense!
WolfPack in the Middle of the Pack
N.C. State finished the year red hot by winning their final three games, pushing their record to 8-5. The last of these victories was an impressive bowl win over Louisville by the score of 31-24 in the Belk Bowl. The Wolfpack were incredibly disciplined in taking care of the football last season, leading the ACC in turnover margin which was a big reason for their success. They had 27, COUNT THEM 27 interceptions last year! The Hokies were the next closest team with 16. David Amerson had 13 of them, best in the nation. Earl Wolff is a formidable hard hitting safety and together they make up what could be the best secondary in the division. Quarterback Mike Glennon is an effective quarterback who takes care of the football and this year, with four out of his five offensive linemen returning, he feels like the Wolfpack can really flourish on offense, “I’m really excited about the guys we have on the offensive line. These are all the guys I came in with my freshman year. Establishing our running game will be a big part of our success this year and will also help alleviate some pressure on me.” I like Glennon’s discipline taking care of the football but he’s also a playmaker throwing for 31 touchdowns and finishing third in the ACC in yards. The problem is on the ground where N.C. State finished next to last in rushing per attempt averaging three yards per carry. I think the offensive line will be better but by how much?
The WolfPack have a very favorable schedule. They start with games at Tennessee and Connecticut which I think they will win, and then they play South Alabama and The Citadel so they could potentially be 4-0 before a showdown against the U in Miami. In the end I expect them to be good but the pressure of not having a running game will wear on Glennon.
Can Wake Exercise Their Demons?
There’s no question Wake Forest Demon Deacon head coach Jim Grobe got the most out of his team last year. Quarterback Tanner Price made great strides in helping the Deacons average over 26 points per game, eight in the conference. Wake Forest returns only three offensive starters this year so the development of their young players and the chemistry will be paramount to their success this year. “I’m hoping for a lot from Tanner this year,” commented Grobe when asked about his expectations from his quarterback. “He wasn’t ready to play as a true freshman, but after all the injuries we had we didn’t have a choice two years ago. He did a great job taking care of the football last year. If he can make the same improvements this season that he did from his freshman year to his sophomore year, we are going to be in great shape.”
“We have a new offensive line coach and they looked really good in the spring, quarterback Tanner Price commented. “ I feel good where we are at. My role is to continue to progress and win. I mean at the end of the day last year we had a losing record. It’s a long season and I think we have to develop more mental toughness.”
I agree Tanner but there are too many unproven intangibles to make me think you will excel this season.
Beware the Turtle?
Maryland Terrapins begin the 2012 campaign with high aspirations after a tumultuous 2011 season. The Terrapin defense leaked like a sieve last year giving up over 34 points a game, worst in the ACC. They were 1-7 in conference play and 2-10 overall. That’s the primary reason for the hire of new defensive coordinator Brian Stewart “Coach Stewart is a high energy guy and I’m excited for the season to start, “stated second team All American and first team All-ACC defensive lineman Joe Vallano.
“We had a situation last year where we had a couple of players that just didn’t want to be a part of our program,” remarked second year head coach Randy Edsall. “The remaining players just banded together and played as hard as they could. This year we had our winter conditioning program and you could just see the camaraderie building. We had the 35th best recruiting class come to Maryland after we had just won two games, so I know we are on the right track. C.J. Brown is our leader. He’s voted captain as a junior and we’re excited about the ability that C.J. brings to the table.”
With the hiring of both new offensive and defensive coordinators, there is reason for excitement back in the Maryland program. Brown threw six interceptions and seven touchdowns in 166 pass attempts. New coordinators can change a lot but I think it will take time. The defense will be better but I’m just not sold on Brown and his potential to bring the Terrapins to the forefront of the ACC. In addition the Terps will be tested early and often as their schedule has nine teams that made it to bowl games last year.
Can the Eagles soar or can they even get off the ground?
Boston College had an awful season last year. Their hopes of being competitive in the ACC took a huge blow in May when head coach Frank Spaziani announced that Boston College running back Montel Harris was dismissed from the team. The Eagle offense was ranked 112th in the nation and, although Harris only played in two games last season the loss is enormous. Remember this was a team that barely averaged 18 points a game, worst in the ACC. They had two three game losing streaks en route to compiling a 4-8 record. However they did win their last game of the season, a 24-17 win against Miami, the same team they will open their season with this year.
Head Coach Frank Spaziani offered these thoughts about his team’s 2012 outlook, “One of the things that’s remained the same throughout the time I’ve been here at BC is that our guys come to work everyday. They understand what the problems are. You could watch the way we practice everyday and never know what our record was. There was never a moral problem in our program. We gained some valuable experience last year and we will build on it this year. I feel good about the chemistry that’s building between our offense and our offensive coordinator.”
Montel Harris was their best offensive player coming into this season. He’s BC’s all time leading rusher. With a less than average passing game and losing their defensive leader Luke Keuchly to the NFL, it looks like it’s going to be another long season for Eagle fans.
July 26, 2012
By: Euan McCreath
Honestly, I really didn’t want to be like the rest of the members of the media and pick the Seminoles to finish first in the ACC Atlantic Division let alone pick them to win the ACC Champions. I mean the Noles received 72 of the 94 votes to win the division and 60 of the 95 votes to win the conference championship. I always like an underdog, I believe in under the radar teams coming out of nowhere to make their mark in college football and I love a good Cinderella story. But in the end I just couldn’t do it. Clemson whom I picked to finish second just doesn’t have the defense to consistently win big games and with an unproven inexperienced offensive line, I just can’t see them overtaking the Noles. So here’s the way I see the Atlantic Division ending up.
Noles to the BCS?
The Florida State Seminoles are the clear favorite in the ACC Atlantic Division this year mainly because of the talent of senior quarterback E.J. Manuel. Manuel showed signs of brilliance last year en route to leading Florida State to a 10 win season. He’s 13-4 as a starter and is only getting better. Another quality he brings to the table is toughness. I mean seriously he finished the Champs Sports Bowl with a fractured fibula and, with his team down by two touchdowns, rallied them back to win! I mean if playing hurt doesn’t get you the admiration of your teammates nothing will. His comeback performance was inspiring and is a big reason why he is so respected in the locker room. I asked E.J. what aspect of his game he’s worked on during the offseason to make him a better quarterback, and how healthy he is going into the season, “I’m a 100 percent healthy and happy because I’ve been staying out of the training room,” he chuckled. “I’ve been spending my free time learning plays and going over the offense. I absolutely think we should be in the National Championship conversation.”
Defense will again reign supreme in Tallahassee. It’s been the defense over the last decade that has carried the Seminoles to their success and after giving up an ACC best 15 points per game and a mere 275 yards per game last season, head coach Jimbo Fisher expects more of the same. “Mark Stoops does a great job. When your defense is great you are always in the game.” Defensive end Brandon Jenkins added these thoughts, “Coach Stoops always emphasizes to us the importance of being disciplined and just being in the right spot and if we do that somebody will make a play.” “I think knowledge of your personnel is another key, you have to be able to move guys around and the versatility our players bring to the table has been a big part of our success in the past, and will again be this year,” added Fisher.
I expect a dominating performance by the Seminoles this year. With Jenkins leading the way up front, and two of the four secondary starters (Lamarcus Joyner S, and Greg Reid CB) being named preseason ALL ACC along with him, I anticipate the Seminole defense to sit atop the ACC again. Coupled with the maturation of E.J. Manuel, I favor the Noles to win the Atlantic Division.
Tigers Got Their Bite Back?
Last year the Clemson Tigers looked amazing out of the gates storming to an 8-0 record. Dabo Swinney’s team was clicking on all cylinders and everyone thought the Tigers are for real! Right? In addition, quarterback Tajh Boyd was playing great, while it seemed the entire college football landscape became enamored with the freshman sensation wide receiver Sammy Watkins. Then the Tigers lost their ferocity all together. Despite beating Virginia Teach for the ACC Championship, they still lost three of their final five games, and then got embarrassed in the Orange Bowl where West Virginia beat them by 37 points. Their 10 win season would have been more impressive if they hadn’t won their first eight. So what will be the key to building on their 10-4 season from a year ago? I talked to Clemson center Dalton Freeman about that and the fact that the Tigers had lost more than half of their offensive linemen. “I’m going into my fourth year as a starter and we’re definitely in a transition on the offensive line this year, but I think we recruited the right guys to step in, guys that want to play and are eager to learn.”
Coach Swinney had high praise for his first team All-ACC center, “It all starts upfront, Dalton is like having another coach on my staff. He’s incredibly smart and focused as a leader. He’s been out there with the young guys all summer. It’s very important for our new guys on the offensive line that they get that type of leadership from him.”
Returning is quarterback Tajh Boyd who led the ACC in accounting for 38 touchdowns as well as 273 passing yards per game. Also back is All American wide receiver Sammy Watkins and preseason All-ACC running back Andre Ellington. They will challenge the Seminoles with their explosiveness, but remember they gave up almost 400 yards defensively last year and had the 68th ranked defense!
WolfPack in the Middle of the Pack
N.C. State finished the year red hot by winning their final three games, pushing their record to 8-5. The last of these victories was an impressive bowl win over Louisville by the score of 31-24 in the Belk Bowl. The Wolfpack were incredibly disciplined in taking care of the football last season, leading the ACC in turnover margin which was a big reason for their success. They had 27, COUNT THEM 27 interceptions last year! The Hokies were the next closest team with 16. David Amerson had 13 of them, best in the nation. Earl Wolff is a formidable hard hitting safety and together they make up what could be the best secondary in the division. Quarterback Mike Glennon is an effective quarterback who takes care of the football and this year, with four out of his five offensive linemen returning, he feels like the Wolfpack can really flourish on offense, “I’m really excited about the guys we have on the offensive line. These are all the guys I came in with my freshman year. Establishing our running game will be a big part of our success this year and will also help alleviate some pressure on me.” I like Glennon’s discipline taking care of the football but he’s also a playmaker throwing for 31 touchdowns and finishing third in the ACC in yards. The problem is on the ground where N.C. State finished next to last in rushing per attempt averaging three yards per carry. I think the offensive line will be better but by how much?
The WolfPack have a very favorable schedule. They start with games at Tennessee and Connecticut which I think they will win, and then they play South Alabama and The Citadel so they could potentially be 4-0 before a showdown against the U in Miami. In the end I expect them to be good but the pressure of not having a running game will wear on Glennon.
Can Wake Exercise Their Demons?
There’s no question Wake Forest Demon Deacon head coach Jim Grobe got the most out of his team last year. Quarterback Tanner Price made great strides in helping the Deacons average over 26 points per game, eight in the conference. Wake Forest returns only three offensive starters this year so the development of their young players and the chemistry will be paramount to their success this year. “I’m hoping for a lot from Tanner this year,” commented Grobe when asked about his expectations from his quarterback. “He wasn’t ready to play as a true freshman, but after all the injuries we had we didn’t have a choice two years ago. He did a great job taking care of the football last year. If he can make the same improvements this season that he did from his freshman year to his sophomore year, we are going to be in great shape.”
“We have a new offensive line coach and they looked really good in the spring, quarterback Tanner Price commented. “ I feel good where we are at. My role is to continue to progress and win. I mean at the end of the day last year we had a losing record. It’s a long season and I think we have to develop more mental toughness.”
I agree Tanner but there are too many unproven intangibles to make me think you will excel this season.
Beware the Turtle?
Maryland Terrapins begin the 2012 campaign with high aspirations after a tumultuous 2011 season. The Terrapin defense leaked like a sieve last year giving up over 34 points a game, worst in the ACC. They were 1-7 in conference play and 2-10 overall. That’s the primary reason for the hire of new defensive coordinator Brian Stewart “Coach Stewart is a high energy guy and I’m excited for the season to start, “stated second team All American and first team All-ACC defensive lineman Joe Vallano.
“We had a situation last year where we had a couple of players that just didn’t want to be a part of our program,” remarked second year head coach Randy Edsall. “The remaining players just banded together and played as hard as they could. This year we had our winter conditioning program and you could just see the camaraderie building. We had the 35th best recruiting class come to Maryland after we had just won two games, so I know we are on the right track. C.J. Brown is our leader. He’s voted captain as a junior and we’re excited about the ability that C.J. brings to the table.”
With the hiring of both new offensive and defensive coordinators, there is reason for excitement back in the Maryland program. Brown threw six interceptions and seven touchdowns in 166 pass attempts. New coordinators can change a lot but I think it will take time. The defense will be better but I’m just not sold on Brown and his potential to bring the Terrapins to the forefront of the ACC. In addition the Terps will be tested early and often as their schedule has nine teams that made it to bowl games last year.
Can the Eagles soar or can they even get off the ground?
Boston College had an awful season last year. Their hopes of being competitive in the ACC took a huge blow in May when head coach Frank Spaziani announced that Boston College running back Montel Harris was dismissed from the team. The Eagle offense was ranked 112th in the nation and, although Harris only played in two games last season the loss is enormous. Remember this was a team that barely averaged 18 points a game, worst in the ACC. They had two three game losing streaks en route to compiling a 4-8 record. However they did win their last game of the season, a 24-17 win against Miami, the same team they will open their season with this year.
Head Coach Frank Spaziani offered these thoughts about his team’s 2012 outlook, “One of the things that’s remained the same throughout the time I’ve been here at BC is that our guys come to work everyday. They understand what the problems are. You could watch the way we practice everyday and never know what our record was. There was never a moral problem in our program. We gained some valuable experience last year and we will build on it this year. I feel good about the chemistry that’s building between our offense and our offensive coordinator.”
Montel Harris was their best offensive player coming into this season. He’s BC’s all time leading rusher. With a less than average passing game and losing their defensive leader Luke Keuchly to the NFL, it looks like it’s going to be another long season for Eagle fans.
ACC Coastal Division Preview and Predictions
July 29, 2012
By: Euan McCreath
Every year change envelops college football, from coaching changes to graduating seniors to conference realignment. However, when I think of the Virginia Tech football program one of my mother’s favorite sayings come to mind, “The more things change the more they stay the same.” Frank Beamer and his eight consecutive 10 win seasons return for his 26th season of Hokie football, perhaps none more filled with BCS aspirations. With nine returning starters on defense and one of the most talented quarterbacks in the country, it’s easy for me to pick the Hokies to win the Coastal Division of the ACC.
Beamer will win ten more this season!
When I break down the Hokie defense they have a potential All American at each level. First, at the defensive end position James Gayle is a big time playmaker and can do everything well; then at linebacker Bruce Taylor and finally in the secondary cornerback Kyle Fuller who for me will definitely be an All-American. They led the ACC in sacks last year with 41 and with all that experience coming back, they will be a force to reckon with.
The one concern I have with Tech is the offensive line. Losing four out of five offensive linemen is an unsettling feeling for any program but Frank Beamer doesn’t seem to be too bothered by it. “Our offensive tackles haven’t started but they are very talented. Logan is the right kind of guy to lead the team, he’s a great guy. I think the offensive line will play as hard as they can for him, we’ll be fine.”
“People would think that losing David Wilson would put more pressure on me but it doesn’t. It will be tough to make up for his 1,700 yards but that’s why we have three running backs to do just that,” remarked quarterback Logan Thomas about no longer having running back David Wilson in the backfield. “I have to take care of the ball to win games. I just want to get the ball into the hands of our playmakers.”
Although the line is untested the experience and playmaking abilities of the defense at least for me propels the Hokies over the Yellow Jackets for first place in the division. Coincidently, Georgia Tech heads to Blacksburg to face Virginia Tech on September 3rd to open the season.
Yellow Jackets Have Plenty of Sting Left
The only team I see challenging Virginia Tech is Georgia Tech. With Paul Johnson’s patented triple option attack and all the returning starters who were so effective last year, how can you not love the Yellow Jackets team? “This is the best overall group of offensive linemen we’ve had at Tech. We are excited about this season. Tevin (Washington) has matured and has become more of a leader and the guys look up to his work ethic,” commented Johnson about his offense. Orwin Smith has flourished in the option game, he’s an explosive player who has breakaway speed and averaged over 100 yards rushing per game. Last year the offense averaged over 34 points per game, best in the ACC. When asked about the things he’s worked on during the offseason, quarterback Tevin Washington responded by saying, “Well I’ve been working on being more vocal as a leader, to try and encourage the guys everyday when we go to work. We started off the year great but we didn’t finish. One drill at a time, the most important thing we need to do is finish games.” There’s a lot to like about the Yellow Jackets but I just don’t see them overtaking the Hokies.
Cavaliers Continue to Get Better
2011 ACC Coach of the Year Mike London and his Cavaliers had a great season last year at 8-5 and were the surprise of the Conference. Fourth in total offense, the Cavaliers welcome back quarterback Michael Rocco. Coach London offered these thoughts about his starting quarterback, “Michael comes from a football family, his father played at Penn State. He has a vast understanding of the game. He has leadership capabilities and he knows what’s expected of him on the field. He has to make better decisions with the football. He’s got a year with our offense under his belt so now he is more experienced. He just has to execute on a more consistent basis.” Rocco only averaged 205 yards passing per game while throwing for 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. I fully expect him and the Virginia offense to rely on the ground game to win games.
Virginia must be more disciplined taking care of the football. Only one team, Duke, had a worse turnover margin. I expect running back Perry Jones to carry the load and why not, he averaged five yards per carry last year. The more the Cavs run the better behind Perry and Kevin Parks who combined for over 1,600 yards last season. When teams gang up on the run and the Cavaliers must pass I’m just not buying Rocco making the big plays in critical situations.
Heels Still A Few Steps Away
First year head coach Larry Fedora is coming into a tough situation in Chapel Hill. His team has no chance of going to a bowl game this year due to NCAA sanctions. However that doesn’t seem to damper his enthusiasm entering his first season as the UNC head coach. “I’m very passionate about the game of football and I want our coaches flying around as much as the players are.”
Starting quarterback Bryn Renner is looking for a breakout season this year, “I threw too many interceptions last year and this year I have to take better care of the ball.” The Tar Heels averaged over two turnovers a game so if they are going to get things turned around they had better start with holding onto the football. Larry Fedora is bringing an up-tempo attacking style offense to Chapel Hill so I asked him what he saw in Bryn that would allow him to implement this kind of offense with such confidence.
“Even before I got here, Bryn had downloaded our plays and was starting to learn the system by downloading our offense to his ipad. Then, when I got here and saw the time that he allocated in the film room and studying the playbook, I knew there was something about this kid. He can make all the throws and is constantly getting better managing the offense. He’s a quarterback with all the intangibles and he’s a hard worker, leader and well respected in the locker room.”
Sophomore speedster Giovani Bernard had a great season at running back last year, averaging over five yards per carry and will have to play even better if the Heels are to contend.
TheUniversity of North Carolina will be good but with this new system it will take another year for them to be competitive for atop the ACC.
Miami’s facing it’s own Hurricane
With dangerous clouds lurking over the Miami football program, the Hurricanes could be in for one themselves as possible NCAA sanctions could be enforced on the program at any time. Head coach Al Golden’s team went 6-6 last year and, with an unproven quarterback and a ton of freshmen, I see the Canes staying right at 500 again this year. “The leadership and continuity on our team has to be consistent and it was at times last year, but you have to be able to maintain it throughout the season,” head Coach Al Golden remarked. “I believe the system is better than a 6-6 record. We were up and down in the weight room, the practice field and it translated onto the field.”
Starting running back Mike James thinks the Canes can win some of the close games they lost last year by doing the little things. “We are working on being a more disciplined football team. We lost some heartbreakers last year. We will be smarter and more conditioned this year and we also have to get rid of our mental mistakes.”
Junior Stephen Morris and transfer Ryan Williams will be competing for the starting quarterback job, and if you have two guys who are still competing then one isn’t much better than the other. Besides, as Mike James put it, there are a lot of facets the Canes must improve on and with untested young talent the Canes will stay where they were last year, an average team in the ACC.
Blue Devils Continue to Sing the Blues in the ACC
Duke may not contend this year in the ACC Coastal Division but they have one of the best stories in college football. Defensive lineman Kenny Anunike is back after a devastating knee injury that sidelined him just four games in the 2011 season. The Duke defense let up over 31 points per game and, aside from wide receiver Conner Vernon as a pre-season All Conference selection, I don’t see the Blue Devils making a lot of noise this year.
Head Coach David Cutcliffe is entering his fourth season as the head coach and although he is optimistic about his team’s competitiveness I don’t see many wins on their schedule. They were 3-9 last season and think they will be again this year. Kenny Anunike is a great story. Here’s a guy who has a great attitude and is working hard to play the game he loves. Remember in 2008 he sat out the entire season while recovering from knee surgery. How can you not route for a guy whose gone through so much. Anunike is ready to get back on the field to lead the Blue Devil defense. “Kenny has had a phenomenal spirit through all this. He has had a wonderful off season and I expect a great season from Kenny, he’s a player that has all the tools,” remarked Cutcliffe about his preseason All-ACC defensive end.
A couple of good stories with Vernon and Anunike but in the end I see another typical Duke football season.
July 29, 2012
By: Euan McCreath
Every year change envelops college football, from coaching changes to graduating seniors to conference realignment. However, when I think of the Virginia Tech football program one of my mother’s favorite sayings come to mind, “The more things change the more they stay the same.” Frank Beamer and his eight consecutive 10 win seasons return for his 26th season of Hokie football, perhaps none more filled with BCS aspirations. With nine returning starters on defense and one of the most talented quarterbacks in the country, it’s easy for me to pick the Hokies to win the Coastal Division of the ACC.
Beamer will win ten more this season!
When I break down the Hokie defense they have a potential All American at each level. First, at the defensive end position James Gayle is a big time playmaker and can do everything well; then at linebacker Bruce Taylor and finally in the secondary cornerback Kyle Fuller who for me will definitely be an All-American. They led the ACC in sacks last year with 41 and with all that experience coming back, they will be a force to reckon with.
The one concern I have with Tech is the offensive line. Losing four out of five offensive linemen is an unsettling feeling for any program but Frank Beamer doesn’t seem to be too bothered by it. “Our offensive tackles haven’t started but they are very talented. Logan is the right kind of guy to lead the team, he’s a great guy. I think the offensive line will play as hard as they can for him, we’ll be fine.”
“People would think that losing David Wilson would put more pressure on me but it doesn’t. It will be tough to make up for his 1,700 yards but that’s why we have three running backs to do just that,” remarked quarterback Logan Thomas about no longer having running back David Wilson in the backfield. “I have to take care of the ball to win games. I just want to get the ball into the hands of our playmakers.”
Although the line is untested the experience and playmaking abilities of the defense at least for me propels the Hokies over the Yellow Jackets for first place in the division. Coincidently, Georgia Tech heads to Blacksburg to face Virginia Tech on September 3rd to open the season.
Yellow Jackets Have Plenty of Sting Left
The only team I see challenging Virginia Tech is Georgia Tech. With Paul Johnson’s patented triple option attack and all the returning starters who were so effective last year, how can you not love the Yellow Jackets team? “This is the best overall group of offensive linemen we’ve had at Tech. We are excited about this season. Tevin (Washington) has matured and has become more of a leader and the guys look up to his work ethic,” commented Johnson about his offense. Orwin Smith has flourished in the option game, he’s an explosive player who has breakaway speed and averaged over 100 yards rushing per game. Last year the offense averaged over 34 points per game, best in the ACC. When asked about the things he’s worked on during the offseason, quarterback Tevin Washington responded by saying, “Well I’ve been working on being more vocal as a leader, to try and encourage the guys everyday when we go to work. We started off the year great but we didn’t finish. One drill at a time, the most important thing we need to do is finish games.” There’s a lot to like about the Yellow Jackets but I just don’t see them overtaking the Hokies.
Cavaliers Continue to Get Better
2011 ACC Coach of the Year Mike London and his Cavaliers had a great season last year at 8-5 and were the surprise of the Conference. Fourth in total offense, the Cavaliers welcome back quarterback Michael Rocco. Coach London offered these thoughts about his starting quarterback, “Michael comes from a football family, his father played at Penn State. He has a vast understanding of the game. He has leadership capabilities and he knows what’s expected of him on the field. He has to make better decisions with the football. He’s got a year with our offense under his belt so now he is more experienced. He just has to execute on a more consistent basis.” Rocco only averaged 205 yards passing per game while throwing for 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. I fully expect him and the Virginia offense to rely on the ground game to win games.
Virginia must be more disciplined taking care of the football. Only one team, Duke, had a worse turnover margin. I expect running back Perry Jones to carry the load and why not, he averaged five yards per carry last year. The more the Cavs run the better behind Perry and Kevin Parks who combined for over 1,600 yards last season. When teams gang up on the run and the Cavaliers must pass I’m just not buying Rocco making the big plays in critical situations.
Heels Still A Few Steps Away
First year head coach Larry Fedora is coming into a tough situation in Chapel Hill. His team has no chance of going to a bowl game this year due to NCAA sanctions. However that doesn’t seem to damper his enthusiasm entering his first season as the UNC head coach. “I’m very passionate about the game of football and I want our coaches flying around as much as the players are.”
Starting quarterback Bryn Renner is looking for a breakout season this year, “I threw too many interceptions last year and this year I have to take better care of the ball.” The Tar Heels averaged over two turnovers a game so if they are going to get things turned around they had better start with holding onto the football. Larry Fedora is bringing an up-tempo attacking style offense to Chapel Hill so I asked him what he saw in Bryn that would allow him to implement this kind of offense with such confidence.
“Even before I got here, Bryn had downloaded our plays and was starting to learn the system by downloading our offense to his ipad. Then, when I got here and saw the time that he allocated in the film room and studying the playbook, I knew there was something about this kid. He can make all the throws and is constantly getting better managing the offense. He’s a quarterback with all the intangibles and he’s a hard worker, leader and well respected in the locker room.”
Sophomore speedster Giovani Bernard had a great season at running back last year, averaging over five yards per carry and will have to play even better if the Heels are to contend.
TheUniversity of North Carolina will be good but with this new system it will take another year for them to be competitive for atop the ACC.
Miami’s facing it’s own Hurricane
With dangerous clouds lurking over the Miami football program, the Hurricanes could be in for one themselves as possible NCAA sanctions could be enforced on the program at any time. Head coach Al Golden’s team went 6-6 last year and, with an unproven quarterback and a ton of freshmen, I see the Canes staying right at 500 again this year. “The leadership and continuity on our team has to be consistent and it was at times last year, but you have to be able to maintain it throughout the season,” head Coach Al Golden remarked. “I believe the system is better than a 6-6 record. We were up and down in the weight room, the practice field and it translated onto the field.”
Starting running back Mike James thinks the Canes can win some of the close games they lost last year by doing the little things. “We are working on being a more disciplined football team. We lost some heartbreakers last year. We will be smarter and more conditioned this year and we also have to get rid of our mental mistakes.”
Junior Stephen Morris and transfer Ryan Williams will be competing for the starting quarterback job, and if you have two guys who are still competing then one isn’t much better than the other. Besides, as Mike James put it, there are a lot of facets the Canes must improve on and with untested young talent the Canes will stay where they were last year, an average team in the ACC.
Blue Devils Continue to Sing the Blues in the ACC
Duke may not contend this year in the ACC Coastal Division but they have one of the best stories in college football. Defensive lineman Kenny Anunike is back after a devastating knee injury that sidelined him just four games in the 2011 season. The Duke defense let up over 31 points per game and, aside from wide receiver Conner Vernon as a pre-season All Conference selection, I don’t see the Blue Devils making a lot of noise this year.
Head Coach David Cutcliffe is entering his fourth season as the head coach and although he is optimistic about his team’s competitiveness I don’t see many wins on their schedule. They were 3-9 last season and think they will be again this year. Kenny Anunike is a great story. Here’s a guy who has a great attitude and is working hard to play the game he loves. Remember in 2008 he sat out the entire season while recovering from knee surgery. How can you not route for a guy whose gone through so much. Anunike is ready to get back on the field to lead the Blue Devil defense. “Kenny has had a phenomenal spirit through all this. He has had a wonderful off season and I expect a great season from Kenny, he’s a player that has all the tools,” remarked Cutcliffe about his preseason All-ACC defensive end.
A couple of good stories with Vernon and Anunike but in the end I see another typical Duke football season.
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NC State Senior QB Mike Glennon
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