Can Florida State win the ACC Atlantic?
All of us are allowed to call an audible from time to time and I called one last night.
I was going through my preseason magazines and breaking down the ACC and SEC predictions as promised. Then I realized it would make sense to go ahead and get my own predictions out there now so that you could compare them to the magazines and then offer up your own. Obviously, we’ll be revisiting all of this stuff after practice starts.
So here is the new lineup:
Today: ACC Atlantic
Friday: ACC Coastal
Monday: SEC East
Tuesday: SEC West
For those of you who give me a hard time for not putting enough ACC football on this blog, well, here is your shot. Step up and show me the level of your interest because the next two days are going to be devoted to ACC football.
To the SEC boys and girls: Be patient and be nice. Your time is coming on Monday and Tuesday.
Okay, here we go. Here is how the five magazines I use for reference picked the order of finish in the ACC Atlantic:
ACC ATLANTIC
Athlon: Florida State, N.C. State, Clemson, Wake Forest, Boston College, Maryland
Lindy’s: Florida State, Wake Forest, Clemson, N.C. State, Boston College, Maryland
Phil Steele: Clemson, Florida State, Boston College (tie 3rd), N.C. State (tie 3rd), Wake Forest, Maryland
Sporting News: Florida State, N.C. State, Wake Forest, Clemson, Maryland, Boston College
The Kickoff: N.C. State, Wake Forest, Clemson, Florida State, Maryland, Boston College
What we learned: Phil Steele has a pretty good track record of picking teams that are ready for a breakout season. That is why his pick of Clemson is so interesting. The other interesting pick is N.C. State in The Kickoff. Their ACC preview was written by Dan Collins of the Winston-Salem newspaper who, in my opinion, is one of the most knowledgeable writers who covers the ACC. He likes N.C. State because it is the third year under coach Tom O’Brien and because the Wolfpack has Russell Wilson, who was the All-ACC quarterback as a true freshman. Dan also spends a lot of time at Wake Forest, and likes the Deacons at No. 2 in the Atlantic despite losing seven players on defense who combined for 260 career starts. One of those, LB Aaron Curry, was a first-round draft choice. CB Alphonso Smith, the all-time leader in ACC interceptions with 21, is also gone. Despite losing six starters on the defense, Florida State was picked to win the division by three of the magazines.
TONY’S PICKS
Florida State: There are so many intangibles with Florida State that it’s hard to know where to start. I just think the offensive line is going to be dramatically better in the third year under OL coach Rick Trickett. I like Christian Ponder at quarterback and he’ll get some help from redshirt freshman E.J. Manuel, who missed most of the spring with a broken finger. Despite the losses on defense, I believe there are finally enough good athletes in the program for DC Mickey Andrews to put together a good unit.
Clemson: Part of me wants to move Clemson into the No. 1 hole because of RB C.J. Spiller, WR Jacoby Ford, and a defense that returns eight starters and will be playing with more of an attitude under new coordinator Kevin Steele. I also like the energy that new coach Dabo Swinney has brought to the program. But Clemson has to prove to me that it knows how to win the big game. The Tigers won’t have to wait long because they go to Georgia Tech on Sept. 10.
N.C. State: The Wolfpack has Wilson and a stable of good running backs. But there are still questions on the offensive line. O’Brien is a helluva coach and if those issues up front can be ironed out, the Wolfpack just may surprise South Carolina on Sept. 3 in Raleigh.
Wake Forest: Does anybody do a better job of coaching up talent than Jim Grobe? The Deacons, once the doormat of the ACC, have now won 28 games in the past three seasons, including the 2006 ACC championship. The Deacons also have QB Riley Skinner, who is the most accurate passer in ACC history (67.3 percent).
Boston College: The Eagles have lost their starting quarterback (Dominique Davis) to academics which means Justin Tuggle, son of Jessie, has to step up. BC lost its best overall player (LB Mark Herzlich), who will sit out this season as he battles cancer. The Eagles have a new head coach in veteran DC Frank Spaziani.
Maryland: The Terps have their offense back on track with James Franklin calling the plays for QB Chris Turner and RB Da’Rel Scott (1,133 yards in 2008). But the issues last season were on defense and veteran Don Brown has been called in to fix it. He’ll have to work some magic, which includes replacing seven starters, in order to keep the Terps out of the cellar.
Okay. You’ve read the magazines’ pick. You’re read my picks. Now what are yours?
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181 comments Add your comment
Andy
July 9th, 2009
9:19 am
TB:
I’ll admit it. I’m a Clemson homer, but I think the Tigers might surprise this year. I think with lowered expectations compared to last year, they will be better than most beleive. When you have the explosive combo of Spiller and Ford, you have a home-run threat everytime they touch the ball. A lot will depend on who emerges as QB this fall. Someone has to get the ball to Ford and Spiller. Korn/Parker don’t have to win the game for us, but they can’t make too many first year mistakes.
Go Tigers!
Cb@CB.com
July 9th, 2009
9:36 am
The Clemson Taters will be lousy this year. Dabo is a joke.
jconservative
July 9th, 2009
9:39 am
I like Fla State & NC State in the Atlantic.
I am a Tech fan but I reallt like the State coach.
He is a proven winner. And it appears Bowden finally has put together a good staff after losing so many over the years.
Kid Ray
July 9th, 2009
9:47 am
I sense BC just hired their Larry Coker in Frank Spaziani. He will lead BC into a downward spiral until he is fired (along with their dumb AD) in two years.
Alsa Raldo
July 9th, 2009
9:48 am
Why would it be a surprise if NC State beats SC ?
Tommy Bow Wow den
July 9th, 2009
9:49 am
Clemson sux…….. Dabo backstabbs too……
JCCNOLE
July 9th, 2009
9:50 am
What we’ve learned from the ACC the last few years is that ANYTHING can happen. I know someone’s got to predict results because we’re all starving for college football right now; and that’s just how we are. The Noles have a tough schedule this year so I’m not optimistic. 8-4, 9-3 at best, second or third in the Atlantic. But here’s hoping for big things!!! GO NOLES!!!!!
Stumpy's Bear
July 9th, 2009
9:50 am
First of all, thank you Tony for providing us ACC fans a great chance to talk about what will be a VERY strong conference this year. With that said:
Atlantic:
1. FSU
2. NC State
3. Wake Forest
4. Clemson
5. Maryland
6. BC
Like the Coastal, this is going to be a tight race and likely come down to the final week. I thought FSU, as the second youngest team in the ACC, was a top 20 team last year they’ll only be better this year as a result. Ponder really looks set to come into his own and their Oline will be tough to crack. I think we’ll see Jimbo’s stamp on this team as well. NC State will also be a great team, O’Brien is a great coach and I think the division champ will be determined when FSU plays the Wolfpack and young talented QB. I like Wake Forest despite their losses b/c Skinner is really that good and adds another year to his belt, but I’m not sold on Clemson under Swinney in year one. They lost a lot and he just doesn’t have the administrative experience to be a success in his first year.
GT Rich
July 9th, 2009
9:54 am
I think it is a toss up between FSU, NC State and Wake with the slight edge to NC State. You can always count on Free Shoes U to have a wave of player suspensions for cheating, book stealing, assault, etc…. Clemson? No way. Spiller is good, but there was a reason why CJ never replaced James Davis as the go-to RB >> he is a 3rd down slasher RB / slot receiver type, not a power up-the-middle guy. NC State has a great QB plus don’t have to play GT (the other 3 can count on a loss to the Ramblin Wreck this year).
James
July 9th, 2009
9:55 am
That Maryland and BC are pretty universally thought of as the weakest of this division is good for the Hokies. The relative strength of the other four division teams is a big unknown until practices start going.
m
July 9th, 2009
9:57 am
Tony,
As you can see the ACC is very strong top to bottom, and is difficult to predict. It is not like the sec where you have floriduh and the 11 dwarfs. I will remind you that the sec had 4 teams ranked below last place Duke in the final Sagarin ratings (tennerseee, awBARN, arkysaw, and miss st.).
I will tell you that picking the FRIDGE for last place is dumb. Maryland is more likely to finish first than they are to finish last.
Obviously, you sec homer-gomers that know nothing about the acc (like your brethren on CSS) have to pick FSU and Va Tech becau;se you haven’t paid attention or done any homework. But Nc State of Maryland are just as likely to win this division as FSU or Clemson.
You might as well stick with the sec hype…because it is obvious you know nothing about the acc that finished 6-6 with oh so powerful sec last year.
Dwyer for H
July 9th, 2009
9:59 am
Phil Steele picked GT to be #85 last year… I admit he has been pretty good picking where alot of conferences fall… but he has flopped on his face with regards to the ACC over the years.. then again everybody has
m
July 9th, 2009
10:01 am
Tony,
Also the ACC has already sold out the ACC Championship game again and there will be another record crowd in attendance and a new record of TV viewers.
Something the SEC will never do. Another fact you conveniently omitted.
GT will win a national championship
July 9th, 2009
10:04 am
September 10 CJ Spiller and the Clemson Tigers are going to get the holy ever-loving smack kicked out of them.
Peadawg
July 9th, 2009
10:06 am
“Watch out for Clemson”
Didn’t we hear that last year? Do I need to remind you how they did?
T
July 9th, 2009
10:07 am
Thanks for the ACC coverage !!
NoleRick
July 9th, 2009
10:09 am
You can never predict the ACC, however, I do see the Noles finally making a bit of a comeback. We pretty much return the same team from last year, and I believe that Ponder with some experience under his belt will show great improvement.
ACCFan
July 9th, 2009
10:10 am
The ACC does not get the respect it deserves. I think this year will be a breakout year in terms of the depth and quality of the conference. In the Atlantic, I like Clemson to finally breakout and have the kind of season that people have expected for years. I am a Tech fan, and like our chances overall — but I think Clemson could be tough on the other side.
Josh
July 9th, 2009
10:14 am
As a Georgia Fan, this doesn’t really interest me. But, Barnhart also said watch out for Clemson and Bama flattened them first game of the season.
m
July 9th, 2009
10:14 am
Please note that the “m” at !0:01 am is an imposter.
Apparently a little hushpuppie that just can’t get over the 45-42 last fall. Glad it still hurts so bad.
GTMike
July 9th, 2009
10:16 am
What makes the ACC so entertaining is that it is so unpredictable. My sense is that Maryland will do OK, and NOT be in last place as you suggest TB. N C State has a QB, which has been sorely lacking in the ACC in recent years. But what that makes them capable of doing is winning any given game, I am not sure they have enough around him to sustain a positive result all season long. I am just not sold on Wake this year, as much as I respect Grobe as a coach, he has got to rebuild once in a while, and I think this is their rebuilding year. FSU and Clemson are “who knows?” kind of teams. Both teams have talent. Neither team is dominating. So much will depend on how their seasons unfold.
Here’s my take on final standings:
1. FSU (most talent, they’ll slip a couple of times, but will edge through)
2. Clemson (Tech better watch out when they come to ATL early in the year)
3. N C State (dangerous, just not complete enough…yet)
4. Maryland (could flip flop with WF)
5. Wake Forest (could flip flop with Maryland)
6. B C (a lock for dead last)
Huh?
July 9th, 2009
10:18 am
Tony, I think its a toss up between Boston College, Wake Forest, Clemson, Maryland, NC State, and FSU. Pin those names up on a dartboard, put on a blindfold, and see what you come up with. Like a bunch of drunk monkeys fighting over the last banana, the ACC Atlantic is up for grabs.
I know you told us SEC’ers to play nice, but what part of that isn’t 1,000% true? For what its worth, I think the ACC Coastal should be pretty strong this year but the Atlantic is a trainwreck. Just keeping it real.
Miles
July 9th, 2009
10:21 am
Every year is going to be breakout year for Clemson. Why would this year be any different?
Angus
July 9th, 2009
10:22 am
@ ACCFan – I’ll bite for the fun of it.
I’m an ACC fan too, but think we get as much respect as we deserve. Ranking the conferences: SEC, USC, Big-12, Big-Ten, ACC………….
It took a very favorable match up in game no one cared about last year for the ACC to win a BCS game – finally.
As a GT fan, I don’t want to see it, but for the ACC to be up there with the big boys, we need Miami & FSU to once again become Miami & FSU. Everyone else is what they are and what they always have been.
m
July 9th, 2009
10:23 am
Huh,
That is because the ACC is a real conference that is competitive from top to bottom. A conference that put 10 teams in bowl games last year…only conference in history to do that.
The sec is a top heavy conference. Maybe a couple of good teams and a BUNCH of mediocre teams.
The sec is slightly better at the top of the conference…the acc is much better thoughout the conference.
Final result…the acc and sec tied at 6-6 last year.
This year there are 7 games in the regular season between the sec and acc. There is NO doubt that the acc will go at least 4-3 with the sec. Mark it down.
RAMBLE ON!!!
July 9th, 2009
10:24 am
Tony, I don’t remember who you predicted last year to win the div. (maybe Clemson), but other than that, I’m pretty sure you have pick FSU to win the Div. or ACC for the last 25 years…(Fashion pick)
BUT, I’ll say from top to bottom, picking the order to finish is not an easy task for this Div. Anybody can win.
GaNole
July 9th, 2009
10:31 am
Ever since we lost Mark Richt, FSU (and the ACC) has been on a downward trend. Finally, with Jimbo Fisher, Rick Trickett, the return of Chuck “The Chest” Amato, and a few good recruiting classes, I believe that we are headed in the right direction, but will resist the urge to make any predictions. I have the GT game in Tallahassee circled as our make or break game. As for the rest of the ACC, I think in general the level of play will be better than last year. In the Coastal, I think North Carolina will only get better with their new coach and the improved talent they are able to recruit.
Clemson has been hyped up for the last few years with Thunder & Lightning, etc…I even went to the Clemson/Alabama game last year and had subscribed to all of the media-induced hype. Needless to say I was disappointed. So, to Clemson I say, I will believe it when I see it.
My favorite game of last year was the GT vs UGA game…..makes me feel all warm and fuzzy just thinking about it. To hell with UGA!
Lavette4066
July 9th, 2009
10:34 am
I think it is a year early to jump on the State bandwagon. Clemson will continue to be Clemson and under achieve. I can’t believe The Kickoff has FSU 4th. I think you put BC at the bottom, FSU and Wake at the top, and shake the rest of them up in sack and see where they fall out. That side of the league is wide open.
Ali Akbar Allah
July 9th, 2009
10:37 am
Georgia Tech will not only win the Coastal, they will win the Atlantic also. And the whole conference as well. Acc owns the SEC this year baby!
Drew
July 9th, 2009
10:38 am
NC State beats FSU to determine the division. Both are undefeated going into this game and both are nationally ranked. The game is a shootout with both teams having excellent offenses. But state has a few more weapons on offense. Running backs Toney Baker and Jamelle Eugene, not to mention the running ability of Wilson, plus Wilson’s passing, two break-out receivers in Spencer and Davis and Donald Bowens will probably be back by then, and special teams is weighed in favor of the wolfpack with Czjakowski (spl?) at kicker and T.J. Graham as one of the fastest players, not to mention return men in the nation according to one website I saw this offseason (I don’t remember what it was…sorry).
VT Fan in MS
July 9th, 2009
10:45 am
Thanks for your coverage of the ACC. I think that this year will build on the late momentum of last year and the conference will gain even more respect.
As far as the Atlantic goes I would say…
1. NC State
2. Florida State
3. Clemson
4. Wake
5. Maryland
6. BC
I can honestly see any of the top 3 winning the division, but I personally like NC State the best out of the three. As a Virginia Tech fan I am not particularly excited about playing them in November, it should be a tough game. I dont know why you think they would surpise USC East, they will handle them easily I think.
MyWhiskeyClear
July 9th, 2009
10:49 am
Angus, I want to back up your sentiments, but caution you as to the way the future could pan out for this conference.
Sure, if we want to regress we could all wait for Miami and FSU to go back to winning NC’s, but why? Wouldn’t it be better and more exciting to earn respect all over again with some new teams being dominant every year? Imagine a day when NC State or Wake is the shoe-in to win not only the Atlantic and the ACC, but place Top 5 in the BCS? Or, if you can get there mentally without being too excited…what if the Coastal remains on its upward trend and VT-GT (maybe they’ll call it the Tech bowl?) becomes the game (like a TX-OU) that decides who gets a shot to finish off the conference and play for that crystal football?
It probably won’t happen, but ask Pual Johnson or Frank Beamer. They live every day to make just such a scenario into reality. All I’m sayin’ is let’s not hobble ourselves…dream a little!
PS- It’s gonna be FSU or Clemson…fashion picks exist for a reason, and no one ever breaks trends (haha).
Nachos
July 9th, 2009
10:50 am
Did Allbarn hire a football coach yet
Chris
July 9th, 2009
10:51 am
At what point did it become a big surprise to beat South Carolina? You SEC guys love yourselves too much.
Pitbull
July 9th, 2009
10:53 am
Is that the ACC that has never won a BCS bowl game? Who cares?
Mr. Magoo
July 9th, 2009
10:53 am
I believe coaches win championships!! Therefore, it is between NC State and Wake with a nod to State. FSU will never win another championship with Bowden at the helm and Yabba Dabba Dabo is a joke!!!
Go Jackets!!! THWG!!! 45-42!!!!
Captain
July 9th, 2009
10:53 am
Evidently the AJC needs to institue a ‘drug test’ prior to allowing people to post. ‘m’ has obviously been smoking something or at the least drinking bad cough syrup. It’s fine to make a case for the ACC but to be either oblivous, stupid or plain ignorant in your blind allegiance is funny at best, pitiful at worst.
The ACC may claim to sell out their Conf championship, but unless fans are wearing clothing which looks identical to seats, attendance is at about 50%. The SEC turns them away at the Georgia Dome, TV ratings are off the chart. Come on, do you really, honestly believe people sit in front of a TV to watch an ACC championship between Wake and a team I can’t recall? or Va TEch and anybody? Most of us can’t even remember who played in the ACC championship games, but you can sure bet most anyone can tell you Fla and Ala played in the SEC game.
As for your argument that the SEC is one BIG team and 11 dwarfs, yeah, right!!! The ACC’s bowl record against the SEC was what? What was the score of the Peach, nka Chick-fil-A Bowl? Music City?
What the ACC needs to do is re-align, North and South divisions. Nobody except ACC fans has a clue who is in which division. Secondly, the ACC needs to play its championship game in Charlotte, Baltimore or Washington, the heart of ACC country. When will the ACC realize it has paid its debt to Miami and FSU for joining and embrace the other 10 teams?
Capt Bob
July 9th, 2009
10:56 am
Tony, Fl. State and Clemson have the most talent. But Fl. State has the toughest schedule, so this should be the year the Tigers finally take the Atlantic. N. C. State is the wildcard and with a relatively easy schedule could challenge for the top spot if the OL gells.
Hal
July 9th, 2009
10:57 am
NC State will win the Atlantic. FSU will be second and wake will be third.
miles
July 9th, 2009
10:59 am
1. NC State- the best QB in the conference means alot.
2. FSU- A ton of talent but they never quite get it done.
3. Clemson- New QB so it could be a rough start but they will finish strong
4. Wake Forest- Riley Skinner gets them to 7-5
5. Boston College- Whose at QB?
6. Maryland- Ralph needs to finish higher than this but they just don’t have enough.
Jaws
July 9th, 2009
11:03 am
Thanks Tony! ACC should be even more competitive this year. Sure the easy pick of FSU seems appropriate here but a look at their schedule makes it rather unlikely. 11 bowl teams! Although I’m a Tiger I see NO reason for anyone even considering their chances until they prove they deserve a look. A lot of things need to fall into place. That said, we know 5-3 most likely gets you there and 6-2 almost guarantees it.
Let’s play the games…
Clemson Sucks
July 9th, 2009
11:06 am
Dabo is a dud. Steele may help but he’ll be kicking himself for joining Dabo’s staff after Dabo gets canned halfway through the season. Dabo sucks, and Clemson fans suck worse for believing they are the team to beat EVERY YEAR.
DEACracon
July 9th, 2009
11:06 am
Wake will be in the mix all the way to the end. Count on it with 8 starters on offense returning with Skinner, and receivers that have the ability to take it to the house. The defense won’t be as bad as many think, but the offense should keep them on the sideline more this season until they mature a bit. Grobe has done an excellent job of bringing in a better athlete that still has brains…..This goes a long way for Wake when competing against some programs in the ACC.
You know who you are!!!
The rise of FL State…..Most have been wondering when and how? I think they will continue to trip over themselves until Bowden finally retires The president of the University saw the light…. …When will Bobby?.
Clemson and NC State??? perhaps but Sweeney is still basically untested and O’Brien may still need another season to finish the transformation from “Chucky”.
The Fridge will surprise some teams but only if they look past them to future opponents.
As far as BC goes, they have a coach named “SPAZ”….That says it all.
Joe Schmoe
July 9th, 2009
11:06 am
Captain, your ignorace shows through as does “m”. That is one of your fellow dog fans posing as “m”. Not hard to tell beteween the real and the fake m if you have been on a GT blog though.
Drew
July 9th, 2009
11:10 am
FSU V Florida – L : FSU just can’t compete with the Gators defense that returns all their starters and Tebow
Clemson V USC – W : Clemson destroyed them last year, I don’t see any change
NC State V USC – W : game was only 3-0 last year before going into halftime, Wilsons first game of his career, this game will be sweet revenge at Carter Finley
Va Tech V Bama – W : besides Ole Miss and LSU, who did Bama beat last year to make it to a BCS game, and don’t give me the rest of the SEC teams they played, Clemson wasn’t as good as advertised, Auburn was spiraling out of control, Tennessee was in upheaval, and does anybody actually care about Miss St., don’t forget about their scary out of conference game against Tulane, I know a lot of other people do
Ga Tech V Miss St – W : see last comment
Ga Tech V UGA – W or L : UGA lost Stafford and Noshow Moreno, i think we’ll see a repeat but I’m not ballsy enough to call it either way in this rivalry
Ga Tech V Vandy – W : much respect to Bobby Johnson and what he’s been able to do at Vandy, but they won’t win this game
Worst case scenario ACC goes 4-3 but being an eternal optimist and believing in Paul Johnson I think Ga Tech can sweep the SEC.
Clemson Sucks
July 9th, 2009
11:12 am
How many of you ClemPson fans are REALLY happy about having Dabo as your head coach? Really? I think deep down its more of a case of you all convincing yourselves “it may work” after the initial disappointment wore off.
G8R GRAD
July 9th, 2009
11:13 am
GaNole:
I have our game in Gainesville circled (along with UGA and LSU).
I believe your program is more than “headed in the right direction.”
Admittedly, it has been fun beating your Noles recently, but I’m really looking forward to the last game of our seasons being the momentous showdown it used to be.
You could never predict the outcome of that game (or the UF/UGA game, for that matter) – too much emotion riding on it.
See you Thanksgiving weekend and good luck!
Reality Check
July 9th, 2009
11:14 am
M you are an idiot. Quit trying to bring the SEC into the discussion. They have won at least 4 National Championships by my count in this decade and multiple BCS teams besides Florida. As for attendance and Championship game sellouts the SEC is the model that the ACC hopes to attain. Hopefully the ACC can find a model that works but they face more significant barriers with the Conference stretched out from Boston to Miami. Getting back to ACC Atlantic FSU and Clemson have been massive disappointments for the last 5 years so I would be very hesitant to pick either one. Both the NC State and WF coaches have provent they can coach up talent I would not be surprised for either to win. The winner of this division is probably playing for second place overall, I think that the Conference champ will come from VT or GT who both appear to be stronger than anyone on this side.
Ramblinwreck1378
July 9th, 2009
11:14 am
Captain: Since when is Washington in the heart of ACC country? Just another dumb SEC fan.
Anyway, I think it’ll be interesting to see what Dabo can do with the talent he’s got this season. Clemson has been the perennial downer in the past, but I think it all depends on how committed he is to getting the ball to his playmakers. It seemed as if something didn’t work on the first try last season, Bowden just gave up giving the ball to arguably the two best backs in the ACC. I think Dabo needs to be persistent in giving the ball to Spiller. I still remember that game in ‘06 when both Spiller and Davis ran all over us, and every time I want to give up on either of them, that game refreshes my memory of why I shouldn’t. Florida State I believe is the favorite, based upon talent and experience at key positions. But as always, discipline becomes a factor with this group. I think if they keep their heads on straight, they’ve got a great shot to win the ACC Atlantic. NC State, I still think that they’re a year away from reaching stardom. They finish the season this year with Clemson, at VT, and at home against UNC. Those are three very tough games in a three week stretch, that I just don’t see them coming out of with more than one win.
Southern College Football Fan
July 9th, 2009
11:25 am
Want a second outstand college football conference in the South?
Forget the loser ACC. Here it is:
Eastern Division:
Florida State – withdraw from that joke called the ACC
Miami – withdraw from that joke called the ACC
South Florida – withdraw from whatever conference they are in
Central Florida – withdraw from whatever conference they are in
Troy State – withdraw from whatever conference they are in
MTSU – withdraw from whatever conference they are in
Western Division:
Memphis – withdraw from whatever conference they are in
Southern Mississippi – withdraw from whatever conference they are in
Tulane – withdraw from whatever conference they are in
Houston – withdraw from whatever conference they are in
SMU – withdraw from whatever conference they are in
TCU – withdraw from whatever conference they are in
Play the cc game in Birmingham, Nashvill or Memphis. You will have a sellout.
PS: The ACC will never work out with the conference spread geographically from Boston to Miami. They were stupid to add FSU, Miami, and Boston College.
It should be UNC, NCS, Duke, WF, Clemson, GT, UV, MD, VT, WV, Pitt, and Navy or Marshall.
You could have had a cc game in Charlotte, Washington, or Baltimore every year and filled up more than half of the stadium like you now do.
Angus
July 9th, 2009
11:28 am
MyWhiskeyClear,
I’m not a Tech alum, but a Tech fan. So, of course I’m a dreamer – always rooting for the underdog.
Also, I was trying to ruffle some feathers. I can’t believe I didn’t get cursed for putting the Big-10 over the ACC.
On your point, I think it takes a special mix of geography, academic standards, and tradition to make a powerhouse. Miami and FSU are best suited for that – I also think we should keep a close eye on UNC & Butch Davis.
Too Easy
July 9th, 2009
11:30 am
1378: give Captain a break. When your conference stretches the whole coast, and you have BC, MD, VT and UVA, it ain’t that much of a stretch to consider DC as ‘the heart of acc country’. Makes more sense than Tampa and Jax (except for weather at that time of year), and the locals might think it’s for basketball.
Too Easy
July 9th, 2009
11:32 am
Angus: What an admission. Don’t you know they will try to run you off since you are ‘just’ a sidewalk fan?
Hilarious
July 9th, 2009
11:34 am
For years under Tommy Bowden, Clemson had a history of being soft and not stepping up when it counted most. So, Clemson fired him.
Yet, if you read the comments on here about Clemson, almost every hater refers to their history under Bowden to show why they will be underachieving this season.
Hilarious.
Also, for the clowns who said, “there’s a reason why CJ Spiller didn’t start last year…” – you’re right. His name was Rob Spence, and he was fired, too. If you don’t think Spiller is one of the top players in the ACC (if not the entire country), just search for CJ Spiller on youtube.
Dave
July 9th, 2009
11:35 am
suspect that NC State will win this divsion, but not the conference. Whomever wins the Atlantic needs to have fans that care and show up for the ACC CG, unlike BC, WFU, and GT have done.
Ramblinwreck1378
July 9th, 2009
11:43 am
I’ll give him a break I suppose. But I totally agree that Tampa is definitely not the answer. I think Charlotte or Nashville is our best bet. I mean, I know Nashville isn’t home to any ACC team, but it’s a pretty central location to Clemson, Georgia Tech, all of the Carolina and Virginia schools. It’s kind of distant for FSU, Miami, BC, and Maryland, but Tampa’s definitely not the answer.
Tade School Junkie
July 9th, 2009
11:46 am
ACC-Atlantic Finish
1. NCSt
2. Clemson
3. MD
4. FSU
5. Wake
6. BC
This ranking is based on a kind of “who wants it the most” type of attitude being exhibited. NCSt & CU have it. FSU does not. FSU is a “train-wreck” waiting to happen. Watch how Miami waxes FSU to start the season. MD even has it more than FSU. Winner of NCSt/CU game in Raleigh on 11/14 will determine ACC-A champ. Winner of this game will have a tie-breaker advantage.
NCSt has all they need. CU will have a better O-Line, but lost a lot of offensive firepower last year. FSU had a better team and better D, with more talent last year and they still couldnt win ACC-A. They wont do it this year. Down-trodden attitudes in Tallahassee are obvious to anyone who’s noticing. MD’s new coaches will improve results. Have to. Friedgen doesn want his seat getting any warmer. Wake, good offense, just not enough defense left. BC, the doormat.
NCSt Coastal opponents: Duke, VT, UNC.
NCSt can beat all 3. Remember, NCSt totally waxed UNC 41-10 in 2008 when UNC had much better offensive talent than UNC will have in 2009. NCSt vs Duke is gonna be a great game, because their both gonna air it out: Thaddeus Lewis vs Russell Wilson. Gonna be great, but NCSt has the RBs that Duke doesnt. NCSt trades out Miami in 2008 for VT in 2009. Schedule strength stays about the same in 2009 if you think VT = Miami. I think it will be better because Miami beat VT last year, and I think Miami will beat VT in 2009. Miami has new OC & DC that will perform better in 2009. NCST might lose to VT after “leaving it on the field” vs CU the week before.
Clemson Coastal opponents: GT, Miami, UVA.
CU trades out Duke in 2008, for game at Miami for 2009. CU keeps GT & UVA games from last year. CU’s 2009 schedule got harder. CU is still relatively “undecided” at QB. CU has less WR & RB talent than 2008. Tom O’Brien is a better coach than Dabo.
BTW, ACC-CG will be GT vs. NCSt, with GT securing a 12-0 season, winning ACC, and a BCS bid to Sugar vs. Big 10 Champ.
But’ I’ll leave my ACC-Coastal review for tomorrow.
Southern College FF...
July 9th, 2009
11:47 am
…I don’t have any real arguments against what you propose for conference realignment – however, you left out East Carolina in your list, and they easily match up better than some of those you include, such as Marshall and Navy.
JWalker
July 9th, 2009
11:50 am
Always realistic Clemson fan here. We’ve got some big holes which should preclude us from being in any talk of winning the division. (Although, 5-3 could win the daggum thing considering how many holes everyone else has.) Here is an extensive, but not comprehensive, list of Clemson’s problems:
-QB who has never played before (or taken more than a few snaps if it’s Korn)
-OL that was awful last year (they’ll be better in terms of the fact that they couldn’t be any worse than last year, right?)
-no WRs (don’t say Ford; he’s 5 foot 2 and only runs reverses)
-no depth on DL (3 darn good starters, though)
-average LBs — at best (and walk-on quality depth)
-two new starters at safety (with unproven depth)
-a first-time HC
-a first-time OC
Alas, I’ll still pay a boatload of money on tickets and hotel rooms and whiskey, only to see us finish 7-5, again.
JWalker
Sorry, Tade School Junkie...
July 9th, 2009
11:50 am
…butIF GT wins the ACC Championship game they HAVE to play in the Orange Bowl.
MiltonDawg
July 9th, 2009
11:52 am
Almost Competitive Conference..I’ll play along though. This blog was specifically for ACC fans yet you bloggers can’t help but talk about SEC/UGA. Sounds a bit envious to me. I think BC will have it struggles with new head coach. FSU/Miami..maybe something there, doesn’t FSU have some players suspended this year. Lookout for WF & NC St…going to be the dark horses this year. I can easily see NC beating USC for home opener. Clemson…well, maybe some good RBs/WRs but that’s another situation with a new HC and offense. Oh yeah…THWGT!!!
m
July 9th, 2009
11:53 am
Tony,
Even with your limited knowledge of the ACC, I think there is something that we could agree on, and that maybe you could publicize to see if the powers that be might be listening.
It was stupid how the divisions in the ACC were drawn up. It was done in a very idiotic sec type manner. They just assumed that FSU and Miami were going to be the dominant teams and built the divisions around them. It was wrong and it was asinine.
The divsions should be North and South so that anyone could tell relatively easily what division a team would be in. The way it is now, noboby knows the division lineup and make no mistake about it, it is a detriment to the ACC.
The division lineup should have been like this:
Southern Division:
Georgia Tech
FSU
Miami
Clemson
North Carolina
Duke
Northern Division:
Maryland
Boston College
Virginia
Virginia Tech
NC State
Wake Forest
Tony, since you know very little about the caliber of the ACC, at least maybe you could publicize the idiocy of the current division lineups and propose the correction that I have outlined above.
Tony, what say you?
Tade School Junkie
July 9th, 2009
11:53 am
ACC Champ DOES NOT have to play in Orange Bowl if they get a BCS bid.
DEACracon
July 9th, 2009
11:54 am
Dave,
This is more on Swofford and the ACC as they continue to place the game in Florida. Stupid when the closest ACC team is in Tallahassee. Regardless of the weather it should be in Washington D.C. Having a neutral stadium that is centrally located on the coast might just bring some ACC fans in. Stupid, Stupid. Of course they thought Miami and FL State would be in it every year so Florida was their choice all along.
old Tech fan in NC
July 9th, 2009
11:54 am
“If” NCSU beats s carliner, they will use the mo to win their division…(if they lose, they will fade just like clem(p)son did last year)
The ACC champ game in Fla is soon to be history. When BOA Stadium (Panthers Stadium to me) finally hosts…it will…for a long time. Charlotte will make the ACC proud.
GT fan ...
July 9th, 2009
11:54 am
1. FSU/NC State — FSU: o-line strength; NCSt: all depends on QB’s health
2. FSU/NC State — Loser of this match-up gets 2nd (see GT – VT from ‘08)
3. Wake — QB is a winner, as is Grobe
4. Maryland — Seem to always be a little better than expected
5. Clemson — Counter-point to Clemson – the trend continues; talent wasted due to inferior coaching
6. BC — the most logical pick for me considering their QB situation, but could play inspired ball in light of Herzlich’s situation, and end up in the middle or “miracle/cinderella” to the top…crazy things happen in sports.
gt_thwg
July 9th, 2009
11:54 am
The winner of the ACC does not HAVE to play in the Orange Bowl. If they are selected by one of the BCS bowls, they go. The Orange Bowl gets the top pick out of the ACC AFTER the BCS bowls…try again leg humper.
DawginLex
July 9th, 2009
11:56 am
FSU and NCSU will fight it out. The rest are fighting for 3rd. Clemson could actually be better this year. Wake,BC and MD are slipping but Wake will probably finisn 3rd or 4th.
I usually ignore Athlon but I actually agree with the picks.
Ramblinwreck1378
July 9th, 2009
11:58 am
Now, I’m not by any means going to say this is going to happen, but IF Georgia Tech were to go undefeated, are we assuming that they would be left out of the National Championship game?
Trade School Junkie
July 9th, 2009
11:59 am
Sorry my bad.
BCS bid “trumps” Orange Bowl, only if ACC champ is picked for the BCS Title game.
DawginLex
July 9th, 2009
11:59 am
m,
how could the drawing up of the divisions be done in a very idiotic SEC type manner? another slam at the SEC? Surprise.
The SEC has its divisions based on geography, you know east and west. how is that idiotic? Don’t blame the ACC’s stupidity on the SEC.
Moron
RAMBLE ON!!!
July 9th, 2009
12:00 pm
m speaks the truth even though he needed to crank up that Greyhound for Phewitt years ago.
All should listen.
Paul Finebaum
July 9th, 2009
12:01 pm
BREAKING NEWS!! There is a storm brewing in Tallahassee…Word has it that the Seminoles may have to give up some wins and Bobby Bowden could retire any year now! Stay tuned!
DEACracon
July 9th, 2009
12:04 pm
Can Wake beat the Seminoles 4 years in a row?? Wow….Who’d of thought……..
Otto
July 9th, 2009
12:08 pm
The ACC needs to keep old rivals playing each other. VT, BC, and Miami should all 3 play each other every year. GT and Clemson should play every year. The schools located in NC should be in the same division. The ACC destroyed what culture they did have in the split.
IMO it could be worked out with some shifting and allowing for the teams to keep 1 rival (FSU/Miami and maybe GT/Clemson) from the other division as a parmanent matchup. The other matchups would be scheduled in rotation.
m
July 9th, 2009
12:08 pm
dawginlex,
It was idiotic and sec like in the sense that they assumed that FSU and Miami were going to be the dominant teams so they built the divions around them. That is sec type thinking….going by what you think might happen instead of letting the on the field results matter.
Not Disappointed
July 9th, 2009
12:09 pm
Florida St could be back, but Clemson is suppect so it’s wide open.
Now in the Coastal Div, it’s Georgia Tech or Virginia Tech…..I hope it’s the “Ramblin Wreck.” Oh, wait that’s tomorrows topic. Anyway, I hope to see seminole back on top. “They were the Team you Loved to Hate!”
Trade School Junkie
July 9th, 2009
12:10 pm
Good link for BCS.
Read it and find out what BS the BCS realaly is as well as info there about alternatives to the current BCS system.
You wont get that type of info from the dubious “Mr. College Football.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowl_Championship_Series
CV
July 9th, 2009
12:18 pm
I believe the Atlantic is by far the weaker division this year. It’s really a toss up right now. I think FSU has the edge just b/c of the caliber of athletes they have. Clemson will struggle.
The big contest will be in the Coastal this year. At least 3 to 4 very good teams will be fighting it out. GT, VT, UNC… maybe UM.
Drew
July 9th, 2009
12:22 pm
For all those thinking the ACC Championship game should be played in D.C., you are flat out silly. Charlotte is the obvious choice geographically and economically. Especially if you look at the four teams which will more than likely be dominant in their divisions within the next two to three years, GaTech, UNC, NC State, and Wake Forest. People may question Wake, but Grobe is the best coach in the ACC, I would challenge any other coach to do what he has done, and its only going to get better. NC State will continue to improve and O’Brien will be able to do far more with the facilities, funding, and fan support than he could have ever dreamed at BC. Butch Davis will bring back the Mack Brown days to Carolina with the caliber talent he’s bringing in (just look at what he did at Miami). and GaTech will return to prominence just like you saw in Rudy, even though they lost, they were a national power, and Paul Johnson is one of the most misunderstood coaches with his triple option offense, big mistake for opponents.
C
July 9th, 2009
12:26 pm
Enter your comments here
Not Disappointed
July 9th, 2009
12:30 pm
CV, I don’t know about UM……. Besides that I agree with you.
LowCountry
July 9th, 2009
12:34 pm
We Clemson fans have no room to bang our chest about anything, but as smart football fans know, winning starts with line play. Clemson was awful on the Oline last year due to injury and Spence’s style. They are now healthy, experienced, and Spence-free. The Dline is going to be the best in the divison, if not the league. Bowers and Sapp will terrorize QBs all season. After all is said and done this year, Spiller will be the all-time all purpose yards leader in the history of the ACC….not to bad considering he’ll just have one year of starting.
1. Clemson
2. FSU
3. NCST
4. Wake
5. MD
6. BC
m
July 9th, 2009
12:38 pm
Otto,
The ACC is setup just like the sec…you play all your divisional opponents…plus one permanent opponent from the other division…plus two rotating opponents from the other division.
The permanent opponents are these:
Ga Tech-Clemson
Miami-FSU
North Carolina-Nc State
Duke-Wake Forest
Virginia-Maryland
Va Tech-Boston College
Nothing wrong with the setup except it should have been done North and South instead of just a hodge-podge.
RAMBLE ON!!!
July 9th, 2009
12:40 pm
Sorry LowCountry, I think ya ba da dabo will be in over his head.
Drew speaks a lot of truth too. Charlotte is the logical place. DC ain’t bad though.
I think WF, NCST, and maybe MD will be the top three, with NCST pulling it out late in the year. FSU could come in last place.
athensdawg
July 9th, 2009
12:40 pm
the reason that the ACC was set up the way it is was so that miami / florida state could guarantee that they would play for the championship game every year. they are such great programs, and they are joining a “weak” conference, so they set it up that way….very similar to how ‘bammer made sure they got stuck in the west with such powerhouses as ole miss, miss state, and at the time a weakened auburn and LSU.
guess that miami/fsu championship aint quite the lock it once was…..funny how that works, aint it?
regardless,
my money is on paul johnson and the jackets. for once, you boys have a SERIOUS coach who will turn you into a force to be reckoned with. CMR needs to put his bible down and start paying attention……cause the rivalry’s back….
Reality Check
July 9th, 2009
12:44 pm
M, you once again show ignorance in bashing SEC when talking about the ACC division alignment. SEC West= Alabama,LSU, Arkansas, etc. even a moron like you can see that it is based on Geography. SEC East is Flordia, UGA, Tenn, SC, etc. teams that are generally east of the Alabama border on the map. SEC has proven that winners from both divisions are equally spread since divisions were create with three Football NC’s from West (1-Alabama, 2 LSU; 1-Tennessee, 2 UF). Don’t lump the SEC with the sorry planning for wannabee football ACC league.
xenoabe
July 9th, 2009
12:45 pm
1. FSU – This team is certainly the most talented in the Atlantic. I don’t see a ton of holes and I think Christian Ponder continues to improve.
2. Maryland – Surpise! A team that is this schizophrenic (i.e. Chan Gailey’s GT teams) has to have a good year in them somewhere (i.e. 2006 GT team). They are fairly veteran-laden and I think this will help Fridge regain some semblance of his sanity.
3. NC State – This is a big IF, but if Russell Wilson stays healthy then this team should be a headache. I can’t think of a team any more dependent upon one player though.
4. Clemson – I just don’t see what others see in Dabo. He’s a good recruiter, but I’m not sure he’s a good coach. Everyone always says this is the year for Clemson and they always choke. The Tigers have got to show me something before I believe it.
5. Wake – Riley Skinner is what this team will ride on. They have lost a ton and I think it will show. A senior QB and Jim Grobe have me second guessing this low of a pick though.
6. BC – They have just lost way too much. Trust me though, Spaziani will have this team back where it needs to be. I just don’t think it will happen this year.
NoleDog
July 9th, 2009
12:46 pm
Picking the order is darn near impossible in this conference this year. Most of the teams should be better, but some will be much better:
1/2 FSU – I suspect they will be much improved, but because of the tough schedule, may not win the division. Anybody who places them 4th or lower is just a hater. Even FSU’s worst teams this decade have finished higher than that. And the 09 edition will be pretty darn good.
6-2 in (ACC) and 9-3 overall.
1/2 NCST – Great skill position players, but suspect Oline. Defense is above average, but not great. I will say that some magic and luck could propel them to 1st, but it’s not likely.
6-2 (ACC) and 10-2 (Overall)
3/4 Clemson – Studs on offense, and a D that could be very good, but seriously, how could anybody have faith in Dabo to take them to the ACCCG in his first full year. He has a lot to prove, yet.
4-4 (ACC) 7-5 (overall)
3/4 Wake Forest – Lost a lot on D, but coaches make a team. Wake will be no pushover. Expect a few surprises, but a middle of the road finish. Skinner is a stud and will continue to throw a great short/mid range ball.
4-4 (ACC) 8-4 (overall)
5 Maryland – Fridge will keep them out of the cellar, but there will be no bowl game this year.
3-5 (ACC) 5-7 (overall)
6 BC – Expect bad football coming out of Boston this year.
1-7 (ACC) 4-8 (Overall)
AugustaBuzz
July 9th, 2009
12:49 pm
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Tony. I look forward to the return of “Talkin’ Football”. The ACC-Atlantic is the most balanced division in BCS football. The Big 12 North may come close but they always seem to have a 2-6 team. I’ll go out on a limb and pick Clemson to win the Atlantic. But, if anyone has a saw within a mile of my tree, then I’m off that limb faster than Dabo can rub Howard’s rock.
David
July 9th, 2009
12:50 pm
1st year coaches typically don’t fare well so that doesn’t bode well for Clemson. I think NC State is legit and this is their breakthrough year. FSU has the talent but with all the issues going on off the field will be too much of a distraction. This will be another typical Atlantic division season where a bunch of teams finish with similar conference records as no one seems poised to dominate.
1. NCS 5-3
2. WF 5-3
3. MD 4-4
4. FSU 4-4
5. CU 4-4
6. BC 2-6
Ramblin Wrecker
July 9th, 2009
12:52 pm
I agree with Tony. I think Florida State has rallied a bit since falling off the map the last few years. I think rebuilding the coaching staff (not in the image of Bobby Bowden) is going to pay off at some point, perhaps this year. Clemson is still Clemson to me until they prove otherwise. Hiring from within the Tommy Bowden staff seemed like a bonehead move for a program that needed to change the culture of flopping. Calling up Tommy Tuberville or Mike Leach would have seemed like a no-brainer after the season instead of making Dabo the permanent coach. Don’t count out Boston College or Wake Forest. BC was supposed to take a step back without all world QB Matt Ryan, but managed to make it to Tampa to play VT for the ACC title. They never had much of a solid QB all year, so having an untested Justin Tuggle under center doesn’t make me doubt BC. WF will compete as long as Jim Grobe is there.
So my standings:
FSU
Wake Forest
Boston College
Clemson
NC State
Maryland
JB
July 9th, 2009
12:52 pm
Any of these teams play on TV after 11:00 or so….?????
All Chump Conference
July 9th, 2009
12:52 pm
m,
you are TRULY an idiot.
Franklin
July 9th, 2009
12:53 pm
I think it’s a toss up between any of these six teams….I guess what I’m saying is none of them are really that good.
Top Dawg
July 9th, 2009
12:55 pm
Can’t wait for the real football predictions, on Monday and Tuesday.
Atlanta Gator
July 9th, 2009
12:56 pm
Florida State has the raw talent to win their division, but the questions remains can the Seminoles overcome their off-the-field distractions with an over-the-hill coach, NCAA probation, forfeited wins, and cheating players still on the team who are responsible for the probation. That’s not a formula for good chemistry.
Predicted 2009 ACC Atlantic Division finish:
(1) Florida State
(2) Wake Forest
(3) Clemson
(4) North Carolina State
(5) Maryland
(6) Boston College
Given the gaps and problems the rest of the division schools have, FSU wins the ACC Atlantic by default, and then gets thumped in the ACC Championship Game by either Virginia Tech or North Carolina. I expect FSU to finish the season 9-3 (6-2 ACC), 10-4 after the ACC game and their bowl. It will be a disappointing 10-win season—-and Bobbie’s last.
SpearThis
July 9th, 2009
12:58 pm
1. FSU O line with Jermaine Thomas, Tavaris Presley and Ty Jones in the backfield plus Mickey’s defense is always stout, we have a good team this year.
2. Clemson similar to the Noles, they have a good line good running back and the defense will be good. CJ Spiller still has something to prove though, is he just a return man or a stable runningback.
3. NC State Wilson has to stay healthy and the loss of Irving was bad, but I like the 17/1 TD/ Int ratio
4. Wake Forrest finally the ACC is showing some prowess at QB the O will be good but without those stars on defense it is going to be hard to keep up with the top 3 in the atlantic
5. BC – Spaz’s defense will hold out without Herz, but the ?’s are all over the place with this team; I just can’t say I have confidence in them putting it all together this season.
6. Maryland After last year who knows what you will get with these guys; remember to vote for Pedro
TechPhi97
July 9th, 2009
1:00 pm
I agree with Phil – Clemson is the team to watch out for this year. If I were choosing based on Head Coach, Clemson would be at least 4th, but they have the skill players and defense to make a go of it. The trendy pick is FSU, but Clemson should benefit from getting Tommy Bowden and his horrible play calling out of the picture. If they stop running bubble screens when they could be getting the ball to Spiller, they’ll be tough.
Belvedere
July 9th, 2009
1:02 pm
t-1 Boston College
t-1 Clemson
t-1 Florida State
t-1 Maryland
t-1 North Carolina State
t-1 Wake Forest
They’ll all finish 4-4. Tiebreaker will go to a riveting series of coin flips to decide the champion.