Jacob Bunn's 2011 ACC Football Preview
Posted on August 12, 2011 by Jacob Bunn
Notes –
The ACC has been criticized in recent years for lack of depth. And while that may at times be true, the conference can be quite formidable. The conference has not had a team in the BCS Championship Game since 2003, when Miami lost to Ohio State in two overtimes. Most prognosticators believe it will be the Seminoles, not the Hurricanes, winning the ACC Championship and heading to a BCS game. And while Florida State has a great opportunity this season, there are other teams with chances to make noise also.
Biggest Surprise: North Carolina State
There will be a new face at quarterback with the departure of Russell Wilson earlier in the year. But, the Wolfpack has enough returning talent on offense to help mask the inexperience at that position. I think this is Tom O’Brien’s most talented teams since he became the head coach at North Carolina State. The toughest part of the schedule is when the Wolfpack visits Tallahassee to play Florida State. If they can steal a couple of road win early against Wake Forest and Virginia, look for North Carolina State to be competitive through the end of the year.
Biggest Disappointment: Miami
This is Al Golden’s first season as head coach of the Hurricanes. That is reason for optimism for fans of Miami, but it is also the reason the ‘Canes will be the biggest underachiever in the ACC. It is hard for any team to have a transition year, but it is especially challenging when much is expected in year one of the new manager. In conference, Miami has to play at Virginia Tech and at Florida State. As if that is not already grueling enough, the Hurricanes will play Kansas State, at Ohio State, and at South Florida also. There is just too much to overcome for Miami to have a breakout year this season.
Game to Watch: Florida State at Clemson (September 24)
After the colossal matchup between Florida State and Oklahoma, the Seminoles will travel to South Carolina to play Clemson. Because the game against Oklahoma does not mean anything in ACC play, the winner of the Florida State/Clemson game will have a decided advantage in the ACC Atlantic division.
Championship Game: Virginia Tech vs Florida State
I believe Florida State will not get through the season without a loss. However, the Seminoles will not suffer one in conference play. Virginia Tech enough fire power to take care of the ACC Coastal division. The deciding game for that division will be the Hokies’ trip to Atlanta to play Georgia Tech on November 10th.
Champion: Virginia Tech
When all of the final scores are accounted for, I think Virginia Tech will be the last team standing in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Seminoles are certainly getting most of the preseason attention, and the Hokies are in some ways forgotten. But that’s just the way Frank Beamer likes it because his teams tend to perform better when less expectations are placed on them.
Tweet Tweet this!
Email Jacob at jacob@bunnsports.com and follow him on Twitter at @JacobBunn
