Big Ten Preview

Big Ten Conference

1. Michigan Wolverines
Projected Record: 11-1 (7-1)
Loss: Ohio State (11/17)

Key Players: QB Chad Henne, RB Mike Hart, WR Mario Manningham, WR Adrian Arrington, TE Mike Massey, OL Jake Long, OL Adam Krause, DT Terrance Taylor, LB Shawn Crable, CB Morgan Trent, S Jamar Adams, P Zoltan Mesko
Newcomer: T Steve Schilling

The prolific Michigan offense will only be better in the 2007 season. The Wolverines returned only 6 starters on offense, but they consist of 4 or 5 All-American candidates including Heisman trophy candidates, RB Mike Hart and QB Chad Henne. Although the depth at running back is depleted due to the season-ending injury to backup RB Kevin Grady, Michigan has all the tools for a great season with its pro-style offense. The Wolverines had a stifling run-stopping front line, which allowed only 43.4 rushing yards per game last year – tops in the nation. While the anchor of the defense Alan Branch is gone, Michigan will be fine in that regard. The major Achilles heel for them is in the defensive secondary. However, the most prolific quarterback Michigan faces all year is Curtis Painter of Purdue and Anthony Morelli of Penn State, so they should be fine.

Final verdict: Michigan is certainly talented, but let’s rely on Head Coach Lloyd Carr’s ineptitude in big games to count out a chance of a perfect season. Look for a better-coached Ohio State to be the spoiler.

2. Wisconsin Badgers
Projected Record: 11-1 (7-1)
Losses: Michigan (11/10)

Key Players: QB Tyler Donovan, RB P.J. Hill Jr., WR Paul Hubbard, TE Travis Beckum, C Marcus Coleman, G Kraig Urbik, DE Matt Shaughnessy, DT Nick Hayden, LB Jonathan Casillas, CB Jack Ikeguonu, K Taylor Melhaff, P Ken DeBauche
Newcomer: QB Allan Evridge

Wisconsin has all the makings of a National Championship contender. The Badgers have experience (16 returning starters), a strong offensive line, and a stud at running back. Converted fullback P.J. Hill was freshman of the year in several publications and will continue to build upon his spectacular season this year. The only issue on offense is replacing 3-year starter John Stocco. Kansas State transfer Allan Evridge looks to be the front runner over 5th year senior Tyler Donovan. While neither may have the experience of Stocco, each QB is mobile which allows the option to be utilized. On defense, Wisconsin returns both cornerbacks from the #2 pass defense (138.3 passing yards allowed per game) in the country. If you don’t know who CB Jack Ikeguonu is now, you will know soon. The X-factor may be the punting and kicking games for Wisconsin, which are certainly the best in the Big Ten. K Taylor Melhaff and P Ken DeBauche could get drafted in next year’s draft and look out for PR Marcus Randle El – NFL receiver Antwan’s brother.

Final verdict: Wisconsin certainly will make its push for a Big Ten title. The Badgers could go undefeated especially if they establish an aerial passing attack.

3. Penn State Nittany Lions
Projected Record: 9-3 (5-3)
Losses: at Michigan (9/22), Wisconsin (10/13), at Michigan State (11/17)

Key Players: QB Anthony Morelli, RB Austin Scott, WR/PR Derrick Williams, WR Deon Butler, WR Jordan Norwood, C A.Q. Shipley, T John Shaw, LB Dan Connor, LB Sean Lee, CB Justin King, S Tony Davis
Newcomer: DT Abe Koroma

QB Anthony Morelli has plenty of weapons this year and expect Joe Paterno to use a less conservative game plan. Derrick Williams should return to his form freshman year before he was injured late in the season. The running game will have a drop off after the departure of Tony Hunt. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that Williams ends up in the backfield as a tailback in certain situations. On defense, Penn State should be solid again. Even with the loss of Paul Posluszny, “Linebacker U” has two of the best backers in the country in Dan Connor and Sean Lee. They will have to anchor the D this year as severak new faces emerge. Former High School All-American CB Justin King should earn some national spotlight.

T-4. Ohio State Buckeyes
Projected Record: 9-3 (5-3)
Losses: at Purdue (10/6), at Penn State (10/27), Wisconsin (11/3)

Key Players: RB Chris Wells, WR Brian Robiskie, WR/KR Ray Small, TE Rory Nicol, T Alex Boone, T Kirk Barton, DE Vernon Gholston, LB James Laurinaitis, LB Marcus Freeman, LB Larry Grant, CB Malcolm Jenkins, P A.J. Trapasso
Newcomer: DB Eugene Clifford

Following the Buckeyes loss in the National Championship Game, Ohio State has a few large voids to fill. Heisman trophy-winning quarterback Troy Smith made one spectacular play after the next, but that dynamic characteristic on this team is gone. Smith’s replacement, junior QB Todd Boeckman is not mobile nor does he possess Smith’s arm strength. But as long as Boeckman acts as a caretaker to the offense and makes few mistakes he will be fine. He has an experienced line in front of him as well as a few young receiving targets that could all have breakout seasons. Chris “Beanie” Wells is the feature running back and will be pushed for playing time by Maurice Wells and incoming freshman Brandon Saine. The Ohio State defense lost defensive tackles Quinn Pitcock and David Patterson to graduation, but return an otherwise solid secondary and outstanding linebacker corps. Nagurski award winner James Laurinaitis should prove that last year’s break out season wasn’t an aberration.

Final verdict: Ohio State is young and inexperienced on O. The offense will have to replace two first round draft picks and a Heisman trophy winner. The Buckeyes still have a good enough defense to keep this team in games as the offense develops. That is, unless they have to play Florida in the near future. For the talent level and inexperience of this team, still expect some noise from Jim Tressel’s team at the end of the season.

T-4. Iowa Hawkeyes
Projected Record: 9-3 (5-3)
Losses: at Wisconsin (9/22), at Penn State (10/6), at Purdue (10/20)

Key Players: QB Jake Christensen, RB Albert Young, WR/PR Andy Brodell, WR Dominique Douglas, TE Tony Moeaki, T Dace Richardson, DE Kenny Iwebema, DE Bryan Mattison, LB Mike Klinkenborg, CB Adam Shada
Newcomers: S Brett Greenwood, QB Arvell Nelson

Iowa is the dark horse of the Big Ten. This team was loaded with talent on both sides of the ball and a Heisman candidate quarterback (Drew Tate) last year and only managed to have a 6-7 record. Several players from that team still remain with a chip on their shoulders. Iowa certainly has the most proven and experienced running back tandem in seniors, Albert Young and Damian Sims. Wide receivers Andy Brodell, Dominique Douglas, and Trey Stross will allow the transition to a new QB to go relatively smoothly. The defensive line is the biggest question mark on the other side of the ball. Mike Klinkenborg is a rock in the middle of the defense.

Final verdict: Worst case, Iowa could have a similar season to last year. Best case, Iowa could finish 2nd or 3rd in the Big Ten. It depends on the degree of team chemistry the Hawkeyes have and whether or not they can close out games.

6. Purdue Boilermakers
Projected Record: 8-4 (5-3)
Losses: at Minnesota (9/22), Notre Dame (9/29), at Michigan (10/13), at Penn State (11/3)

Key Players: QB Curtis Painter, WR/KR Dorien Bryant, WR Greg Orton, TE Dustin Keller, T Sean Sester, G Jordan Grimes, C Robbie Powell, DE Cliff Avril, DT Alex Magee, CB Royce Adams, P Jared Armstrong
Newcomer: LB Brian Ellis

Aside from Michigan, Purdue has the best offense in the conference. The Boilermakers return 9 starters (all receivers/tight ends) from the 5th best passing attack in the country last year. Curtis Painter continues Purdue’s line of NFL-caliber quarterbacks, which include most recently Drew Brees and Kyle Orton. Jaycen Taylor and Kory Sheets are competing for the starting tailback spot. The defense was simply bad last year, finishing 114th in rushing yards allowed (191.2) and 104th in passing yards allowed (241.2) per game. The entire secondary is back, along with a few key linemen up front so expect some an improvement in production.

Final verdict: Purdue could very well beat an inexperienced Ohio State, Iowa, and Notre Dame. That calls for a good season any year. However, the Achilles Heel for the Boilermakers is a rather large one; Purdue hasn’t proven that it can stop anyone with its defense, so expect a few 44-41 shootouts.

7. Illinois Fighting Illini
Projected Record: 6-6 (3-5)
Wins: Western Illinois (9/8), at Syracuse (9/15), at Indiana (9/22), Ball State (10/27), at Minnesota (11/3), Northwestern (11/17)

Key Players: QB Juice Williams, T Akim Millington, RB Rashard Mendenhall, WR Arrelious Benn, DE Derek Walker, DT Chris Norwell, LB J Leman, LB Martrez Wilson, CB Vontae Davis, K Jason Reda
Newcomer: WR Arrelious Benn

Head Coach Ron Zook recruited one of the best freshman classes in the country, and several of them will contribute to this squad immediately, including WR Arrelious Benn, LB Martrez Wilson, RB Daries Hodge, and DE D’Angelo McCray. QB Juice Williams has a year of experience under his belt; his poise and decision making should be much better this time around. Junior RB Rashard Mendenhall is a well-kept secret in Champaign. Expect him to be a playmaker for the offense. On defense, Illinois returns 9 starters. Linebacker J Leman is one of the most prolific tacklers in the nation.

Final verdict: With 9 starters on defense, an older Juice Williams, and an influx of new freshmen contributors, one might predict this team to go far. But remember, the 9 starters on D aren’t very good (with the exception Leman, who is one of the best linebackers in the country), Juice has a lot of room to prove, and it’s hard to count on such inexperience – no matter what the talent level is.

8. Michigan State Spartans
Projected Record: 5-7 (3-5)
Wins: UAB (9/1), Bowling Green (9/8), Northwestern (10/6), Indiana (10/13), Penn State (11/17)

Key Players: RB Javon Ringer, RB Jehuu Caulcrick, QB Brian Hoyer, TE Kellen Davis, G Roland Martin, LB Kaleb Thornhill, LB SirDarean Adams, S Otis Wiley, K Brett Swenson
Newcomer: LB Jon Misch

One of Michigan State’s biggest concerns will be replacing Drew Stanton at quarterback. Brian Hoyer performed well while Stanton was injured last year, but an entire season is different than one game. The Spartans have an underrated running back duo in the quick, shifty Javon Ringer and the bruising tailback, Jehuu Caulcrick. Despite losing several receivers to graduation, Hoyer should have targets to throw to in TE Kellen Davis and WR T.J. Williams. The Michigan State defense has a few solid players in S Otis Wiley and LB SirDarean Adams, but the unit as a whole is not the best ever. New Head Coach Mark Dantonio has the opportunity to implement his own scheme.

Final verdict: In addition to away games at Notre Dame, Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Purdue, MSU has to also play Pitt, Michigan, and Penn State at home. Needless to say, the Spartan schedule is a difficult one, but they may come up with an upset. With several underclassmen and a rookie head coach, look for this team to move up the ranks in a year or two.

9. Northwestern Wildcats
Projected Record: 6-6 (2-6)
Wins: Northeastern (9/1), Nevada (9/8), Duke (9/15), Minnesota (10/13), Eastern Michigan (10/20) Indiana (11/10)

Key Players: QB C.J. Bacher, RB Tyrell Sutton, WR Ross Lane, C Trevor Rees, T Dylan Thiry, DE Corey Wootton, DT Adam Hahn, LB Adam Kadela, S Brendan Smith
Newcomer: CB Jordan Mabin

Tyrell Sutton expects to pick up where he left off his freshman season when he rushed for over 1,500 yards on the season. The combination of Sutton and QB C.J. Bacher is reminiscent of the days when Zak Kustok and Damien Anderson roamed the halls of Northwestern. The defense isn’t very good, but it sure is experienced. John Gill and Adam Hahn form a formidable interior line.

Final verdict: Don’t expect Northwestern to be winning the Big Ten any time soon, but they should be able to pick off a conference foe here and there. Next year, expect bigger things as several of these key players will still have eligibility.

10. Minnesota Golden Bears
Projected Record: 6-6 (2-6)
Wins: Bowling Green (9/1), Miami University (9/8), FAU (9/15), Purdue (9/22), at Indiana (10/6), North Dakota State (10/20)

Key Players: RB Amir Pinnix, WR Ernie Wheelwright, TE Jack Simmons, TE Troy Reilly, C Tony Brinkhaus, DE Will VanDeSteeg, LB Mike Sherels, S Dominique Barber
Newcomer: T Dominic Alford

First year coach Tim Brewster inherited a team lacking depth in several positions. On offense, Brewster will use RB Amir Pinnix heavily in the running game. Pinnix follows the recent line of talented running backs to come through Minnesota including Marion Barber III, Laurence Maroney, and Gary Russell. Replacing QB Bryan Cupito is Tony Mortensen, who will have deep threat Ernie Wheelwright as well as TE Jack Simmons to throw to. On defense, Will VanDeSteeg anchors the front four. Outstanding kick and punt return specialist, Dominic Jones, may not play this year as he is currently suspended from the team.

Final verdict: Last year, Glen Mason led the Golden Gophers to an underachieving 6-7 record. Even with an easier schedule, Minnesota could face some growing pains with a new coach at the helm. The Gophers’ cupcake schedule allows them to break even.

11. Indiana Hoosiers
Projected Record: 3-9 (0-8)
Wins: Indiana State (9/1), at Western Michigan (9/8), Ball State (11/3)

Key Players: QB Kellen Lewis, RB/KR Marcus Thigpen, WR James Hardy, T Roger Sadfold, DE Greg Brown, CB Tracy Porter

The focal point of the Hoosiers’ season will be the tragic death of inspirational coach, Terry Hoeppner. While the current team does not have much talent or depth, it could surprise some and play up to the better teams in the conference (a la Illinois last year). WR James Hardy is big and physical and if the QB can get him the ball, look out.

Final verdict: Indiana isn’t very good in the first place and the unfortunate transition between coaches must be a rough one. Luckily, the Hoosiers out of conference schedule is filled with cupcakes.

---------------------------------

All-Big Ten Conference
QB – Chad Henne, Sr., Michigan
RB – Michael Hart, Sr., Michigan
RB – P.J. Hill Jr., So., Wisconsin
WR – Mario Manningham, Jr., Michigan
WR – James Hardy, Jr., Indiana
TE – Kellen Davis, Sr., Michigan State
OL – Kirk Barton, Sr., Ohio State
OL – Jake Long, Sr., Michigan
OL – Adam Kraus, Sr., Michigan
OL – Alex Boone, Jr., Ohio State
OL – Jordan Grimes, Sr., Purdue
DE – Vernon Gholston, Jr. Ohio State
DT – Terrance Taylor, Jr., Michigan
DE – Matt Shaughnessy, Jr., Wisconsin
DE – Will VanDeSteeg, Jr., Minnesota
LB – James Laurinaitis, Jr., Ohio State
LB – Dan Connor, Sr., Penn State
LB – J Leman, Sr., Illinois
CB – Jack Ikeguonu, Jr., Wisconsin
CB – Justin King, Jr., Penn State
CB – Malcolm Jenkins, Jr., Ohio State
K – Taylor Melhaff, Sr., Wisconsin
P – Ken DeBauche, Sr., Wisconsin
KR – Dorien Bryant, Sr., Purdue
PR – Derrick Williams, Jr., Penn State

Big Ten Offensive MVP - RB Michael Hart, Sr., Michigan
Big Ten Defensive MVP - LB James Laurinaitis, Jr., Ohio State
Big Ten Newcomer of the Year - WR Arrelious Benn, Fr., Illinois

College Football Preview - ACC Part III

ACC Championship Game
Virginia Tech over Florida State

All-ACC First Team
QB – Matt Ryan, Sr., Boston College
RB – Brandon Ore, Jr., Virginia Tech
RB – Tashard Choice, Sr., Georgia Tech
RB – James Davis, Jr., Clemson
WR – Darrius Heyward-Bey, So., Maryland
WR – Greg Carr, Jr., Florida State
OL – Gosder Cherilus, Sr., Boston College
OL – Barry Richardson, Sr., Clemson
OL – Andrew Crummey, Sr. Maryland
OL – Duane Brown, Sr., Virginia Tech
OL – Derrick Morse, Sr., Miami
DE – Calais Campbell, Jr., Miami
DT – Andre Fluellen, Sr., Florida State
DT – DeMario Pressley, Sr., NC State
DE – Chris Long, Sr., Virginia
LB – Vince Hall, Sr., Virginia Tech
LB – Phillip Wheeler, Sr., Georgia Tech
LB – Xavier Adibi, Sr., Virginia Tech
CB – Brandon Flowers, Jr., Virginia Tech
CB – Macho Harris, Jr., Virginia Tech
S – Kenny Phillips, Jr., Miami
S – Myron Rolle, So., Florida State
K – Connor Barth, Jr., North Carolina
P – Sam Swank, Jr., Wake Forest
KR – Darrell Blackman, Sr., NC State

Next up, the Big Ten Conference...

College Football Preview - ACC Part II

Atlantic Coast Conference
Atlantic Division

1. Florida State Seminoles
Projected Record: 10-2 (7-1)
Losses: at Virginia Tech (11/10), at Florida (11/24)

Key Players: WR Greg Carr, RB Antone Smith, DT Andre Fluellen, S Myron Rolle, QB Drew Weatherford/Xavier Lee, WR De’Cody Fagg, S Roger Williams, CB Tony Carter, LB Geno Hayes
Newcomer – DT Paul Griffin (JUCO)

After a poor season in which Florida State finished 7-6 (3-5 in ACC), changes needed to be made especially with the offense. Bobby Bowden’s son and Florida State Offensive Coordinator Jeff Bowden resigned and the Seminoles brought in LSU offensive guru Jimbo Fisher. Fisher’s job will be to develop the two underachieving junior quarterbacks, Xavier Lee and Drew Weatherford, and establish a running game that ranked 103rd in the nation last year. Although Florida State’s offensive line is inexperienced, they have an ample amount of playmakers with 6’6” receiver Greg Carr, RB Antone Smith, and WR De’Cody Fagg. On the defensive side, Andre Fluellen anchors a deep and talented front line which specializes in stopping the run. In the secondary, Roger Williams and especially Myron Rolle will make things difficult for an aerial attack. FSU’s only weakness may be in its group of linebackers, which are inexperienced due to the departure of Buster Davis and Lawrence Timmons.

Final verdict: Florida State has enough talent to win every game. If they are not wildly inconsistent like last year, this team should at least make it to the ACC Championship game.

2. Boston College Golden Eagles
Projected Record: 9-3 (5-3)
Losses: at Virginia Tech (10/25), Florida State (11/3), Miami (11/24)

Key Players: QB Matt Ryan, WR Kevin Challenger, OL Gosder Cherilus, DT B.J. Raji, RB L.V. Whitworth, RB Andre Callender, LB Jolonn Dunbar, LB Brian Toal, CB DeJaun Tribble
Newcomer – TE Jordon McMichael

Tom O’Brien’s defection to NC State may have signaled trouble in BC country, but O’Brien certainly left an experienced program in the hands of first year coach Jeff Jagodzinski. 16 starters return from last year’s 10-3 team including 9 on defense. BC is different from most programs in the ACC in that it has a proven passing attack. Led by preseason All-ACC quarterback Matt Ryan, who has shown poise and resiliency having played out a substantial part of the 2006 season with a broken foot, the BC offense should have no trouble scoring. The strength of the defense will be slightly contingent on the health status of star LB Brian Toal, but if his injured shoulder doesn’t heal, BC has the depth to replace him.

Final verdict: Boston College took advantage of a down year in the ACC in 2006, but other teams are improving. While the team has the experience to beat the likes of non-conference foe Notre Dame, they may have trouble against the more athletic Miami’s of the conference.

3. Clemson Tigers
Projected Record: 8-4 (5-3)
Losses: at Florida State (9/3), Virginia Tech (10/6), Boston College (11/17), at South Carolina (11/24)

Key Players: RB James Davis, RB C.J. Spiller, OL Barry Richardson, DE Ricky Sapp, QB Cullen Harper, LB Tramaine Billie, S Michael Hamlin, LB Nick Watkins
Newcomer – QB Willy Korn

Clemson only returns 3 of its offensive players and will be starting an inexperienced quarterback. However, the Tigers also have the best running back combo in the nation with the powerful James Davis and the quick, elusive C.J. Spiller. It will be hard to stop this tandem even without a proved QB. Speaking of which, Cullen Harper is the QB now, but the highly touted freshman Willy Korn is 2nd string already and will probably start as soon as Harper slips up. The defense returns 6 players, including the heir apparent to Gaines Adams at defensive end, Ricky Sapp.

Final verdict: The same thing happens every year with Tommy Bowden’s Clemson Tigers. They get off to a quick start, but lose important games down the stretch of the season. Clemson is good, but I see them continuing this trend and losing to BC and SC late in the season.

4. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Projected Record: 7-5 (4-4)
Losses: at Boston College (9/1), Nebraska (9/8), Florida State (10/11), at Virginia (11/3), at Clemson (11/10)

Key Players: QB Riley Skinner, WR Kenneth Moore, RB Micah Andrews, K/P Sam Swank, CB Alphonso Smith, LB Aaron Curry, S Kevin Patterson, C Steve Justice
Newcomer – RB Josh Adams

Wake should have a more conventional offensive scheme, as it has a proven quarterback in Riley Skinner and a true tailback in Micah Andrews. WR/RB/PR Kenneth Moore is back as well, but the Demon Deacons lost several key players including OL Steve Vallos, LB Jon Abbate, and DB Josh Gattis. Like BC, Wake benefited from a depleted conference last year, but unlike BC, the team has much less experience now. It is hard to imagine Wake Forest beating Florida State again, but if Wake beats Nebraska on national TV anything is possible.

Final verdict: The dream season of 2006 has past. Wake Forest will be competitive as it could have one of the best offenses in the ACC, but I don’t see an Orange Bowl appearance again this year.

5. Maryland Terrapins
Projected Record: 4-8 (2-6)
Wins: Villanova (9/1), at Florida International (9/8), Virginia (10/20), at North Carolina (11/3)
Key Players: WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, G Andrew Crummey, C Edwin Williams, TE Joey Haynos, LB Erin Henderson, RB Lance Ball, RB Keon Lattimore, S Christian Varner
Newcomer – QB Josh Portis (Florida transfer)

Ralph Freidgen was on the hot seat after consecutive 5-6 seasons, but redeemed himself last year with a 9-4 record, finishing second in the ACC Atlantic. This year the Terrapins face a tough non-conference schedule (including West Virginia and Rutgers) with a few gaping holes in its lineup. Competition has emerged between Jordan Steffy and Josh Portis for the quarterback position, but neither of which have performed particularly well in camp. Whoever starts will get to throw to sophomore Darrius Heyward-Bey, one of the best receivers in the ACC. The running game is solid with two senior running backs at the helm. The front 7 on defense was atrocious in stopping the run, finishing last year 96th in the nation in that category. Middle linebacker Wesley Jefferson left early – not for the draft but to be a state trooper – but weak side backer Erin Henderson remains as a steady force.

Final verdict: Having a poor run defense and facing running backs like Steve Slaton (not to mention Pat White), Ray Rice, Tashard Choice, James Davis, C.J. Spiller, Antone Smith, Andre Brown, Toney Baker, and L.V. Whitworth is an unfortunate combination. Ralph will be on the hot seat again after this season.

6. NC State Wolfpack
Projected Record: 4-8 (1-7)
Wins: UCF (9/1), Wofford (9/15), at East Carolina (10/20), Maryland (11/24)

Key Players: WR/KR Darrell Blackman, RB Toney Baker, RB Andre Brown, TE Anthony Hill, DT DeMario Pressley, S Miguel Scott, QB Daniel Evans, OL Curtis Crouch
Newcomer – QB Harrison Beck (Nebraska transfer)

Tom O’Brien’s strict regime should pay dividends to the Wolfpack down the road. He is known for getting the most out of his players, which is interesting because NC State has a lot of potential. Darrell Blackman is an excellent return man who could improve as a receiver (he was converted from a running back a few years ago). Andre Brown and Toney Baker could quietly end up being one of the best RB duos around. Former high school All-Americans DeMario Pressley and Harrison Beck have yet to reach their full potential as well. Tight End Anthony Hill was due for a promising season but recently had reconstructive knee surgery and is ot for the season.

Final verdict: Potential doesn’t always translate into wins. Give Tom O’Brien a year or two to implement the system and recruit his type of guys and NC State will be in contention with the others. Expect the Wolfpack to play some of these better squads tough this year; just don’t expect them to win.

Atlantic Offensive MVP – QB Matt Ryan, Boston College
Atlantic Defensive MVP – S Myron Rolle, Florida State
Atlantic Newcomer of the year – QB Willy Korn, Clemson

College Football Preview - ACC Part I

Over the next few weeks, I will be analyzing the teams playing in each Division I-A conference for the upcoming 2007 season, with emphasis placed on the major six (ACC, Big 10, Big 12, Big East, Pac 10, SEC). First, here is a look at half of the ACC, the Coastal Division:

Atlantic Coast Conference
Coastal Division


1. Virginia Tech Hokies
Projected Record: 11-1 (8-0)
Loss: at LSU (9/8)

Key Players: LB Vince Hall, LB Xavier Adibi, RB Brandon Ore, WR Eddie Royal, WR Josh Morgan, , T Duane Brown, CB Brandon Flowers, CB Macho Harris, DE Chris Ellis
QB Sean Glennon, DT Carlton Powell
Newcomer: OL Aaron Brown, redshirt freshman

Virginia Tech has the perfect blend for a championship season this upcoming year. Head Coach Frank Beamer’s team features a strong run game, excellent special teams which has been a trademark for this team (hence the name BeamerBall), and a stingy defense, which was best in the nation in 2006 in both passing yards allowed (128.2) and points (11.0) per game. Xavier Adibi and Vince Hall could both wind up being 1st team All-Americans. The only crutches for the Hokies may be the progression of junior quarterback, Sean Glennon (or sophomore Ike Whitaker if he is replaced) and a relatively young offensive line. Tech will be tested early on with a trip to one of the most hostile environments, “Death Valley” (Tiger Stadium) to face LSU – arguably the best team in the country – in the second week of the season.

Final Verdict: Ball control offense and a stout D is the recipe for success. Look for the Hokies to be in the BCS Championship talk come December.

2. Miami Hurricanes
Projected Record: 9-3 (6-2)
Losses: at Oklahoma (9/8), at Florida State (10/20), at Virginia Tech (11/17)

Key Players: DE Calais Campbell, S Kenny Phillips, DE Eric Moncour, G Derrick Morse, WR Lance Leggett, RB Javarris James, WR Sam Shields, CB, Glenn Sharpe, DT Teraz McCray, QB Kyle Wright/Kirby Freeman
Newcomer: RB Graig Cooper

The best thing to ever happen to the Hurricanes was the departure of Head Coach Larry Coker and the change of the lax Miami regime. Former Miami Defensive Coordinator Randy Shannon assumed the head role months ago has begun to change protocol with his no-nonsense attitude. Structure will be just what this talented team needs. The Canes enter the season with experience on the offensive line and depth in the running game with Javarris James, Charlie Jones, and Graig Cooper. They also return 7 players on a defense that finished 4th in the nation in rushing yards (67.9) per game. Kenny Phillips continues on the lineage of great safeties from “The U.” However, the quarterback position is still unsteady and has been ever since Ken Dorsey left. Once a top-rated prospect, senior Kyle Wright has to make good decisions or the more athletic Kirby Freeman will take his job.

Final Verdict: The Miami defense will keep them in most games. While the offense is improved from last year, three tough road games, each with strong defenses may prove to be too much for the Canes.

3. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Projected Record: 8-4 (5-3)
Losses: at Notre Dame (9/1), Boston College (9/15), at Miami (10/13), Virginia Tech (11/1)

Key Players: RB Tashard Choice, QB Taylor Bennett, OG Andrew Gardner, S Jamal Lewis, P Durant Brooks, DE Adamm Oliver, LB Philip Wheeler, WR James Johnson, S Djay Jones
Newcomer: LB Anthony Barnes

Similar to several ACC teams, Georgia Tech will be operating a predominantly ground-oriented attack. Senior Tashard Choice, a former transfer from Oklahoma, led the ACC in rushing yards last year and looks to have an even better season as 4 out of the 5 linemen return for 2007. While Calvin Johnson’s departure certainly hurts, James Johnson more than adequately fills the role as Tech’s #1 receiver. QB Taylor Bennett is less experienced than others, but has performed well in his short time in the limelight. Tech’s defense returns 8 including standout middle linebacker Philip Wheeler, an All-American candidate.

Final verdict: If the Yellow Jackets can get past Notre Dame and BC early in the season, their momentum could carry them a long way in the ACC.

4. Virginia Cavaliers
Projected Record: 7-5 (4-4)
Losses: Georgia Tech (9/22), Pittsburgh (9/29), at Maryland (10/20), at Miami (11/10), Virginia Tech (11/24)

Key Players: G Brandon Albert, DE Chris Long, RB Cedric Peerman, DE Jeffery Fitzgerald, CB Chris Cook, QB Jameel Sewell, C Jordy Lipsey, G Ian-Yates Cunningham, LB Jermaine Dias
Newcomer: RB Keith Payne

The loss of deep threat WR Kevin Ogletree in spring practices hurts this already sputtering offense. Quarterback Jameel Sewell is still recovering from wrist surgery. On the upside, Virginia has 18 of the 22 starters returning on offense and defense including standout defensive end, Chris Long.

Final verdict: The Cavaliers are capable of staying in games with their defense, but are not talented enough to play with the cream of the crop just yet. Nevertheless, expect an improvement on last year’s 5-7 squad.

5. North Carolina Tar Heels
Projected record: 4-8 (2-6)
Wins: James Madison (9/1), at Eastern Carolina (9/8), at NC State (11/10), Duke (11/24)

Key Players: WR Hakeem Nicks, K Connor Barth, G Calvin Darity, RB Johnny White, LB Durrell Mapp, S Trimane Goddard, DE Hilee Taylor
Newcomer: DT Marvin Austin

The signing of Butch Davis brings promise to Chapel Hill, but the team is grossly inexperienced to expect a great jump in performance this year. 11 of the 22 starters are freshmen or sophomores.

Final verdict: North Carolina will be a force in the Atlantic Coast Conference…in 2008 or 2009.

6. Duke Blue Devils
Projected Record: 1-11 (0-8)
Wins: Connecticut (9/1)

Key Players: QB Thaddeus Lewis, WR Jomar Wright, LB Michael Tauiliili, FB Tielor Robinson, DE Patrick Bailey
Newcomer – TE Danny Parker

Duke reached a low even for a program as lowly as Duke has been when it went 0-12 last year. The team has a little talent, especially at quarterback, but to predict Duke to win more than 2 or 3 games this year would be foolish.

Final verdict: Duke will win a game in 2007, which is more than the team did in 2006.

Coastal Offensive MVP – RB Brandon Ore, Virginia Tech
Coastal Defensive MVP – DE Calais Campbell, Miami
Coastal Newcomers of the year – RB Graig Cooper, Miami; DT Marvin Austin, North Carolina