Now that the season is fastly appraoching, we take a look at each conference for where the teams may stack up, who are the best at each positon, some of the storylines to watch, and some of the top talents for the 2010 NFL Draft.
Projected Final Standings:
Atlantic
1. Clemson 8-4
2. Florida State 8-4
3. NC State 7-5
4. Maryland 7-5
5. Wake Forest 6-6
6. Boston College 4-8
Coastal
1. Virginia Tech 10-2
2. Georgia Tech 9-3
3. North Carolina 7-5
4. Miami (FL) 5-7
5. Virginia 5-7
6. Duke 4-8
Pre-Season All-Conference:
QB- Russell Wilson, NC State, So.
RB- CJ Spiller, Clemson, Sr.
RB- Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech, Jr.
WR- DeMaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech, Jr.
WR- Jacoby Ford, Clemson, Sr.
TE- Greg Boone, Virginia Tech, Sr.
C- Phil Costa, Maryland, Sr.
OL- Thomas Austin, Clemson, Sr.
OL- Rodney Hudson, Florida State, Jr.
OL- Jason Fox, Miami (FL), Sr.
OL- Sergio Render, Virginia Tech, Sr.
DE- Ricky Sapp, Clemson, Sr.
DE- Derek Morgan, Georgia Tech, Jr.
DT- Marvin Austin, North Carolina, Jr.
DT- Vince Oghobaasse, Duke, Sr.
LB- Dekota Watson, Florida State, Sr.
LB- Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina, Jr.
LB- Nate Irving, NC State, Jr.
CB- Ras-I Dowling, Virginia, Jr.
CB- Patrick Robinson, Florida State, Sr.
S- Kam Chancellor, Virginia Tech, Sr.
S- Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech, Jr.
Intriguing Story Lines:
1. Can Miami Put It All Together?
For a once dynasty, just like Nebraska, Miami has plummeted to mediocrity. After the start of the Larry Coker regime looked so promising with a BCS title win, he left the Hurricanes with a mess of a team. Thanks to three straight years of solid recruiting, the Hurricanes are finally on the cusp of being a consistent Top 25 team…if these so called “top-notch” recruits pan out. Guys like Graig Cooper at RB, Jacory Harris at QB, Aldarius Johnson at WR, and Sean Spence at LB look the part of future NFL 1st rounders, but that doesn’t mean it will all mesh on the field. Many, including myself, question whether Randy Shannon is a great recruiter with football knowledge, especially defense, or an actual great coach. While this season may not be the best indicator stats and record-wise, they have arguably the hardest schedule in the country (@Florida State, Georgia Tech, @Virginia Tech, Oklahoma to start the season), it could prove to be a solid indicator, as if the Hurricanes can go 7-5, 8-4 this year, that would be a monumental improvement and put Miami in great position in 2010 with more experience and the same top recruiting class.
2. Option Attack of Yellow Jackets To Be Slowed?
When Paul Johnson was hired by the Yellow Jackets after succeeding at Navy, most questioned whether the option attack he ran so flawlessly at Navy would be successful every week. Well, after finishing 9-4 and ranked 4th in the nation in rushing, the option attack seemed to work pretty well in year one. Now, with a more comfortable offense in the option and the main pieces returning from last year, it’s safe to say the option could be more deadly in 2009. It should be interesting to see if some team in the ACC can figure out a way to slow down Jonathan Dwyer and company and stop the Yellow Jackets from “running” away with an ACC crown.
3. Who Will Emerge As The Top Tier Team?
The ACC has been viewed negatively in the press because of their lack of a great team and their lack of Top 10 representation. While that may be because of inconsistent play, it also is catered by the fact that out of the 12 ACC teams, at least 8 every year feel they have a shot to win the conference. Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, and Florida State look like the top tier teams and should be ranked throughout the season, teams like Clemson, Maryland, Wake Forest, NC State, and Miami all have very realistic chances to play in the ACC title game at season’s end. Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech look too tough as of now, with NC State, Florida State, and Clemson my three teams that could be surprisingly fighting for a BCS slot from the ACC.
End of the Season Awards:
MVP: Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech
Offensive Player of the Year: Russell Wilson, QB, NC State
Defensive Player of the Year: Derek Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
Newcomer of the Year: Kyle Parker, QB, Clemson
Surprise Player of the Year: Thaddeus Lewis, QB, Duke
Top 5 NFL Prospects for 2010 Draft
1. Jonathan Dwyer, Running Back, Georgia Tech
Johnathan is coming off a big year where he won ACC player of the year.He proved he was one of the best RB in the nation.Dwyer is a big back that has a combination of speed and power to give any defense in the nation fits. He proved last season that he can make a good defense look average just ask the Miami Hurricanes.If Georgia Tech plan on making a run at a ACC title the 6-0 235 Dwyer will have to have another big year.
2. CJ Spiller, Running Back, Clemson
Spiller is one of the more exciting players you will ever see.He can score anytime he get his hands on the Football.He is a very versatile player that has track sprinters speed and has the ability to play several positions on the field which he has displayed time and time again on kick off and kick off returns.Spiller is set to have a big year since he is not in the shadow of departed RB James Davis.
3. Vince Oghobaase, Defensive Tackle, Duke
Great athlete for his size which should enable Vince to play 3-4 DE in the pro’s. Very productive with 11.5 career sacks from the DT postion including 6 sacks last season. Under the radar right now but I expect another great season from Vince and with a good Combine a 1st rd draft pick
4. Marvin Austin, Defensive Tackle, North Carolina
Marvin Austin is on the verge of being a first round NFL draft pick.He goes 6-3 305 but one could never tell because he is so quick and athletic.He is set to anchor the Tarheels defense this comimg season and should be in the running for defensive player of the year honers,.
5. Rodney Hudson , Offensive Guard, Florida State
Rodney has been Florida States best lineman since he stepped onto campus. Consistantly grades out at or above 80%. Very strong run blocker and should only get better. Rodney is also on the Lombardi watch list for this season.
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