The Coastal Division Champion will be...Virginia Tech - I was a bit hesitant to pick the Hokies since they only have 4 straters returning to the defense, but Bud Foster has established a system in Blacksburg that recovers and reloads, year-in and year-out; I can't recall when they weren't in the top-20 statistically. Offensively, things should be solid at Tech. Eight starters, including the top rusher, passer, and 3 receivers, return to a unit that ranked fourth in league in '09. Two of the Hokies' toughest games are on the road, back-to-back, at UNC and Miami. While I'd never call for VA Tech to go 8-0, I will at least say they split that tandem to finish up 7-1.
North Carolina - I don't buy the dark horse national title talk coming out of Chapel Hill this year, but I can believe the Heels will make a run at being the Coastal Division rep in the ACC Title game. I've heard a lot of talk about the ten returning starters on offense, but does it mean that much when they finished ninth in the ACC last year? Honestly, I think it does. You see, it won't be the offense that wins things for UNC...all they can do is lose games for the Tarheels. And, with that many players back, they're comfortable with the system and should make good enough decisions to keep the defense out of hot water. Defensively, there are nine starters back from the league's best unit and, even if the play without Austin, 5 potential first round picks. Watch for this unit to shut down some big offenses and take some close wins in tight spots. I see them winning a big game on the road in Tallahassee before a home let down against VA Tech. Throw in a slip-up somewhere else and the Heels settle in at 6-2.
Georgia Tech - I really wanted to put Miami here, but I've learned to stop counting the Jackets out. Johnson's offense has ripped this league the past 2 seasons, carrying the Bees to a conference title in '09. Much has been said about losing Dwyer, but what makes a system a "system" is being able to replace individuals and achieve the same results. To me, the real key is the O-line. That's where all the real adjustments and tweaks take place, mostly unseen by the casual fan, and where Tech only returns 37 combined starts. As such, I see the production taking a slight dip, but the schedule should help even out the results. I'll predict losses to VA Tech and UNC for a 6-2 record.
Miami - During all the predicting and rearranging, I had the 'Canes anywhere from 1st to 4th. In the end, I settled on fourth for a handful of reasons. I think JaCory Harris will have a good year, but won't get off to the start he got in '09 with teams knowing what to expect and no solid run game to take pressure of the talented, if erratic, QB. With only six starters back on offense, there's not enough in Corral Gables to vault them over the division competition...not because the 'Canes are not good, but because the other teams have gotten better, including the rising tide in Chapel Hill. Defensively, Miami should be solid, but not up to the standout level of UNC or VA Tech. I see them knocking off someone ranked above them here, bit also dropping a game to an Atlantic foe, as they have the hardest draw cross-division draw of the top Coastal teams. So, while they might be improved, a 5-3 record will not be enough to take the division.
Duke - I like what Cutcliffe's done here and there might even be a shot at a bowl, but the Devils won't make much headway in this cutthroat division. The offense gets nine back, but that won't help much in overcoming the defenses in this division and the Duke D will be hard pressed to contain Johnson's triple option or athletes like JaCory Harris. They do get a fotunate draw out of the Atlantic division: BC, Maryland, and Wake Forest. I'll call a loss to BC and a toss-up at WF en route to 3-5.
Virginia - It's like a car accident in C'ville...new coaches everywhere, new schemes, tough schedule, and hardly any experience returning. It'll be a long one...but look for good things in the coming years.
No comments:
Post a Comment