Academic Suspension – This is the theme of the ACC Atlantic: the offensive line looks weak. While it should not be as big an issue as it is with Clemson - which is built on running - it is still a concern. Again, it is the defense that is Wake’s strength, but the weak line could affect that side of the ball also by only producing short series.
Maryland
Coach: Ralph Friedgen
2007: 6-7 overall, 3-5 in ACC
Head of the Class – Maryland has the most experience on offense of what I think will be the top three teams. They return a huge, strong offensive line, and that should be enough to improve already. Add a terribly weak schedule and the Terps could actually come out ahead in the league (getting the feeling that this is still wide open?)
Underachievers – The defense could be a big question with only five returning starters, but that is still a group with a lot of experience. The biggest holes are in the defensive backfield, but given the running bent of the ACC and the loss of some of the more experienced receivers and quarterbacks, I think Maryland has enough ramp up time to get their new starters ready to play.
Academic Suspension – Who schedules for Maryland? Delaware, Middle Tennessee State and Eastern Michigan in the non-conference - you want to maybe put a challenge in there? They do play Cal, but the other three games make it look as if a Big Ten team were putting their schedule together. Even if Maryland surprises in the ACC, the weak non-conference slate could kill any high ranking they hope to achieve.
Florida State
Coach: Bobby Bowden
2007: 7-6 overall, 4-4 in ACC
Head of the Class – The team returns 15 starters from last season, including eight on defense, which should be a huge boost for Florida State. The team replaces only a single man on the line, one at linebacker and one more in the defensive backfield. Look for the defense to be the strength, which will be huge for the Seminoles given that the offense has been troublesome for the last few years.
Underachievers – Drew Weatherford is back again, which may not be a good thing. There is always a chance that his senior season will be a jump up in production, sort of like the free agent year in most pro sports. This time Weatherford will be trying to take his game to the pros. I am not sold yet.
Academic Suspension – The offensive line is really inexperienced. The two returning starters are only sophomores and Rodney Hudson, one of the returnees, changes position to the all important left tackle. This is not a good sign for a team that already struggles in its offensive game. Lucky for Florida State, they have two FCS opponents to get things together before Wake Forest comes to town.
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