Underachievers – We will know everything about North Carolina’s season by the end of September. They miss out on Clemson in the regular season, so there is no looming giant in the conference late in the schedule (sorry, Duke). But September is the gauntlet, with a trip to Rutgers, a visit from Virginia Tech and a visit to Miami. Go 2-1 in those three with the loss not coming against Virginia Tech and this team rolls to the division title.
Academic Suspension – I don’t like taking the Tar Heels at number one in the division, which is about my only complaint. The team struggled on both sides of the ball last year, and a year of improvement might not be enough. However, the rest of the division is also not improving, so this might be the best of the available.
Virginia Tech
Coach: Frank Beamer
2007: 11-3 overall, 8-1 in ACC
Head of the Class – The best quarterback in the conference is Sean Taylor. Or maybe Tyrod Glennon. Ok, so Virginia Tech has a quarterback controversy, but together, Seanrod Taynon is the best quarterback in the ACC. Glennon will get the majority of the snaps, but expect Taylor to be used like Florida's Tim Tebow was when he was a freshman. Near the end of the season, I wouldn’t be surprised if Taylor gets more time under center as he becomes the featured arm.
Underachievers – Glennon and Taylor can’t win the games themselves, and the running core and receivers are all a little green around the edges. That means trouble scoring, and that could lead to even more issues because…
Academic Suspension – Where is the defense? It is risky to put a Beamer team on notice for their defense, but I think we all remember how exposed they looked against LSU last season. Now take away the experience they had then, and bring in seven new starters. Yeah, not pretty, but better than what comes after them.
Miami
Coach: Randy Shannon
2007: 5-7 overall, 2-6 in ACC
Head of the Class – Here is where the entire bottom of the conference gets murky. Miami has the edge in defense, which could give them enough to squeak out a few wins against the weak offenses out there. They do draw Florida (ouch), but outside of that, the non-conference slate looks fairly winnable with the defense clicking. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Hurricanes can get a bloated-looking eight wins.
Underachievers – Quarterback continues to be an issue for the Hurricanes. They haven’t been able to get stability there for the last 5 years, and with four freshmen lining up for the job, it doesn’t look to get very clear this season. The best thing the QB can do is to not make mistakes, which freshmen are prone to do. Someone has to emerge for even a third place finish here.
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