Academic Suspension – That freshman conga line should translate into another anemic offense from Miami. I don’t know what happened in South Florida to the super-teams that used to stalk the field. It will be up to that rag tag bunch to put together just enough to outscore what the defense can provide. I will take that chance, but not with a great deal of certainty.
Virginia
Coach: Al Groh
2007: 9-4 overall, 6-2 in ACC
Head of the Class – Virginia returns three of the four starters at linebacker in its 3-4 defense. Expect those four to get a workout and have their names called quite a bit on Saturdays. Last season was a success through close wins, primrily achieved through defense. If the linebackers can anchor the fairly inexperienced squad, they should do just fine.
Underachievers – Eugene Monroe is a force on the offensive line, but the rest of the line looks like a real question mark. In the ACC, someone has to win, so maybe the unit can come through, especially when some of the defenses look like Swiss cheese. Even so, this will be a tough struggle with three new faces beginning every game.
Academic Suspension – The front three are all new on defensive side, one of the primary reasons that the linebackers will be busy. If teams can run all over the Cavaliers, there might not be hope for even a fourth place finish. Then again, the lines in the ACC are not the greatest in the world. Look for some interesting series on D.
Georgia Tech
Coach: Paul Johnson
2007: 7-6 overall, 4-4 in ACC
Head of the Class – Paul Johnson likes to win, and he does win. Navy was one of the best offenses and most exciting teams to follow over the past few years under Johnson. If he can bring that excitement to Georgia Tech, there is no telling the havoc that the Yellow Jackets can cause in the ACC.
Underachievers – The transition to Johnson’s offense will not be easy, and it will require the offense having a lot more speed. Georgia Tech is already faster than Navy could ever be, but the bigs on the line will need to move faster. I have no doubt that Andrew Gardner can - after a 1st Team All-ACC honor last year - but dragging along the rest of the squad might be difficult.
Academic Suspension – At Virginia Tech, at Clemson, at Georgia, at North Carolina – Need any more proof that the best Georgia Tech might dream about is eight wins? Oh yeah, don’t forget Mississippi State, so make it seven. If the team comes around quickly, they will be a shock to a lot of ACC teams, and that might be enough to get them bowling again, but it will be extremely close.
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