Written by Jon Lee
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This is part 3 in AccuScore’s preseason college football previews. To see the first two parts, click on “college football” on the right of your screen. AccuScore ranks the top ACC teams and breaks down the computer’s projections in this installment. If you’re not an AccuScore members, sign up now using the coupon code “75Ann” (case sensitive) and get $75 off an annual membership. Just hit ‘Join Now’ on the top right of your screen
Florida State Edges Virginia Tech in ACC Preseason Projections
Clemson won 10 games and an ACC title for the first time in two decades last year, but still managed to mar that success with a classic Clemson collapse. The Tigers started 8-0, but lost three of their final four games and embarrassingly got blown out 70-33 by West Virginia in the Orange Bowl. Despite returning some of the nation’s best skill talent in quarterback Tahj Boyd and receiver Sammy Watkins they begin the year just fourth in our projections.
The top spot in AccuScore projections belongs to Florida State once again. The Noles have perennially underachieved since their heyday in the nineties, and will finally look to put all together in 2012. Coach Jimbo Fisher has recruited incredibly well filling the roster with talent. What he needs is for E.J. Manuel to live up to his billing as a top prospect, and become one of the best quarterbacks in the country. The offensive line was incredibly young last year, but should return more experienced and ready to compete every down. Florida State finishes the year with the best record in the ACC 43 percent of the time.
The biggest challenger to the Noles appears to be Virginia Tech. No ACC program has been as consistent year in and year out as Frank Beamer’s Hokies, and this season should be no different. They’ve won the Coastal Division five times in seven seasons, and are easily the favorite again winning the conference 31 percent of the time. Most of the questions lie with the offense, but quarterback Logan Thomas does return to provide that side of the ball with some leadership. The defense however, is likely to carry the team.
North Carolina – if it can avoid serious infractions from the NCAA – could also be in the mix along with Miami. North Carolina State and Georgia Tech should contend for bowl games.
