2008 ACC Prediction Preview of Atlantic Division

The ACC has quickly become one of the powerhouse conferences in the south east just trailing the best conference in the SEC. The Atlantic division of the ACC always puts forth some of the best teams in college football and it will only get better this year with the likes of Wake Forest, Clemson, and others. The hardest part is getting through the season in conference with the talent the ACC has. Locked and loaded this will prove to be another great year in ACC football.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons: Last year was not a fluke for the Deacons and they will build on it this year as the take the crown in the Atlantic. Their goal on the year was to work on the running game and let the defense take control like last year. They will do that with nine returning starters and Jim Grobe at the helm. If Josh Adams develops in the backfield they could go undefeated even with the hard schedule. Projected Finish: First in the ACC Atlantic; 10-2

Clemson Tigers: Clemson looked ready for a promising year in 2007, but fell short. This year they just may get it. They return what could be the best offense in the country led by Cullen Harper, James Davis, and C.J. Spiller. The offensive line has some question marks but they will score. The only thing going against the Tigers right now is the tough schedule. Second in the ACC Atlantic; 9-3

Maryland Terrapins: Maryland has an edge above every other team in the Atlantic and that is they have the best offensive line in the ACC. The running backs will need to be replaced from last year’s squad but with that line anyone can run. The defense will have to fill the huge void left by E.J. Henderson. They have to navigate tough road games in Blacksburg and Death Valley but overall they will perform better than most expect. Projected Finish: Third in the ACC Atlantic; 8-4

Boston College Eagles: The Eagles are still in good shape but it will take them sometime to get over the loss of Matt Ryan at the helm. The problem is with that loss they basically have to change the offense and the way they attack opposing defenses. The defense of Boston College should help them get a few wins but they will wear down by season’s end and this could be a long season for the eagles. Projected Finish: Fourth in the ACC Atlantic; 7-5

Florida St. Seminoles: Is this finally the year that Florida St returns to prominence? Not likely. The ACC is very competitive and Bobby Bowden may be wearing out his welcome with some fans. The Noles return 15 starters and a solid defense so the question will be the play at the helm. Drew Weatherford has had flashes of brilliance and if he can play well the Noles may surprise a few on the way back to the top. Projected Finish: Fifth in the ACC Atlantic; 7-5

NC St. Wolf pack: The pack is looking at another long year. With Tom O’Brien at the head coaching position they should do well in the future but not now. They lost the top three tacklers from last year and that squad gave up 28 points per game. The schedule is impossible in and out of conference and they will have to play well to get to three wins. Projected Finish: Sixth in the ACC Atlantic; 3-9