ACC Preseason Previews: Coastal Division

Coastal Division Team Previews:


Duke - Well, such an easy start if they can play well could leave the Dukies 4-0 heading into the VT game. A loss during the early start could leave Duke playing the upset role all year, but look for the Dukes to make a run at a playoff game, but fall short due to the scheduling of 2 Division II teams

Georgia Tech - More of a key stretch, 3 games within 15 days, with the later 2 being huge Thursday conference games against the Sweeney's (Clemson) and Miami. If the Jackets survive the quick start, look for them to roll into the VT game at 5-1 or 6-0 for what may be an Coastal Champ Match-up

Miami - The season opener against FSU will be huge in determining these two ACC contenders. If Miami makes it unscathed, it doesn't get any easier, with huge games against GT, VT, and Oklahoma without a break. If they play well and go 2-2 in this stretch, they can coast into a Top 25 ranking with the weak 2nd half, and contend in the conference if someone above slips up

North Carolina - The UConn game should tell a good deal about this Tarheel team, the schedule is then minimally rough except the GT game. The week of Thursday games against Florida St and VT will tell how far they fall in the conference standings, but the rest of the schedule sets up quite nicely for a solid showing

Virginia - With possibly the easiest schedule in the ACC, the TCU game could be quite telling about how this team will perform during the season. A win against TCU could see this UVA team going 3-0 heading into the UNC game with some momentum, and possibly getting out to a 5-1, or 6-0 start. A loss against TCU will likely force the team to win against VT to make a bowl game and salvage the season.

Virginia Tech - Obviously Sept 5th looms large against Bama, and will truly label the ACC for the season, like Clemson last year. A win in that game, and a good run through their rough schedule, including games against Nebraska and Miami, could set up a possible Conference Championship with the Jackets. After that, if they can survive the annual annoyance of East Carolina, they should coast to an easy finish.