ACC Preseason Previews: Atlantic Division

Atlantic Division Team Previews

Boston College - Ahh… BC, so many questions remain about how this team will compete, especially with the loss of Herzlich. Luckily the schedule sets up for a slow start, and should help the corps gain some needed experience, especially at QB (since the guy is 25 and hasn't thrown a pass since "Thriller."). They'll need to open up 3-1 at least if they want a bowl game, because the games against FSU and VT will likely destroy any confidence that is left, leaving to try and scratch together 4 more wins to finish the season.

Clemson - The hype isn't there this year, and that's a good thing. Clemson opens against Middle Tenn St, but quickly Dabo will have to show he's up to the task playing GT, Boston College, and TCU in the span of 3 weeks. Get off to a 4-0 start and Clemson will have to face the Top 25 chatter again. The rest of the schedule is hit an miss with a tough game against FSU that could likely hold the key to the Atlantic Division Title.

Florida St. - We'll find out quick how good FSU is when it takes on a good Miami team at home. Win this game and they'll be in Top 25 territory with a 5-0 start. The schedule sets up pretty nice, and should allow FSU to roll Clemson with the Atlantic Division on the line. And as always who doesn't want to see if this is the year the Seminoles take out Florida in the Sunshine Showdown

Maryland - The Fridge always gets his teams prepared for games… well some of the at least. The Terps open with California in a nice test of this very young Maryland team. Start on a good note, and if they can stay focused, they could coast into Death Valley with a 4-0 record. Then it gets a little tricky, with some weak teams sandwiched between some tougher games. The FSU and VT games near the finish will likely determine what kind of bowl game the Terps catch

North Carolina St - By my accounts NC St, behind Russell Wilson's arm is the sleeper in the Atlantic. The opener against the Gamecocks will test this theory, even with their young squad. After that, their sweet schedule could easily have them coasting into Doak at 7-6 or 6-1 to face the Noles. Winning 3 of the next 5 could give them the title if they pick off FSU, but they should easily make a good bowl.

Wake Forest - Wake should probably be in every game it plays this year thanks to Skinner and the Offense core. However, the defense has to grow up, but with their schedule that shouldn't be tough. The cupcakes roll on until NC St comes into town, and that game will either make or break the Deacons, as the second half of the schedule is killer. Games against Navy, Miami, GT, and FSU is going to be a tough stretch, and if Wake isn't careful it may leave the door open for Duke W to finish.