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The second division of the ACC, the Coastal, is very loaded this season with three, maybe even four teams having a shot at the title. Virginia Tech and Miami are the clear cut favorites to finish on top but Georgia Tech cannot be counted out despite a killer ACC schedule. Virginia is the fourth team that can make some noise and the Cavs have the luxury of playing the top three teams in their division in the final three weeks of the season when they have come together as a team for the first two months.
Miami Hurricanes
Fargo’s Take Miami is looking to reverse a trend that has seen the Hurricanes lose one extra game in each of the last three seasons. The loss to North Carolina last year was devastating and began the downward spiral where they lost three of their final five regular season games. It’s up to the offense to make things happen, as the defense is still the strength and should improve even more this season.
Returning Starters on Offense – 5 Breaking in a new quarterback and new tailback is never an easy task but the Hurricanes posses one of the best offensive lines in the conference as well as in the country. Four of the five starters from last year return and with four very dangerous receivers to go along with a solid tight end, the transition should not be too bad. Rushing yards per game has decreased in each of the past four seasons.
Returning Starters on Defense – 9 Stopping the run was the weakness of the defense a year ago but the problem looks to be solved with seven of the top eight front line players returning. The secondary was outstanding last year and will be the strength once again as only one player needs to be replaced. The linebackers are young but athletic and a year of experience will help in stuffing the run.
Schedule The Hurricanes start the season at Florida St., who they have defeated six straight times followed by a trip to Clemson, who they lost to last season in the first ever meeting. From there, the schedule couldn’t be better with five of the next six games at home and the one road game being at Temple. The November 5th game at Virginia Tech will be the biggest test at the end of the slate to likely decide the division title.
Keep an eye on… The game at Clemson could normally be considered a letdown following Florida St. but seeing that Clemson came into Miami last season and won, the Hurricanes will be looking for some payback. Miami will have 12 days to prepare and the Hurricanes are 6-2 ATS in revenge games when favored on the road. However, Clemson has won and covered its last three as a home pup.
Virginia Tech Hokies
Fargo’s Take The Hokies will be the main competition for Miami and some actually believe that Virginia Tech is the team to beat since it gets to host Miami this season. The schedule is much better but there is a big concern on defense past the front four as there isn’t much experience in the back seven. Another concern is the thin offensive line that will need to protect new starting QB Marcus Vick.
Returning Starters on Offense – 7 There are plenty of potential stars on this offense but underachieving is a huge concern. The offense finished only 65th in the country in total offense and the passing game was very suspect. All of the receivers are back but will Vick be able to make things happen with his arm and not just his legs? He has a very dependable backfield behind him to make things easier.
Returning Starters on Defense – 6 This has always been the strength of the team and last season was no exception as the Hokies finished 4th in total defense and 2nd in scoring defense. They allowed over 10 less points per game than in 2003 but with some holes to fill this season, that scoring average could go back up. There are just seven seniors in the entire two-deep roster so experience could be a big issue.
Schedule The schedule is very much in the favor of the Hokies. They start with a tough game at NC State but after that, five of the next six games are all relatively easy wins with the exception of the game against Georgia Tech. Virginia Tech hosts Boston College and Miami, former Big East opponents, in back-to-back weeks followed by a road trip to Virginia. That three-game stretch will decide everything.
Keep an eye on… The first game could make or break the season for the Hokies and playing in Raleigh is never an easy task. Virginia Tech lost to the Wolfpack by a single point at home last season which ended up costing them a possible shot for the National Title had they defeated Auburn in the Sugar Bowl. Virginia Tech is only 2-7 ATS in its last nine games as a road favorite.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Fargo’s Take The talent is here for Georgia Tech to make something special happen but the schedule does it absolutely no favors. If the Yellow Jackets could have last year’s schedule again this year, a huge run would be possible. This team has a solid coaching staff and will be well prepared for every game so if the bounces go the right way, there is a possibility of a title run.
Returning Starters on Offense – 5 The offensive line is young and inexperienced and it will have to find continuity very quickly. The Yellow Jackets were only 85th in scoring offense and 80th in total offense last season and in order for those numbers to improve, the line needs to get it done. All of the skill positions are back but it is time for quarterback Reggie Ball to step it up in his third year as a starter.
Returning Starters on Defense – 8 It will be up to the defense to control the games early on until the offense can catch up. This unit was one of the best in the country last season and will be even better this time around. The secondary is one of the best in the conference with four starters coming back and a lot of experience coming off the bench. The linebackers are young and the front four took two big hits in the spring but there is plenty of depth to go around.
Schedule An average schedule would have this team going 9-2 but this is not an average schedule. Starting off at Auburn is very difficult even though Auburn has some issues of its own. A couple easy home games follow but then the Yellow Jackets have three of their next four games on the road including games at Virginia Tech and Miami. They end the season at Virginia and then hosting state rival Georgia.
Keep an eye on… The game against North Carolina looks to be an easy win on paper but the Yellow Jackets cannot afford to look past the Tar Heels. North Carolina will be better defensively this season and Georgia Tech won’t be able to blow right through them. Georgia Tech is just 15-25 ATS following a loss and it has dropped five of its last six ACC openers.
Virginia Cavaliers
Fargo’s Take The Cavaliers are another team where the players are there to make a run at the top. They have playmakers on both sides of the ball but consistency is what is going to be most important. Both the offense and defense looked unstoppable at times last season but was the very opposite at times as well. The three losses in the regular season last year were to the top three teams in the ACC and they must find a way to win the big game.
Returning Starters on Offense – 6 Virginia has one of the best quarterbacks in the conference in Marques Hagans but the Cavs need to be able to find someone to get the ball to. The loss of tight end Heath Miller is a big blow, especially in this offense, so it’s up to the wideouts to step it up and play to their potential. The offensive line is solid and should provide plenty of running lanes for an experienced backfield.
Returning Starters on Defense – 6 The defense has one of the best linebackers in the country in Ahmad Brooks but it’s up front where Virginia is going to struggle. Three sophomores will be starting on the front line and they must play big against some of the most physical teams in the country. The secondary is also young but both corners are back and the safeties have the potential to be great.
Schedule Compared to Georgia Tech, this schedule is a cakewalk. However, no ACC schedule is easy but at least Virginia gets Florida St. and Virginia Tech at home. The road slate is very doable with Boston College looking to be the only obstacle in the way before a showdown at Miami in the season finale. Western Michigan, Syracuse and Temple make up a relatively easy non-conference schedule.
Keep an eye on… While Syracuse looks to be a win in the second game of the season, traveling up to the Carrier Dome in never an easy out. The Cavaliers rolled over the Orange at home last year so Syracuse will no doubt be up for this rematch. Virginia is only 4-11 ATS in its last 15 games on the road, losing nine of those contests outright. Syracuse is extremely tough on the home carpet and will give it all in this one.
North Carolina Tar Heels
Fargo’s Take The Tar Heels made an improbable run last season to make it to a bowl game. After going 3-4 in their first seven games with a defense that allowed 35.6 ppg, the Tar Heels defeated Miami to trigger a 3-1 finish. A bowl game is out of the question this year with a rebuilt offense and a schedule that offers very little breaks. Head coach John Bunting was on the hot seat last year and will be once again.
Returning Starters on Offense – 5 The offense will be a shell of what it was last season unless quarterback Matt Baker can come in and make things happen right away. He does have plenty of talent around him including a strong running game but that isn’t the problem. The offense will be facing some of the best defenses in the country as only Duke and Utah finished out of the top 30 in total defense from last season.
Returning Starters on Defense – 9 This was one of the worst units in the country in the first half of last year but it did come on late to at least give the offense a chance. There are nine starters coming back and one of the non-returnees in a senior. The positive finish from last season should give the Tar Heels a jolt heading into 2005 but the defense still won’t be good enough to carry the offense if it comes down to that.
Schedule The schedule is one of the most difficult in the county once again. No more William & Mary but instead Wisconsin, while Utah and Louisville remain on the slate in the non-conference portion. The ACC schedule is tough, as North Carolina has to travel to both Miami and Virginia Tech. The only soft part is back-to-back home games against Duke and Maryland, which is part of four of five games at home.
Keep an eye on… This team realistically does not have a winnable game until Maryland comes calling on November 10th. However, one game to look out for is against Wisconsin in its home opener as the Badgers defense is in rebuilding mode. This is the Badgers only road game within its first five games and they are just 3-15 ATS as double digit favorites which is a possibility here depending on how the first few game pan out.
Duke Blue Devils
Fargo’s Take Duke will once again trail the field but it certainly isn’t for lack of effort. The Blue Devils just don’t have the talent to keep up with the rest of the ACC although they are an improving team. A huge win over Clemson in the second to last game of 2004 could give them some inspiration and a 3-2 start isn’t totally out of the question. The players give 110 percent all game, every game.
Returning Starters on Offense – 6 The offense was the worst in division I last season, averaging a mere 266.5 ypg while scoring only 16.6 ppg. A new offensive coordinator could liven things up but only one offensive lineman returns and there really are no playmakers to be found anywhere. The good news is that all of the youngsters on the unit this season have a year under their belts so things could improve.
Returning Starters on Defense – 6 The defense wasn’t as bad as the offense last year but it wasn’t a strong unit by any means. The Blue Devils couldn’t stop the run, allowing the most yards on the ground since 2001. That average will no doubt get better this season as the front four has the potential to be very good if the young players perform as expected. The secondary will also be a bright spot but definitely not one of the best in the conference.
Schedule This is the second straight year with six home games and while the Blue Devils have to play the Big Three, two of those games are at home this season. Chances are both will be lost but at least the home field can ease the pain. East Carolina, VMI and Navy are the three games that can be won early on but after that, it doesn’t look promising. Wake Forest at home at the end of October is likely the only other possible win on the slate.
Keep an eye on… The first game at East Carolina finds the Blue Devils actually favored by a couple of points. That hasn’t happened since 1999 and Duke hasn’t covered as road chalk since 1994. The Blue Devils are favored for a reason however as the Pirates are once again rebuilding but siding with a Duke team laying points is suicide as it is 0-9 ATS in its last nine overall when favored.
This is Part 14 of a 20 Part College Football Preview Series from Matt Fargo. Check out future stories all summer long.
Miami Hurricanes
Fargo’s Take Miami is looking to reverse a trend that has seen the Hurricanes lose one extra game in each of the last three seasons. The loss to North Carolina last year was devastating and began the downward spiral where they lost three of their final five regular season games. It’s up to the offense to make things happen, as the defense is still the strength and should improve even more this season.
Returning Starters on Offense – 5 Breaking in a new quarterback and new tailback is never an easy task but the Hurricanes posses one of the best offensive lines in the conference as well as in the country. Four of the five starters from last year return and with four very dangerous receivers to go along with a solid tight end, the transition should not be too bad. Rushing yards per game has decreased in each of the past four seasons.
Returning Starters on Defense – 9 Stopping the run was the weakness of the defense a year ago but the problem looks to be solved with seven of the top eight front line players returning. The secondary was outstanding last year and will be the strength once again as only one player needs to be replaced. The linebackers are young but athletic and a year of experience will help in stuffing the run.
Schedule The Hurricanes start the season at Florida St., who they have defeated six straight times followed by a trip to Clemson, who they lost to last season in the first ever meeting. From there, the schedule couldn’t be better with five of the next six games at home and the one road game being at Temple. The November 5th game at Virginia Tech will be the biggest test at the end of the slate to likely decide the division title.
Keep an eye on… The game at Clemson could normally be considered a letdown following Florida St. but seeing that Clemson came into Miami last season and won, the Hurricanes will be looking for some payback. Miami will have 12 days to prepare and the Hurricanes are 6-2 ATS in revenge games when favored on the road. However, Clemson has won and covered its last three as a home pup.
Virginia Tech Hokies
Fargo’s Take The Hokies will be the main competition for Miami and some actually believe that Virginia Tech is the team to beat since it gets to host Miami this season. The schedule is much better but there is a big concern on defense past the front four as there isn’t much experience in the back seven. Another concern is the thin offensive line that will need to protect new starting QB Marcus Vick.
Returning Starters on Offense – 7 There are plenty of potential stars on this offense but underachieving is a huge concern. The offense finished only 65th in the country in total offense and the passing game was very suspect. All of the receivers are back but will Vick be able to make things happen with his arm and not just his legs? He has a very dependable backfield behind him to make things easier.
Returning Starters on Defense – 6 This has always been the strength of the team and last season was no exception as the Hokies finished 4th in total defense and 2nd in scoring defense. They allowed over 10 less points per game than in 2003 but with some holes to fill this season, that scoring average could go back up. There are just seven seniors in the entire two-deep roster so experience could be a big issue.
Schedule The schedule is very much in the favor of the Hokies. They start with a tough game at NC State but after that, five of the next six games are all relatively easy wins with the exception of the game against Georgia Tech. Virginia Tech hosts Boston College and Miami, former Big East opponents, in back-to-back weeks followed by a road trip to Virginia. That three-game stretch will decide everything.
Keep an eye on… The first game could make or break the season for the Hokies and playing in Raleigh is never an easy task. Virginia Tech lost to the Wolfpack by a single point at home last season which ended up costing them a possible shot for the National Title had they defeated Auburn in the Sugar Bowl. Virginia Tech is only 2-7 ATS in its last nine games as a road favorite.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Fargo’s Take The talent is here for Georgia Tech to make something special happen but the schedule does it absolutely no favors. If the Yellow Jackets could have last year’s schedule again this year, a huge run would be possible. This team has a solid coaching staff and will be well prepared for every game so if the bounces go the right way, there is a possibility of a title run.
Returning Starters on Offense – 5 The offensive line is young and inexperienced and it will have to find continuity very quickly. The Yellow Jackets were only 85th in scoring offense and 80th in total offense last season and in order for those numbers to improve, the line needs to get it done. All of the skill positions are back but it is time for quarterback Reggie Ball to step it up in his third year as a starter.
Returning Starters on Defense – 8 It will be up to the defense to control the games early on until the offense can catch up. This unit was one of the best in the country last season and will be even better this time around. The secondary is one of the best in the conference with four starters coming back and a lot of experience coming off the bench. The linebackers are young and the front four took two big hits in the spring but there is plenty of depth to go around.
Schedule An average schedule would have this team going 9-2 but this is not an average schedule. Starting off at Auburn is very difficult even though Auburn has some issues of its own. A couple easy home games follow but then the Yellow Jackets have three of their next four games on the road including games at Virginia Tech and Miami. They end the season at Virginia and then hosting state rival Georgia.
Keep an eye on… The game against North Carolina looks to be an easy win on paper but the Yellow Jackets cannot afford to look past the Tar Heels. North Carolina will be better defensively this season and Georgia Tech won’t be able to blow right through them. Georgia Tech is just 15-25 ATS following a loss and it has dropped five of its last six ACC openers.
Virginia Cavaliers
Fargo’s Take The Cavaliers are another team where the players are there to make a run at the top. They have playmakers on both sides of the ball but consistency is what is going to be most important. Both the offense and defense looked unstoppable at times last season but was the very opposite at times as well. The three losses in the regular season last year were to the top three teams in the ACC and they must find a way to win the big game.
Returning Starters on Offense – 6 Virginia has one of the best quarterbacks in the conference in Marques Hagans but the Cavs need to be able to find someone to get the ball to. The loss of tight end Heath Miller is a big blow, especially in this offense, so it’s up to the wideouts to step it up and play to their potential. The offensive line is solid and should provide plenty of running lanes for an experienced backfield.
Returning Starters on Defense – 6 The defense has one of the best linebackers in the country in Ahmad Brooks but it’s up front where Virginia is going to struggle. Three sophomores will be starting on the front line and they must play big against some of the most physical teams in the country. The secondary is also young but both corners are back and the safeties have the potential to be great.
Schedule Compared to Georgia Tech, this schedule is a cakewalk. However, no ACC schedule is easy but at least Virginia gets Florida St. and Virginia Tech at home. The road slate is very doable with Boston College looking to be the only obstacle in the way before a showdown at Miami in the season finale. Western Michigan, Syracuse and Temple make up a relatively easy non-conference schedule.
Keep an eye on… While Syracuse looks to be a win in the second game of the season, traveling up to the Carrier Dome in never an easy out. The Cavaliers rolled over the Orange at home last year so Syracuse will no doubt be up for this rematch. Virginia is only 4-11 ATS in its last 15 games on the road, losing nine of those contests outright. Syracuse is extremely tough on the home carpet and will give it all in this one.
North Carolina Tar Heels
Fargo’s Take The Tar Heels made an improbable run last season to make it to a bowl game. After going 3-4 in their first seven games with a defense that allowed 35.6 ppg, the Tar Heels defeated Miami to trigger a 3-1 finish. A bowl game is out of the question this year with a rebuilt offense and a schedule that offers very little breaks. Head coach John Bunting was on the hot seat last year and will be once again.
Returning Starters on Offense – 5 The offense will be a shell of what it was last season unless quarterback Matt Baker can come in and make things happen right away. He does have plenty of talent around him including a strong running game but that isn’t the problem. The offense will be facing some of the best defenses in the country as only Duke and Utah finished out of the top 30 in total defense from last season.
Returning Starters on Defense – 9 This was one of the worst units in the country in the first half of last year but it did come on late to at least give the offense a chance. There are nine starters coming back and one of the non-returnees in a senior. The positive finish from last season should give the Tar Heels a jolt heading into 2005 but the defense still won’t be good enough to carry the offense if it comes down to that.
Schedule The schedule is one of the most difficult in the county once again. No more William & Mary but instead Wisconsin, while Utah and Louisville remain on the slate in the non-conference portion. The ACC schedule is tough, as North Carolina has to travel to both Miami and Virginia Tech. The only soft part is back-to-back home games against Duke and Maryland, which is part of four of five games at home.
Keep an eye on… This team realistically does not have a winnable game until Maryland comes calling on November 10th. However, one game to look out for is against Wisconsin in its home opener as the Badgers defense is in rebuilding mode. This is the Badgers only road game within its first five games and they are just 3-15 ATS as double digit favorites which is a possibility here depending on how the first few game pan out.
Duke Blue Devils
Fargo’s Take Duke will once again trail the field but it certainly isn’t for lack of effort. The Blue Devils just don’t have the talent to keep up with the rest of the ACC although they are an improving team. A huge win over Clemson in the second to last game of 2004 could give them some inspiration and a 3-2 start isn’t totally out of the question. The players give 110 percent all game, every game.
Returning Starters on Offense – 6 The offense was the worst in division I last season, averaging a mere 266.5 ypg while scoring only 16.6 ppg. A new offensive coordinator could liven things up but only one offensive lineman returns and there really are no playmakers to be found anywhere. The good news is that all of the youngsters on the unit this season have a year under their belts so things could improve.
Returning Starters on Defense – 6 The defense wasn’t as bad as the offense last year but it wasn’t a strong unit by any means. The Blue Devils couldn’t stop the run, allowing the most yards on the ground since 2001. That average will no doubt get better this season as the front four has the potential to be very good if the young players perform as expected. The secondary will also be a bright spot but definitely not one of the best in the conference.
Schedule This is the second straight year with six home games and while the Blue Devils have to play the Big Three, two of those games are at home this season. Chances are both will be lost but at least the home field can ease the pain. East Carolina, VMI and Navy are the three games that can be won early on but after that, it doesn’t look promising. Wake Forest at home at the end of October is likely the only other possible win on the slate.
Keep an eye on… The first game at East Carolina finds the Blue Devils actually favored by a couple of points. That hasn’t happened since 1999 and Duke hasn’t covered as road chalk since 1994. The Blue Devils are favored for a reason however as the Pirates are once again rebuilding but siding with a Duke team laying points is suicide as it is 0-9 ATS in its last nine overall when favored.
This is Part 14 of a 20 Part College Football Preview Series from Matt Fargo. Check out future stories all summer long.