ACC Football Predictions 2017
ACC Football Preview
The ACC has been one of the more difficult conferences to predict. We have been predicting the ACC since 2012.
Here's a list of our accolades over the years. Accolades based of the Stassen.
Here's a list of our accolades over the years. Accolades based of the Stassen.
2012 MOST ACCURATE
ACC ACC Atlantic (perfect) |
2015 MOST ACCURATE
ACC Coastal ACC |
2016 MOST ACCURATE
ACC Atlantic (perfect) ACC Coastal ACC |
Coastal Division
#1 Georgia Tech 10-2 (7-1)
#2 Virginia Tech 10-2 (6-2)
Coach: Justin Fuente
Offensive Coordinator: Brad Cornelsen Defensive coordinator: Bud Foster Stadium: Lane Stadium (66,233) 2016 Record: 10-4 The Breakdown Offense: Special talent has departed from the Hokie offense. They still have weapons though. WR Cam Phillips nearly had 1,000 yards but will need to be a primary threat in the red zone. RB Travon McMillian should emerge as the guy this season. With Evans departing the running game will look different. The line play looks really good on the left side as both tackle and guard return. A new QB will be under center after Jerod Evans made waves last season. Josh Jackson is the favorite to win the job. His abilities will make or break this team this season. Defense: This will be the type of Virginia Tech defense that you are used to seeing. They have loads of experience. The best linebackers in the conference reside in Blacksburg. ILB Andrew Motuapuaka had 114 tackles last season. Two other linebackers will join in him in the 4-3 defense. linebacker Tremaine Edmunds lead the team in sacks last season and 18.5 tackles for loss. Mook Reynolds can hold his own at OLB too. The secondary is not lacking for talent. They have Terrell Edmunds at safety and corner Greg Stroman to lead the secondary. The line is the only questionable spot. Three new starters will be with Vinny Mihota. Tim Settle will move into a starting role at DT. His big frame should help vs. the run. An area where they ranked 8th in the conference. Special Teams: Joey Slye returns for one final season as the Hokies kicker. Freshman punter Oscar Bradburn should be a staple for the Hokes the next four years. Final Thoughts: The defense should carry the offense while they figure things out. With the weapons they have it shouldn't take long. They better be ready by September 30th though as Clemson comes to town. Games at Miami and Georgia Tech will decide their fate. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Jack Click, SO, QB Rushing Travon McMillian, JR, RB Receiving Cam Phillips, SR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Terrell Edmunds, JR, S Sacks: Tremaine Edmunds, JR, LB Tackles: Andrew Motuapuaka. SR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 10-4 2015 7-6 2014 7-6 2013 8-5 2012 7-6 Virginia Tech Schedule
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#3 Miami 9-3 (5-3)
Coach: Mark Richt
Offensive Coordinator: Thomas Brown Defensive coordinator: Manny Diaz Stadium: Sun Life Stadium (65,326) 2016 Record: 9-4 The Breakdown Offense: The running attack should be more of a focal point with Mark Walton returning. Walton had 14 scores a year ago on just over 200 carries. The line has had its ups and downs. They will need to be improved with a new QB under center. Had Brad Kaaya returned they would be the favorites in the Coastal division but he didn't. The QB spot will be decided in fall camp. The targets for whomever will be under center are top level talents. Ahmmon Richards made big plays last season. He led all freshman with 943 yards receiving. He will be joined by plenty of talent in the 2017 class. Jeff Thomas and Mike Harley are ready to take the ACC. Defense: The sophomore trio at linebacker will be legendary one day. Shaq Quarterman had 88 tackles last season with 10 tackles for loss as well. WLB Micheal Pinckney was 5th in tackles last season. Another sophomore contributor is Joe Jackson. Jackson led the team in tackles for loss and sacks. With him and senior Chad Thomas on the ends the Hurricanes should provide plenty of pressure. The secondary losses all four guys. They will add talented freshman, transfers and juco players to fill these voids. Romeo Finley will see time at safety. He is another sophomore talent. Special Teams:You have to fill confident with Micheal Badgley coming back after a good junior season. A lot of freshman special team players in the ACC. Miami has one in punter Zach Feagles. Final Thoughts: Miami has three important games this season at Florida State, Georgia Tech, and Virginia Tech. If they find stability at the QB position they can make a run at the Coastal title. The defense is going to become better and better. They have plenty of youth to keep it going for awhile. Next season will be the season for Miami. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Malik Rosier, JR, QB Rushing Mark Walton, JR, RB Receiving Ammon Richards, SO, WR Defense: Interceptions: Four players with 1 Sacks: Joe Jackson, SO, DE Tackles: Shaq Quarterman, SO, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 9-4 2015 8-5 2014 6-7 2013 9-4 2012 7-5 Miami Schedule
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#4 Pittsburgh 5-7 (3-5)
Coach: Pat Narduzzi
Offensive Coordinator: Matt Canada Defensive coordinator: Josh Conklin Stadium: Heinz Field (68,400) 2016 Record: 8-5 The Breakdown Offense: Pitt will turn to Max Browne a former USC Trojan at QB. He was highly touted out of high school but once he got his shot at the starting job he lost it a few games later. Browne will be out to prove people wrong this season. He has a great option at running back in Qadree Ollison. Ollison is a proven back who will easily go over 1,000 yards this season. The line lost some talent but will still be strong this season. LT Brian O'Neil is the best of the group. If you are looking for playmakers at WR look no further than Quadree Henderson. He can get it done via rush, catch or return. Jester Welsh will stretch the defense with his big play ability. The question still remains, will Max Browne be able to make plays at QB. If not, this offense will look to someone else quick. Defense: Raise your hand if you thought Pittsburgh defense was going to be great with Narduzzi at the helm. Well they gave up 35 points per game last season. Their ability to stop the run was solid but when you know you can air it out with no contest why run? The secondary has talent with Jordan Whitehead and Avonte Maddox but it hasn't translated yet. The Panthers got after the QB last year but again that didn't translate into a positive. The front four brings back Rori Blair and adds transfer Dewayne Hendrix. The linebacker corps will be need to be better this season. If they want to make progress from last years 452 yards per game, this is where they need to do it. Special Teams: Replacing Chris Blewitt won't be easy but they are hoping that Alex Kessman can get the job done. Ryan Winslow has plenty experience at punter. He has been mentioned early as a playmaker and this is where he's better than almost everyone else, Quadree Henderson, returning kicks. Final Thoughts: If you have the guts to put this team top 3 more power to ya. With the questions at QB and the defense as a whole I can't make that move. Talent wise they have a talented group of skill players. With the schedule they have this season it will be hard to have Pittsburgh making a bowl game. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Ben DiNucci, SO, QB Rushing Quadree Henderson, JR, WR Receiving Quadree Henderson, JR, WR Defense Interceptions: Avonte Maddox, SR, CB Sacks: Quintin Wirginis, SR, MLB Tackles: Oluwaseun Idow, JR, OLB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 8-5 2015 8-5 2014 6-7 2013 7-6 2012 6-7 Pittsburgh Schedule
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#5 North Carolina 5-7 (2-6)
Coach: Larry Fedora
Offensive Coordinator: Defensive coordinator: Stadium: Kenan Memorial Stadium (62,980) 2016 Record: 8-5 The Breakdown Offense: North Carolina has had a really good stretch at QB from Trubisky, Williams. They now are potentially looking at LSU transfer Brandon Harris to start for them. Harris hasn't had a completion percentage over 55. Trubisky had a 68 percent last season. The Heels lost a lot of talent at running back and WR too. They will need to find answers quick. The one positive for UNC is the offensive line. Three starters are back and two transfer from power 5 schools arrive. Way too many questions to be confident in this group this season. Defense: Gene Chizik has left the team as defensive coordinator. He was one of the reason we liked the Tar Heels the past two seasons. John Papuchis will call the shots now. His unit brings back 6 starters. Unlike Pittsburgh this team could stop the pass but couldn't bring down the running back. The top secondary in ACC play brings back no one who had an INT last year. Odd thing is they only had one total last season! The depth in the secondary is there though. Plenty of depth throughout this unit. The linebackers could prove to be the best part of the team. Cole Holcomb had 115 tackles last year. Andre Smith was second on the team with 113. DE Malik Carney emerged last season with 5.5 sacks. The loss of Nazair Jones will sting but many players got reps last season. Special Teams: Outside of punter Tom Sheldon, special teams lost a lot from last years team. With all the question marks on offense they will need kicker Freeman Jones to be accurate. Final Thoughts: I have been a major supporter of the Heels in the past. This season, zero percent support. Too many questions on offense for once. The defense will need to keep things under control for North Carolina to have a shot this season. The schedule has them facing Louisville and NC State from the Atlantic. No bowl game for North Carolina. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Nathan Elliot, SO, QB Rushing Jordan Brown, SO, RB Receiving Austin Proehl, SR, WR Defense: Interceptions: None Sacks: Malik Carney, JR, DE Tackles: Cole Holcomb, JR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 8-5 2015 11-3 2014 6-7 2013 7-6 2012 8-4 North Carolina Schedule
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#6 Virginia 3-9 (2-6)
Coach: Bronco Mendenhall
Offensive Coordinator: Robert Anae Defensive coordinator: Nick Howell Stadium: Scott Stadium (61,500) 2016 Record: 2-10 The Breakdown Offense: Let's makes this simple. The Cavaliers had no running game and couldn't find the end zone. In order for the to change the offensive line has to be much better. Three graduate transfers have been added to help. Jordan Ellis has the pleasure of running behind that line. He only had 14 attempts last season. He will be joined by several other backs as they look for anyone to get going. The passing attack was a plus last year as Kurt Benkert managed 21 balls for a score. One of his favorite targets Olamide Zaccheaus had 7 grabs in the end zone. Defense: Remember back in 2013 when Virginia snagged two 5 star recruits out of Virginia? They are still around. DE Andrew Brown emerged last season after disappointing two years. Quin Blanding has been a stud since day one. He has had over 100 tackles in each of his three seasons at Virginia. Micah Kiser is in his senior season as well. He has led the team in tackles the past two seasons. With eight starters back this seems like the defense that could breakthrough and hold opponents under 30 points per game since 2013. If the three stars get some help the Virginia defense could make some noise. Special Teams: Changes have arrived in Charlottesville. Welcome in a HS All-American Brian Delaney at kicker. Lester Coleman will handle the punting duties. Final Thoughts: Hard to see much changing on offense with big questions still on the O-line. The defense has a chance to play well this season but if the offense puts them in bad spots you won't really see it. They have winnable games early in the schedule. Once it gets to late October trouble appears. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Kurt Benkert, SR, QB Rushing Jordan Ellis, JR, RB Receiving Olamide Zaccheaus, JR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Juan Thornhill, JR, S Sacks: Micah Kiser, SR, LB Tackles: Micah Kiser, SR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 2-10 2015 4-8 2014 5-7 2013 2-10 2012 4-8 Virginia Schedule
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#7 Duke 2-10 (0-8)
Coach: David Cutcliffe
Offensive Coordinator: Zac Roper Defensive coordinator: Ben Albert and Jim Knowles Stadium: Wallace Wade Stadium (33,941) 2016 Record: 4-8 The Breakdown Offense: The Blue Devils need to put more points on the board this season. They ranked 110th last season. The hope is Daniel Jones will elevate his game after a promising freshman season. His numbers aren't too impressive but his experience gives the Devils an upper hand in a division that only has one other starter returning. He will have two familiar targets in T.J. Rahming, Chris Taylor and Jonathan Lloyd. The problem is they didn't find the end zone enough. Lloyd had a team high 3 scores last season. Shawn Brown will take a good portion of the carries this season. He averaged just over 4 yards a carry. The line is not deep but the addition of Ohio State transfer Evan Lisle is welcomed. Defense: The defense got scorched by Pittsburgh and Miami at the end of the season. They did have many positives along the way though. The soul of the defense are linebackers Joe Giles-Harris and Ben Humphreys. Giles-Harris led the team in tackles while Humphreys had a team 4.5 sacks. They both were seen in the backfield a lot as they totaled 20.5 TFLs. The secondary won't be as strong this season. Only 2 of 5 spots have a starter returning. The upperclassman will have a chance to prove their worth as all three open spots could be filled by sophomores. The line has a similar issue. Only 1 starter is back with a group of sophomores waiting for their chance. Only one four star recruit is in the 2017 class, DE Drew Jordan. He may get a look at starting this season. Special Teams: New faces will be in the return game. Shaun Wilson seems like the likely candidate to return kick unless something changes in the fall. Austin Parker has a good chance to handle both kicking and punting this season. A.J. Reed was very unreliable last season. Final Thoughts: The overall talent on offense is not there anymore. Daniel Jones seems promising but will he have enough around him is the question. The defensive talent level is down too. Cutcliffe has done a great job at Duke but to maintain that level of success is too difficult with the recruiting classes they bring in. They draw Florida State from the Atlantic and host Northwestern and Baylor this season. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Daniel Jones, SO, QB Rushing Shaun Wilson, SR, RB Receiving T.J. Rahming, JR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Bryon Fields, SR, CB Sacks: Ben Humphreys, JR, LB Tackles: Joe Giles-Harris, SO, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 4-8 2015 8-5 2014 9-4 2013 10-4 2012 6-7 Duke Schedule
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Atlantic Division
#1 Florida State 11-1 (8-0)
Coach: Jimbo Fisher
Offensive Coordinator: Lawrence Dawsey and Randy Sanders Defensive coordinator: Charles Kelly Stadium: Doak Campbell Stadium (82,300) 2016 Record: 10-3 The Breakdown Offense: The Dalvin Cook era is now over at Florida State. A program like Florida State should be able to reload there. Florida State's top recruit is Cam Akers and expect him to get a lot of carries this season as a true freshman. The offensive line however is where 'Nole fans should have concerns. The left side is open and a freshman and sophomore will likely fill those slots. If they don't live up to expectations that could hold the team back. Deondre Francois had a great freshman year but he had a lot of proven talent around him. He had over 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns. His top returning targets are Nyqwan Murray and Auden Tate. Both of these players have the talent to make noise in 2017. Defense: Want to know why people are projecting the Seminoles to the playoffs? 10 starters are back on defense. It didn't take long to recognize that Derwin James was going to be a star after his huge 2015 season. Then 2016 came and he got injured. He is back and ready to dominate. He will be in the secondary with Tarvarus Mcfadden who tied for the most interceptions in the nation last year with 8. All three linebackers return. They are all seniors giving that position group the most experience on the team. Matthew Thomas led the team in tackles last season. The line losses out on Demarcus Walker but they return 3 other starters. The open spot will be filled by Brian Burns who brings in his 9.5 sacks fro last season. Florida State always recruits well on the defensive line so even when the starters aren't in they have players who would start on their opponents teams. Special Teams: Year two of the combo of Ricky Aguayo (K) and Logan Tyler (P) should be better. Derwin James will be back to making noise in the return game. Final Thoughts: I can't stress enough how important the offensive line play will be for this team. Week one will be a challange for that line so don't be too quick to judge until the NC State game on the 23rd. If they haven't figured it out by then they likely have two losses under their belt already. The good news is they host Louisville, Miami and NC State. |
Top Returners
Offense Passing Deondre Francois, SO, QB Rushing Jacques Patrick, JR, RB Receiving Nyqwan Murray, JR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Travarus McFadden, JR, CB Sacks: Brian Burns, SO, DE Tackles: Matthew Thomas, SR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 10-3 2015 10-3 2014 13-1 2013 14-0 2012 12-2 Florida State Schedule
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#2 NC State 10-2 (7-1)
Coach: Dave Doeren
Offensive Coordinator: Eli Drinkwitz Defensive coordinator: Dave Huxtable Stadium: Carter-Finley Stadium (57,583) 2016 Record: 7-6 The Breakdown Offense: Ryan Finley came in and changed things around for the Wolfpack. The passing offense had over 600 more yards last season. Overall the offensive numbers were up except for scoring. Finley had 18 passing touchdowns last year so an increase there will be the focus this year. Finley will be well protected with four starters back on the line. Tony Adams is an all-conference talent at RG. The running attack will be without Matt Dayes. Nyheim Hayes will get the first shot at it replacing Dayes. Hayes is a former four star recruit. Don't underestimate the WR corps. Jaylen Samuels lines up at several different spots on the field. He had 55 catches last year with 7 scores. He added 6 scores rushing too. Stephen Louis is the deep ball threat for the Pack. Kelvin Harmon and Antoine Thompson are former four star recruits that could play major factors this season. Defense: NCSU stopped the run well last season, so well that teams could hardly get over 100 yards on them. All of the line and linebackers return which is bad news for teams who want to run the ball in the ACC. When you have one of the best front fours in the country you will get more attention from opponents. Bradley Chubb led the team with 10 sacks last season. The Pack totaled 39. Chubb also added 21.5 tackles for loss. The DT's are monsters as well. Justin Jones and B.J. Hill set the tone for stopping the run. Jerod Fernandez and Airius Moore return at linebacker. They combined for 174 tackles last year. With top tackler Josh Jones gone these two will have to raise their game. The secondary is the only spot on the whole team with major questions. Shawn Boone is the only player that returns. If the secondary can force a few more interceptions than last season that would be a positive. They only had 10 last year. The returning players only have four interceptions. Special Teams: Kicking was a down fall last season (Clemson game) but their is hope in transfer Carson Side. A.J. Cole had a good season punting. Nyheim Hines is a major threat in the return game. Final Thoughts: NC State lost so many close games, four to be exact. They bring back 16 starters from that team. If the secondary can make plays this defense will be special. The offense should take another step forward with Finely and co. Week one vs. South Carolina will be huge for this teams confidence. Nobody believes more in the Wolfpack than me. |
Top Returners
Offense Passing Ryan Finley, JR, QB Rushing Reggie Gallaspy II, JR, RB Receiving: Jalen Samuels, SR, WR Defense: Interceptions Four players with four Sacks Bradley Chubb, SR, DE Tackles Jerod Fernandez, SR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 14-1 2015 14-1 2014 10-3 2013 11-2 2012 11-2 NC State Schedule
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#3 Clemson 9-3 (6-2)
Coach: Dabo Swinney
Offensive Coordinator: Jeff Scott and Tony Elliot Defensive coordinator: Brent Venables Stadium: Memorial Stadium 81,500 2016 Record: 14-1 The Breakdown Offense: The 2016 Clemson Tigers offense was one to remember. They had threats at all aspects and put up massive numbers. Those numbers led to a national title. The big question is who replaces Deshaun Watson. Right now their are three players up for the job. Hunter Johnson is the top prospect coming in but Kelly Bryant is the favorite at this stage. The wide receiver play won't dip with star Deon Cain, Ray Ray McCloud and Hunter Renfrow. Cain averaged nearly 20 yards a catch and scored 9 times. Renfrow and McCloud combined for 93 grabs and 8 scores. Wayne Gallman was a staple at Clemson. He will be replaced by CJ Fuller and Tavien Feaster. Both players had less than 50 carries last season. The offensive line in front of them however will be a great unit. Everyone is back expect for the center position. You may see three ALL-ACC caliber lineman by the end of this season. Defense: Seven starters return from last years team that gave up 18 ppg. The defensive line will be special again this season. Clelin Ferrell and Dexter Lawrence were in the backfield a lot last season and don't expect that to change. Where Clemson takes the biggest hit is having their leader linebacker Ben Boulware departed. Boulware had 131 tackles last year for he Tigers. Kendall Joseph put up massive numbers as well though and should be great in his spot. OLB is open for the taking if they can find the right fit they won't drop off too much. Plenty of depth and talent can be found in the secondary. Safety Van Smith was third on the team in tackles. He is also the returning leader in interceptions. Ryan Carter enters his final season at corner. Look for Sophomores K'Von Wallace and Trayvon Mullen and Tanner Muse to play key roles this season. Special Teams: Punting duties will be up for grabs this fall in Clemson. Kicker Greg Huegel might play a bigger role this season after only attempting 19 field goals last year. He was fourth in PAT last season. Final Thoughts: Clemson was a team that I always had on my radar to win a title and they finally did. Going back to back is really difficult especially when you have to come out of the Atlantic Division to even have a shot. QB is a big question mark. They have all the other pieces to make it happen though. Week 2 vs. Auburn and Week 3 at Louisville will tell you if this team can get back to the playoff. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Kelly Bryant, JR, QB Rushing Tavien Feaster, SO, RB Receiving Ray-Ray McCloud, JR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Van Smith, JR, S Sacks Clelin Ferrell. SO, DE Tackles: Kendall Joseph, LB, JR Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 14-1 2015 14-1 2014 10-3 2013 11-2 2012 11-2 Clemson Schedule
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#4 Louisville 9-3 (5-3)
Coach: Bobby Petrino
Offensive Coordinator: Chris Klenakis and Lonnie Galloway Defensive coordinator: Todd Grantham Stadium: Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium (55,000) 2016 Record: 9-4 The Breakdown Offense: Lamar Jackson. NEXT. OK, we will break it down a bit more than that but by now you know who Jackson is. Last season I wrote if "Lamar Jackson elevates his game watch out for this offense". Well he did but now they only have 3 other returning starters. In order for this team to get to the top spot in the Atlantic their offensive line play has got to be better. Two starters are back from a unit that gave up 49 sacks. Yes, some of them fall on Jackson but they are still 9 sacks away from not being last in sacks given up in the conference. Jaylen Smith is going to be a star at WR for the Cards. He is the top returning WR and now that he is top option for Jackson his numbers should sore. The running game was 13th best in the country and with Jackson back expect that to remain the same despite a lack of experience at RB. Jeremy Smith was used a lot in the red zone but he isn't going to be an every down guy. Colin Wilson is all the talk right now in Louisville. He had offers from all the other big named schools. Expect to see him taking hand offs from Jackson this fall. Defense: Todd Grantham is out, in is Peter Sirmon. Sirmon was at Mississippi State before coming to the Cards. He has a great secondary to work with. All four starters are back after just giving up over 200 yards passing last season. 12 interceptions were from secondary players last year. Jaire Alexander had 5 of those. Safeties Zykiesis Cannon and Chucky Williams were 3rd and 4th in tackles respectively. The 3-4 defense looks good at linebacker but questionable on the line. OLB James Hearns gets after it. He had 8 sacks and 10 TFL. ILB Stacy Thomas will likely go over 100 tackles this season. The front three only sees one starter back after a great season. Drew Bailey will lead the unit. The other two spots are open. Louisville would like to see some youth emerge here as the first unit features 3 seniors. Special Teams: Sophomore kicker Blanton Creque did a great job as a freshman. The punting job will be settled in fall camp. Final Thoughts: Lamar Jackson can make plays that no other QB in college football can. If he gets a line that can protect him a little better this season they will be a major threat in the division. The defense has the talent in the secondary and linebackers but the line may struggle. Louisville ended on a bad note last season losing their last 3 games. They open with Purdue, North Carolina and Clemson. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Lamar Jackson, JR, QB Rushing Lamar Jackson, JR, RB Receiving Jaylen Smith, JR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Jaire Alexander, JR, CB Sacks: James Hearns, SR, OLB Tackles: Stacy Thomas, SR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 9-4 2015 8-5 2014 9-4 2013 12-1 2012 11-2 Louisville Schedule
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#5 Syracuse 5-7 (3-5)
Coach: Dino Barbers
Offensive Coordinator: Sean Lewis and Mike Lynch Defensive Coordinator: Brian Ward Stadium: Carrier Dome (49,250) 2016 Record: 4-8 The Breakdown Offense: Health was a big factor in how Syracuse's season played out. With health issue playing a factor that means that the Orange gained depth. The offensive line saw the bulk of those injuries. They now have all five starters returning. Offensive line struggles led to 38 sacks given up. Behind the first unit are a bunch of freshman so if injuries pop up they will be plugged in. Eric Dungey will be under center and staying healthy for a full season would go a long way. Dungey had nearly 14 rushing attempts last year per game. If he can become more effective here for a rushing attack that was near last in the country, that would go a long way. Donte Strickland is back after a below average year. He was only able to put up 3.49 yards per carry. Dungey will have a great set of options at WR. Steve Ishmael is ready to emerge as a primary threat after catching 48 balls last season. Ervin Philips was a top target with 90 catches and six scores. Defense: The defense was horrendous last season. If you give up over 500 yards per game, major issues have to be fixed. Pittsburgh in the final game of the season put up 76 points. 10 starters return but that doesn't mean they have the starting spot locked up. The defensive line was poor last season. They return all four starters but they combined for 8.5 sacks. If that numbers doesn't improve neither will those poor numbers. Chris Slayton was the bright spot of the line with 4 sacks and 10 TFL. The secondary was well known for getting torched. They have depth with 3 starters coming back, one former starter from injury and two grad transfers. They will get better and yes, it can't get much worse but at least they have viable options. JUCO transfer Mykelti Williams has a good chance at starting. Let's gets to some positives. Zaire Franklin is a stud. Franklin is the leader of the defense. He totaled over 100 tackles and so did his counter part Paris Bennett. Syracuse fans have to feel good about those two returning at least. Special Teams: Cole Murphy will find himself on the bench if he goes 10-18 again. Sterling Hofrichter had a good season averaging just over 42 yards a punt. Replacing the nations top punt returner will not happen just that simple. Final Thoughts: I like Eric Dungey a lot at QB but with the offensive line in front of him its hard to put too much trust in the orange offense. The defense will improve but that isn't saying much. Take a look at their road schedule and you will see how this season is going to go. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Eric Dungey, JR, QB Rushing Dontae Strickland, JR, RB Receiving Ervin Philips, SR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Rodney Williams, JR, S Sacks: Chris Slayton, JR, DT Tackles: Parris Bennett, SR, LB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 4-8 2015 4-8 2014 3-9 2013 7-6 2012 8-5 Syracuse Schedule
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#7T Wake Forest 3-9 (1-7)
Coach: Dave Clawson
Offensive Coordinator: Warren Ruggiero Defensive coordinator: Mike Elko Stadium: BB&T Stadium (31,500) 2016 Record: 7-6 The Breakdown Offense: Imagine what this team could do with any sign of life on offense. The John Wolford era should end and if it some how doesn't you know hes gone after this year. HE HASN'T MANAGED TO HAVE MORE TOUCHDOWNS THAN INTERCEPTIONS IN 3 YEARS. Kendall Hinton will get some looks this fall but don't hold your breathe. The offensive line is just as bad as everything else. They have improved from the 48 sacks they gave up in 2014, they are down to 39. They couldn't run the ball effectively either last season. The running back group is the top unit on offense though. They committed to running the ball 533 times and only averaged 3.56 yards per carry. The majority of production from last years receivers are back. They only had 190 catches though. The struggle is real in Winston-Salem. Defense: Mike Elko did such a great job at Wake that he is now at Notre Dame. Five starters return from a team that gave up just 22 points per game. A large part of the teams best defensive players are gone though. They will need to be incredible again this season to get back to 7 wins. The teams best player is safety Jessie Bates. As a freshman he had over 100 tackles. A new addition to the secondary is grad transfer Cedric Jiles. Jiles went through a lot of injuries while at Mississippi State. By the end of the season you may see several freshman and sophomores at linebacker. Jaboree Williams returns and it is his time to shine. Duke Ejiofor is a playmaker at defensive end. He brings 10.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss into 2017. Special Teams: The Demon Deacons look really good at kicker with Mike Weaver back. Dom Maggio is back after a good freshman season. Final Thoughts: The Demon Deacons will take a step back on defense. The offense well if you read the above piece you already know my thoughts. The game against Duke looks like a good chance for a conference W. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing John Wolford, SR, QB Rushing Matt Colburn, JR, RB Receiving Tabari Hines, JR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Jessie Bates, SO, S Sacks: Duke Ejiofor, SR, DE Tackles: Jessie Bates, SO, S Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 7-6 2015 3-9 2014 3-9 2013 4-8 2012 5-7 Wake Forest Schedule
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#7T Boston College 4-8 (1-7)
Coach: Steve Addazio
Offensive Coordinator: Scott Loeffler Defensive coordinator: Jim Reid Stadium: Alumni Stadium (44,500) 2016 Record: 7-6 The Breakdown Offense Patrick Towels was fine for a year but the Eagles need to find their future QB. Anthony Brown is the ideal QB since he has the capabilities that Scott Loeffler is looking for. Darius Wade will compete for the spot as well. If Brown is the guy the Eagles will have a stable QB for the next few years. The running attack has to be better for Loeffler. They ranked 96th in the nation last year. Jon Hillman is back. A.J. Dillon will get a look as a freshman. Dillon was a four star recruit who was sure to land at Michigan. The offensive line and receiving corps are not at an ACC level. Without a good line and the threat of a passing attack it is hard to see this offense going too far. Defense: Tell me if you have heard this before Boston College has a great defense but their offense never puts up points. Well here we are again. The defense is loaded with talent up front. DE Harold Landry is going to play on Sundays. He had 16.5 sacks last season, 16.5! Oh and 22 tackles for loss. Zach Allen will be opposite of Landry. He had 10 TFL and 6 sacks in a lesser role. With a high level defensive front it should help a secondary that has some questions against top level QBs. The experience is their and the depth is improving so this is going to be the year for improvement overall. The run defense is a staple in Chestnut Hill. This year will be no different with Connor Strachan back. The senior linebacker has over 150 tackles combine the past two seasons. Special Teams: Mike Knoll will hold both special team spots. He had a good year as a kicker with only 14 attempts. The return game should be average this season. Final Thoughts: If Anthony gets the start at QB I will tune in to the week one game vs. Northern Illinois. They need a spark and he might be the trick. The defense will continue their trend of dominance. Week 2 is Wake Forest win that game and go from there. |
Top Returners:
Offense: Passing Darius Wade, JR, QB Rushing Jon Hilliman, JR, RB Receiving Micheal Walker, JR, WR Defense: Interceptions: Will Harris, JR, SS and Kamrin Moore, SR, CB Sacks: Harold Landry, SR, DE Tackles: Connor Strachan, SR, MLB Last Five Year Win Totals 2016 7-6 2015 3-9 2014 7-6 2013 7-6 2012 2-10 Boston College Schedule
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