The ACC
Atlantic Division
The Atlantic appears to be the stronger of the ACC’s two divisions in 2012, at least at the top, with Florida State and Clemson being, arguably, the two best teams in the league. Florida State and Clemson play in Tallahassee on Sept. 22 and I look for the Seminoles to find a way in this contest at Doak Campbell Stadium. That said, Florida State’s early season schedule is incredibly weak; 2 FCS teams; Murray State & Savannah State and a down divisional foe in Wake Forest. Clemson, on the other hand, will be battle tested as they open the 2012 season in Atlanta against the Auburn Tigers from the mighty SEC.
Tom O’Brian appears to have his best team this year in his tenure at NC State and should make a run at 3rd place in the Atlantic. They do play Clemson at home on Nov. 17 and could challenge the Tigers for second place in the division, if they are able to hold serve at home.
Frank Spaziani’s club at BC has 10 offensive starters back, including the QB and 7 returnees on the defensive side of the ball. This unit will clearly be more experienced but has to play at both Florida State (Oct. 13) and NC State (Nov. 24) and conference crossover games against Va Tech and at Georgia Tech will not help their overall conference record. I look for BC to finish 4th in the Atlantic.
Randy Edsall’s time at Maryland has been eventful, as 24 players and counting, have left the program since his arrival at College Park. Look for Maryland to improve on their 2-10 record in 2011 and move in front of Jim Grobe’s Demon Deacons unit from Wake in the Atlantic Division.
ACC’s Atlantic Division for 2012 projected final standings:
1) Florida State, 2) Clemson, 3) NC. State, 4) Boston College, 5) Maryland, & 6) Wake Forest.
The Coastal Division
I believe four teams have an excellent shot to a shot at winning this division: Virginia Tech, North Carolina, Georgia Tech, and Miami.
I like North Carolina’s schedule as they play divisional foes Va Tech (Oct. 6) and Georgia Tech (Nov. 10) at home in Kenan Stadium and do not play Florida State or Clemson in conference crossover games.
Both Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech play Clemson at Clemson Memorial and Va Tech faces the FSU Seminoles at home on the 8th of November. A huge game right out of the gate has Va Tech hosting Georgia Tech on Sept. 3 at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg. The winner will have taken an important step toward the divisional crown.
Miami’s September should give us good insight as to where Al Golden has his club. They travel to Manhattan, Kansas to take on a Bill Snyder’s revived Kansas State on Sept. 8 and then head for Atlanta to stall the Ramblin Wreck (a 1930 Ford Model A Sport Coupe that serves as one of the team’s mascots) from Georgia Tech on Sept. 22 and then, finally, battle NC State on Sept. 29 at home. If Miami survives their September challenge, it sets the stage for a wild October as they play Notre Dame (Oct. 6) in Chicago, North Carolina (Oct.13) and Florida State (Oct. 20) at home. So if Miami is to win the Coastal… they will have earned it. Oh yeah, and don’t forget that on Nov. 1, Va Tech comes a calling!
Virginia’s Mike London led the Cavaliers to an 8-5 season in 2011 and their first bowl appearance since 2007. The schedule is difficult as they face G-Tech (Sept. 15) and Va-Tech (Nov. 24) on the road and have non conference tilts vs Penn State at home (Sept. 8) and TCU on the road (Sept. 22). I believe Virginia will determine who will win the Coastal, I just do not believe it will be them. Last year they beat G-Tech 24-21, Miami 28-21, & Florida State 14-13 just prior to getting pounded the next weekend by Virginia Tech 38-0. Last year London’s squad did not always get their opponents A game and were able to “sneak up” on some teams. Their “sneaking ‘ days are gone, evidenced by the 38 to zip tail whipping Va Tech put on them in their season finale showdown. In that type of focused environment vs a quality opponent, like Va Tech, the Cavaliers were not able to respond. That said, their conference crossover games are favorable, as they play Maryland (Oct. 13) and Wake Forest (Oct. 20) at home.
Finally, Duke has a chance to go into their Virginia Game at 4-1, this due to some fine scheduling by their Athletic Director, Kevin White (former ND AD). The Virginia game is at Durham and if the Devils are successful at home, they will be 5-1 at the mid point of the 2012 season. Sorry, it won’t matter….. the next six games are @ Va-Tech, home vs UNC, @ Florida State, Clemson at home, at G-Tech, and Miami in Durham. Duke will finish at best, note; at best, 5-7
ACC’s Coastal Division for 2012 projected finish:
1) UNC, 2) Va-Tech, 3) Virginia, 4) G-Tech, 5) Miami, 6) Duke
Florida State vs North Carolina in the ACC Title Game:
Winner: Florida State
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