Thoughts on ACC '02 Football

GT98

GT98

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Re: Thoughts on ACC \'02 Football

I agree w/most of what Axe said except that I would move NCSU ahead of Clemson. Our game against them on the road will probably decide second place outright.

If you want to read some things that will get you pumped, read the Tobacco road school's predictions for next football season--not a single poster had us above 6th place (UNC and Duke fans). Assuming somewhat of a healthy o-line, GT will surprise a # of people next year. Also, we have an upgrade in overall coaching ability of the staff--can't wait for the spring game.

Any of you going to the springfest at Marist?
drinking.gif
 
Re: Thoughts on ACC \'02 Football

Bugboy,

I believe that FSU lost 3 starters, MLB, and both safties. I can't remember all of the names. They return everyone up front on the d-line. I think there is a lot of talent there. Their young CBs really struggled last year but they are all very talented and should be much better this year. Dominic Robinson, Rufus Brown, and McFadden were all top rated CBs coming out of HS. They also have Tatum and Samuels so they should be much better on the corners. We will have to see how the new Safeties do. The think the young LBs like Boulware, Pope and May should be improved. Pope is out this spring with an injury. DT Dockett is also recovering from a knee injury but should be ready to go. The defensive front looks strong as well. I think they should be fine on defense and clearly have the most defensive talent in the league.
 
Re: Thoughts on ACC \'02 Football

My Predictions:

1. Georgia Tech (7-1), (10-2) - BCS, Sugar Bowl
Tech loses to NC State on the road while looking ahead to FSU the next week. GT beats FSU at home but loses a close one to UGA on the road. GT needs to break in a new QB but he's a good one with not much pressure on him. Everyone is underestimating the Jackets.

2. Florida State (7-1), (11-2) - BCS, Orange Bowl
The Noles barely lose to Miami down in the Orange Bowl and then lose a close game (an Instant Classic) up at Bobby Dodd Stadium. FSU takes care of Notre Dame, Clemson, and UF at home. Also wins a great game against a top 10 team at Louisville though not by much.

3. NC State (6-2), (11-2) - Gator Bowl
Amato's boys get upset by Clemson and lose to Florida State. Easy OOC schedule gives them 5 easy wins but not a lot of schedule strength. Philip Rivers has a great season. Young studs from last year step up to be productive. A couple of years of Amato's off season workouts pay off for the Pack.

4. Clemson (6-2), (9-3) - Peach Bowl
Get over on NC State and South Carolina at home. Can't touch FSU at Doak and UGA gets them in the first game of the year. Ga Tech will slow down their good Offense enough to win the game.

5. Maryland (4-4), (8-5) - Whatever Bowl
Maryland doesn't get so lucky this year. People actually take them seriously. No more sneaking up on people. The more talented teams will give them the losses they deserve.

6. Wake Forest (3-5), (6-6) - Some Bowl
Wake will be pertty good. Hoping they can beat ECU and Purdue ooc. Should beat UNC, UVA, and Duke. Could upset one of the better teams too.

7. North Carolina (2-6), (5-6)
UNC's Defense is completely wiped out. Also have no QB with any game experience. Still hoping they can upset Syracuse on the road and take care of Arizona State. Will get an upset over Maryland and beat Duke. Still, they have a really bad year.

8. Virginia (1-7), (2-10)
One recruiting class doesn't mean anything. Especially when they have only been on campus for a couple of weeks. UVA has nothing else. This will be a terrible season for the Hoos. WIll beat Duke and may surprise UNC and/or Wake. Very tough ooc schedule with Penn State, Va Tech, USuCk, and Colorado State. Will beat Akron.

9. Duke (0-8), (1-11)
They will beat Navy to end their long drought.
 
Re: Thoughts on ACC \'02 Football

For bugboy....

FLORIDA STATE DEFENSE

Losses

MLB - Bradley Jennings
We lose our leading tackler. He was a very solid starter here for 3 years. This position is still a question mark heading into next year. Jerel Hudson is listed as starter but is 280 lbs. Robert May could take over. Also, incoming JUCO Nate Hardage and True Freshmen A.J. Nicholson, Buster Davis, and Sam McGrew may all get a look.

Bradley Jennings and Kendyl Pope both missed the Gator Bowl with injuries. We still shut Virginia Tech's running game down without our 2 leading tacklers.

SS - Chris Hope
Another 3 year starter gone. Being replaced by So. Jerome Carter. Carter is likely to be one of the best Safeties FSU has ever had. He's an incredible athlete and has become known as one of the hardest hitters at FSU in the last 10 years. We can't WAIT for this kid to play. He was a True Frosh last year and played very well early. Had an injury to keep him out a lot of last season. He was an awesome RB, LB, and DB in High School in Lake City, Fla.

FS - Abdul Howard
A 1 year starter. Played well enough for us last year but was no star. So. Kyler Hall should take over here and do jst as well, if not better. He was a pleasant surprise last year as a True Frosh. Listed as the starter currently. Yohance Buchannon will challenge for the starting spot. Also, Super-recruit Pat Watkins (6'3", 4.4 guy) will assist as an incoming Frosh.
 
Re: Thoughts on ACC \'02 Football

Thanks for the thoughts and the info, FSUMike.

I agree with you for the most part, but I'm not so sure we'll beat you guys next year. I think we have a shot, but just not sure yet how good of a shot it is. Also, Maryland will upset either Clemson or NCST to go 5-3 in conference, and undefeated OOC to finish 10-3. Fridge will work his magic again. That would put the standings like this:

1. FSU (8-0)
2. GT (7-1)
3. NCST (6-2)
4. Maryland (5-3)
5. Clemson (5-3)
6. Wake (3-5)
7. UNC (2-6)
8. UVA (1-7)
9. Dook (0-8)
 
Re: Thoughts on ACC \'02 Football

FSUMike,
Thanks for your input. Welcome and post often.
 
Re: Thoughts on ACC \'02 Football

1. GT (7-1)
2. FSU (7-1)
3. NCST (5-3)
4. Maryland (5-3)
5. UVA (4-4)
6. Clemson (4-4)
7. Wake (3-5)
8. UNC (2-6)
9. Dook (0-8)

I still like our chances. Everything will be decided on that Clemson game. I think we have a decent shot against FSU at home. I think we will know early how this year will turn out. Either CG is going to coach our players up or it will be the same as usual (great O and no D). I sure hope CG rises to the task.
 
Thoughts on ACC \'02 Football

I know it's way too early to do this but here goes. These are my March ACC predictions. Subject to Change:

1. FSU-I'm not sure they are a National Championship type team especially with the schedule, but they are clearly the deepest and most talented team, but not a lock, just the favorite.

2. GT-Assuming the OLine is healthy and the coaches and players gell, this is going to be a good football team. I honestly think GT cleary has the 2nd best defensive talent in the league. I also expect to actually field the 2nd best defense. There is still plenty of talent to put points on the board and the special teams could be the ACC's best. First time in years there are no glaring weaknessess. The media is really overlooking this.

3. Clemson-I expect to see a better defensive unit, although still middle of the road. The big thing with Clemson is the skill on the outside. They are just going to be a real tough team to slow down. There just isn't enough athletic ability in most ACC back sevens to contain these WRs. O-line needs to stay healthy. Too many offensive weapons to finsish below the others.

4. NCSU-I'm still not totally sold on the Chest. They are going to be better on the lines and pretty athletic but something is still missing. If the young WRs and RBs step up they could push GT and Clemson but I'm not sold.

5. MD-Ralph will have a hard time meeting expectations in the years to come. It's just going to be a very tough road. Overall team speed is really lacking and folks are going to be really going after these guys. There just aren't enough play makers on offense. The defense has Henderson and some nice pieces but it's a fragile unit. If things go bad, this unit especially the pass defense could implode.

6. WF-I love their offense. The thing about Wake is Caldwell's redshirting assures they will have plenty of veterans with good strength. They are going to put points on the board, but just not enough speed or playmakers to jump in the Top 5 but I love their offense.

7. UVA-Word is the lines are going to be very weak. There are some good athletes in other spots but not enough to make up for bad line play. If the skill kids don't show up BIG time they could be looking at 8th.

8. UNC-I don't like the vibe coming from UNC. With the loss of 9 starters on the defense, UNC will start to feel the pain of losing Mac's players. Torbush was not bringing in the same type of defensive athlete and we will see that this year. Huxtable is running the show now, so we know he won't be able to make these guys play over their heads. Bunting will have to work magic on defense. They will field a QB with no experience behind a poor O-line. The WRs and RBs are good but I don't think 4-5 solid WRs and RBs can carry a team that is weak on defense and on the O-line.

9. Duke-Perhaps they will be better this year and win 3 games. I wish them luck.
 
Re: Thoughts on ACC \'02 Football

Axe,
Do you know any breakdowns on FSU's returning starters, and what year they are (fr,soph,jr,sr)? Last year, their defense really struggled and I'm wondering what they lost or returned on that side of the ball? Unless their D recaptures their advantage that they enjoyed from '92 to '00, I see them continuing to struggle (struggling for FSU is 3 losses).

I was not Stingtalk's 2000th poster.
 
Re: Thoughts on ACC \'02 Football

UVA will do better next year than this past one. 7-5 Regular Season.
 
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