ACC Midseason Thoughts

The national media has made a habit of beating up on the ACC as a subpar football league. It's amazing that when Vanderbilt defeats South Carolina, it shows the strength of the SEC, but if Virginia Tech were to lose to NC State the media would jump on it as proof as to how poor the ACC is. Florida's struggle against a 2-6 Ole Miss team wasn't seen as an alarming sign but Wake Forest's struggle with Duke was seen as an indication that Wake isn't very good.

Thus the decline of Miami and Florida State as Football powers has been greatly exaggerated in the national media. Miami suffers from a temporary talent void while Florida State has been beat up by a tough league top to bottom and proved earlier this season when they beat SEC West leading Alabama that they could compete in the ACC. I firmly believe a highly talented team like FSU would have the same record in the SEC as they do in the ACC. Perhaps the media, filled with envious almuni from Big Ten and SEC schools want Miami and Florida State to fail.

Boston College led by Matt Ryan has been the story of the ACC. But the reality is the Eagles face a brutal closing schedule. Trips to Va Tech and Maryland as well as home dates with Florida State and Miami. Virginia is 4-0 in the ACC Atlantic, and as I expected when I picked the Cavs to win the league before the season, UVA has worn down opponents with a punishing rushing attack. I think Al Groh has to like his chances to make the title game, but if he fails to beat Virginia Tech this season, he'll be 1-6 against the Hokies and my guess is that the Cavs faithful will not be looking kindly upon Groh.

Speaking of VT, Frank Beamer's team hasn't impressed me yet, but they can never be counted out. Beamer is 0-9 lifetime against Florida State, so if the Hokies can get over that hump they should make a run at the league title. This weeks game with BC looms large, but more importantly VT needs to beat Miami and Virginia. Wake Forest is still kicking themselves over the loss to Nebraska on September 8th. Not only did the Demon Deacons have the ball inside 5 with a chance to win, but they did it with a backup QB. Since the return of Riley Skinner, Wake has looked good and I would expect them to chase BC down the stretch in the Atlantic Division.

Clemson has begun its annual late season collapse. Despite having two of the best runners anywhere in America, the Tigers continue to bumble and stumble. In my opinion, Tommy Bowden is clearly not the coach to take Clemson to the next level. Tommy's father Bobby Bowden is under even more fire at Florida State. Last week's loss to Miami was bad enough, but the decision of Bowden to apparently over rule Jimbo Fisher and reinsert Drew Weatherford as the starter over Xavier Lee has Noles fans close to rioting. For the record, I believe FSU would have been beaten far worse by both Wake Forest and Miami had Weatherford started those games.

Georgia Tech seems to be getting Tashard Choice on track. The critical 17-14 come from behind win at Miami two weeks ago gave the team a confidence I expect them to play with the remained of the season. Maryland has blown two league games very late. But the Terps are solid and I would expect them to be a tough out the rest of the season. Ralph Friedgen has a nice TB combo in Keon Lattimore and Lance Ball to ride down the stretch. Miami has a real problem at QB. Prior to the go ahead drive against Florida State late in the 4th quarter, Miami had completed 4 passes in the entire game using two QBs. Yet Miami's power running game featuring Graig Cooper and Javarris James is as good as it gets in the league, but unlike Virginia, Clemson and GT all of whom like to pound the football also, Miami is one dimensional and that will spell their doom down the stretch.

North Carolina had a big victory over Miami and should have beaten South Carolina. Yet Butch Davis needs to work on his defense which is giving up way too many big plays. Duke has a quality win over Northwestern and near misses against Miami, Wake and Navy. Thaddeus Lewis is one of the most exciting players in the league. NC State has been left with a bunch of undisciplined and unresponsive players in Tom O'Brien's first season. Let's hope he doesn't regret taking the Wolfpack job.

ACC Power Rankings

1- Boston College
2- Virginia
3- Wake Forest
4- Virginia Tech
5- Georgia Tech
6- Clemson
7- Maryland
8- Miami
9- Florida State
10- North Carolina
11- Duke
12- NC State

Midseason Awards:

Top Player: Matt Ryan, BC
Next four top players: Riley Skinner, Wake, Chris Long, Virginia, James Davis, Clemson, Geno Hayes, Florida State
Top Head Coach: Al Groh, Virginia
Top Freshman: Graig Cooper, Miami
Biggest Bust: The Jimbo Fisher era at FSU
Keep an eye on: Thaddeus Lewis, Duke

Championship Game pick: Virginia vs Wake Forest

Champion: Virginia