Guest Post: 2012 ACC College Football Preview

The ACC may be more famous for its basketball than its football, but several of its teams are poised to make statements on the National stage and vie for the ACC title.

Boston College

Can the Eagles use the positives from last November to build a solid 2012 Season? Star linebacker Luke Keuchly is gone, but quarterback Chase Rettig has a year of college football experience under his belt.

Clemson

Can Clemson recover mentally from West Virginia's Orange Bowl bombing? The Mountaineers dropped 70 points on the Tigers in their last game, and star wide receiver Sammy Watkins may serve a game or two suspension as punishment for drug charges. Tajh Boyd is one of the ACC's best quarterbacks, however, and Watkins will likely not be suspended for long.

Duke

Will this perennial bottom-feeder turn things around in 2012 under the continued tutelage of head coach David Cutcliffe? QB Sean Renfree has shown flashes of talent over the course of his career, but he and his teammates will have to play better, less mistake-prone football in order to make a bowl game.

Florida State

Will 2012 be the year that the Seminoles finally put everything together? The pieces--QB EJ Manuel, an excellent, deep defensive line--are in place for a big year, but questionable play calls from Coach Jimbo Fisher and inexplicably mistake-laden game play by skill-position players doomed the Noles last year.

Georgia Tech

Will the Yellow Jackets' offense be able to competently run the triple option? When the Jackets are executing, the triple option can rack up yards against opponents' defenses due to its novelty and the discipline required to stop it. GT will have to get its head in the game if it is going to follow up on the promise showed in 2009.

Maryland

Will the UMD Terrapins be able to overcome a bare cupboard and last year's dismal 2-10 record this season? Head coach Randy Edsall's debut did not instill confidence in fans or players; 12 Terps transferred to other schools last season. Reaching bowl eligibility would be an enormous achievement for the Terps this year.

Miami (Fl.)

Can the Hurricanes put together a good season in spite of the lingering miasma of the Nevin Shapiro scandal? The NCAA has yet to levy a postseason ban on Miami, but one lasting several years would not be a shock. The quarterback picture is unclear; Jacory Harris is gone, but his successor is not obvious.

North Carolina

Will first year Coach Larry Fedora be able to motivate his players in spite of the UNC Tarheels' postseason ban? The Heels are still living under the fallout of the Butch Davis agent scandal, but Fedora might be able to turn 2012 into a learning experience that will reap dividends in 2013.

North Carolina State

Can senior quarterback Mike Glennon lead the Wolfpack to its first ever ACC title game? The offensive line is supposed to be stout, and a 5-0 record heading into the Pack's annual tilt against the Noles is a distinct possibility.

Virginia

Will Coach Mike London be able to continue to move the Cavs in the right direction this season? Last year's defense was responsible for some of the Hoos' victories, but they will have to replace 7 starters this year. QB play was also inconsistent last year, so Michael Rocco needs to play more consistent football.

Virginia Tech

Will the Hokies be able to solve their Clemson problem and retake the ACC crown? Last year's dual drubbings by the Tigers have not been forgotten by the Gobblers, and Clemson may once again be the team to beat for the ACC title.

Wake Forest

Will head coach Jim Grobe continue to get more out of less? The Deacs are not known for recruiting top-shelf talent, but Grobe often gets better than expected play out of his teams. Quarterback Tanner Price has improved, although the offensive line will be young.
By Don Phan - Just another sports enthusiast.