2010 ACC Fearless Predictions
Week 2 ... Sept. 11, Part 2
ACC
Atlantic
Boston Coll |
Clemson
| Florida
St
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Maryland
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NC St
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Wake Forest
Coastal
Duke |
Georgia
Tech |
Miami
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North
Carolina |
Virginia
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Virginia
Tech
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Fearless Predictions
- Sept. 11 (Miami at OSU)
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Sept. 4
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Sept. 4, Part 2
Florida State (1-0) at Oklahoma (1-0) Sept. 11, 3:30 ET, ABC
Here’s The Deal … There’s chatter of a rematch of the 2000 National Championship game. However, this week’s highly-anticipated battle between Oklahoma and Florida State is all about the present and future state of the programs. Both the Sooners and the Seminoles are coming off dreadful seasons by their standards, and are hoping to use this meeting as a launching pad for a return to glory in 2010. Oklahoma struggled in the opener to get by Utah State, 31-24. Was it looking ahead or just overrated as a top 10 team? For Florida State, this is the first show-me game of the Jimbo Fisher era. While the Seminoles were flawless on Saturday, how much can you derive from a 59-6 thrashing of Samford? As if more juicy sub plots are needed, Oklahoma enters with a nation’s-best 31-game home winning streak, and Stoops brothers will square off for the first time, Bob as the Sooner coach and Mark as the Seminole defensive coordinator.
Why Florida State Might Win: The ‘Noles left few doubts that their offense has a chance to be among the best in America this fall. Sure, it was against Samford, but don’t discount the effort. It all starts with QB Christian Ponder, who’s making ascent as a national commodity. He was near perfect in his first game back from a shoulder injury, going 12-of-14 for 167 yards, four touchdowns and a pick. He’ll be well-protected from G Rodney Hudson and an experienced line. He’ll get some good looks on an Oklahoma secondary that’s breaking in two new cornerbacks and just got done being carved up by Aggie Diondre Borel; the Sooners yielded six passes of at least 25 yards on Saturday night.
Why Oklahoma Might Win: Go ahead and marvel at the Florida State offense. The defense, on the other hand, still has plenty to prove. No one will for sure until Saturday night how far this unit has progressed from last year’s disaster, when the Seminoles were repeatedly abused through the air. The Sooners will put them to the test with the Landry Jones to Ryan Broyles connection. The two hooked up nine times for 142 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s win. Making sure Florida State respects the run will be DeMarco Murray, who added 218 yards and two scores of his own on the ground. The ‘Noles are still searching for a consistent pass rusher, which means Jones should have time to make his reads.
What To Watch Out For: When Florida State CB Greg Reid is locked on to Broyles, it’s going to be the best game-within-the-game of the afternoon, if not the entire weekend. A couple of superb athletes, the winner of their duel could dictate who leaves Norman with a victory. Broyles is one of the best in the country at his position, but Reid is a budding superstar with a chance to become a household name if he shuts No. 85 down. Both are also elite punt returners, so they’ll play prominent roles on special teams as well.
What Will Happen: For so many reasons, this one has all of the ingredients to become an instant classic. The gap between the schools is not nearly as wide as many will have you believe. Florida State is a little underrated. Oklahoma a bit overrated. Still, it’s hard to buck history, which says the Sooners simply don’t lose in Norman. In a game that’ll be dictated by the offenses, OU will also enjoy an important edge on the ground, getting the balance and big runs from Murray needed to keep the ‘Noles from dropping back to stop the pass.
CFN Prediction: Oklahoma 33 … Florida State 30 … Line: Oklahoma -9
Must See Rating: Boardwalk Empire – 5 … Going the Distance - 1 … 5
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Presbyterian (0-1) at Clemson (1-0) Sept. 11, 3:30 ET, ESPN3.com
Here’s The Deal … For Presbyterian, it’s the second stop on its athletic department funding tour. A week ago, the Blue Hose was blown out in Winston-Salem by Wake Forest, 53-13. This Saturday, it travels to Death Valley to pick up another paycheck and provide a sparring partner for Clemson. The Tigers had little trouble with North Texas, jumping out to an early lead and never being threatened in a 35-10. Still, head coach Dabo Swinney couldn’t have been thrilled with the overall performance, especially the passing game and the play of the defense. He’s got one week to make a quantum leap because a trip to Auburn awaits in the on-deck circle.
Why Presbyterian Might Win: Although it stiffened in the red zone, the Clemson defense sure was generous a week ago, allowing 462 yards to the Mean Green. The Blue Hose will look to take advantage with an offense that welcomes back a slew of returning starters and lettermen. Back for another crack at breaking the school’s 15-game winning streak are QB Brandon Miley, last year’s top two backs, Lance Byrd and Trandon Dendy, and playmaking receivers Michael Ruff and Jeremy Cole.
Why Clemson Might Win: The Blue Hose defense is abysmal on a multitude of different levels. For proof, just take a peek at last week’s box score, which shows that Wake Forest rolled Presbyterian for 415 yards, six touchdowns, and more than eight yards a carry on the ground. It’s bad news for the visitors that the Tigers have far more explosive options in complimentary backs Andre Ellington and Jamie Harper. Clemson will toy with an overmatched Presbyterian front seven, allowing QB Kyle Parker all afternoon to find open receivers. This is one of those games that backup quarterback and Parker heir-apparent will get into the action with a couple of scores of his own.
What To Watch Out For: Although it’s not going to matter this week, Clemson desperately needs to find a go-to receiver to replace Jacoby Ford, preferably before next Saturday’s pivotal trip to the Plains. Is it Brandon Clear? Bryce McNeal? How about stud TE Dwayne Allen? Parker needs to use his 30 minutes or so of action to develop that rapport, or else the offense is going to suffer down the road.
What Will Happen: The ultimate exhibition game, Clemson will use this week’s visit to tighten up some issues on defense and work on developing rhythm in the passing game. The outcome of this one won’t be in doubt beyond the first few possessions, and Swinney will be content to get his regulars to the bench by halftime, limiting the chances for injuries before next weekend’s key showdown in SEC country.
CFN Prediction: Clemson 57 … Presbyterian 7 … Line: No Line
Must See Rating: Boardwalk Empire – 5 … Going the Distance - 1 … 1
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Morgan State (1-0) at Maryland (1-0) Sept. 11, 6:00 ET, ESPN3.com
Here’s The Deal … Without any warning, Maryland quietly authored one of the bigger eye-openers of the first weekend, slipping past Navy, 17-14, in a Labor Day thriller. Courtesy of an epic goal-line stand and outstanding red zone defense, the Terrapins have a reason to celebrate for the first time in a very long time. With seasons having a way of riding on momentum, they have a chance to build a little head of steam before the ACC portion of the schedule begins. Morgan State is off to a positive start as well, doubling up Bowie State, 14-7, at home last Saturday. After losing a half-dozen all-stars from last year’s middling MEAC squad, the Bears will have their hands full with this step up in weight class.
Why Morgan State Might Win: Last weekend’s effort versus Bowie State was not an aberration. The Bears defense has been stingy for the past couple of seasons, and figures to maintain that trend in 2010. Quick to the ball and opportunistic, Morgan State will apply the heat on a leaky Maryland offensive line. The linebacker trio of Brian Saunders, Allen Stephens, and Chris Eugene has good range and the quickness to keep plays from reaching the last line of defense.
Why Maryland Might Win: The Bears are sound defensively, but lack pop on offense, a trend that’s unlikely to change this weekend. The Terps flexed their muscles on Monday afternoon, giving up yards between the 20-yard lines, but digging in when it mattered most. They’ve got a physical front seven, bolstered by linebackers Alex Wujciak, Demetrius Hartsfield, and Adrian Moten, and a snot-knocking safety in Kenny Tate. On the inside, DT Joe Vellano did his part in the win, making three tackles behind the line and the team’s only two sacks.
What To Watch Out For: If the opener is any indication, the Terps are going to run the ball … plenty. Ralph Friedgen asked first-time starting QB Jamarr Robinson to throw the ball just five times, which was seven times less than he tucked it and ran. It also helps to have the backfield tandem of Da’Rel Scott and Davin Meggett, who combined for 163 yards and two scores on only 18 carries. It’d be nice to get WR Torrey Smith more in the mix, but right now, the staff is taking it slow with Robinson.
What Will Happen: Short week. Emotional win. Yeah, it could take Maryland a while before it hits its stride. It’s a good thing for a sound defense and a strong running game, which will be instrumental in the Terps’ second straight win. Morgan State doesn’t have nearly enough offense to keep pace with an ACC team or the D to keep Robinson, Scott, and Meggett under wraps for four quarters.
CFN Prediction: Maryland 35 … Morgan State 13 … Line: No Line
Must See Rating: Boardwalk Empire – 5 … Going the Distance - 1 … 1
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NC State (1-0) at UCF (1-0) Sept. 11, 7:30 ET
Here’s The Deal … NC State and UCF won by identical scores last Saturday, 38-7, but what did we really learn? Not much considering their victims were Western Carolina and South Dakota, respectively. We should get a much better handle on both schools this week in Orlando. In the case of the Wolfpack, the level of competition wasn’t particularly relevant. After starting the last three seasons with a loss, it was just happy to get out of the blocks quickly and have star QB Russell Wilson and LB Nate Irving back in the fold. The Knights are cautiously optimistic that it’s found stability in a backfield that’s been unsettled at quarterback and lost RB Brynn Harvey to a knee injury. In very early returns, Rob Calabrese was sharp behind center and RB Jonathan Davis ran with authority. Stay tuned.
Why NC State Might Win: UCF can unpredictable in pass defense, which is especially bad news when the Wolfpack is visiting BrightHouse Networks Stadium. Wilson is one of the country’s most underrated playmakers at quarterback, a terrific athlete and improving passer. He opened the new year with four touchdown passes and 306 yards on 21-of-31 passing, picking up where he left off at the end of 2009. Almost as troubling is his wave of receivers, spearheaded by Owen Spencer, Jarvis Williams, and TE George Bryan. Go ahead and include backup WR T.J. Graham, who was on the same page with Wilson, catching a game-high six balls for 96 yards and two touchdowns.
Why UCF Might Win: The Wolfpack offense will hum, provided the line does its job. That’s far from a sure thing, especially against this Knight front seven. UCF has a bunch of live defenders, headed sack-happy DE Bruce Miller and linebackers Lawrence Young and Derrick Hallman. If they can pressure the pocket and silence an average running game, Wilson’s chances for success diminish. NC State’s pass defense is very raw and skittish, which will open up opportunities for UCF receivers A.J. Guyton, Kamar Aiken, and Quincy McDuffie to make plays downfield.
What To Watch Out For: Keep an eye on No. 56 in the white jersey, Wolfpack LB Nate Irving. A non-factor in the opener, he’ll be looking to make up for it in a return to his home state of Florida. He missed all of last season following a car injury, but when healthy, he’s a predator, who’ll go to any lengths to hit the man with the ball. Pack fans want to know when the old Irving will start asserting himself. It could happen this weekend in Orlando.
What Will Happen: This is going to be a close and interesting game that could create a crossroad for both schools. When it’s difficult separating teams, lean toward the one with the most dynamic player, the one you’d want with the ball in his hands late in the game. That guy is Wilson. He’s a transformational figure, with enough quality receivers to pull this one out with a defining drive for six in the final quarter.
CFN Prediction: NC State 30 … UCF 27 … Line: UCF -3
Must See Rating: Boardwalk Empire – 5 … Going the Distance - 1 … 2
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Virginia (1-0) at USC (1-0) Sept. 11, 10:30 ET
Here’s The Deal … USC and Virginia both won their openers over smaller programs, but the outcomes were anything but expected. While the Trojans defeated Hawaii, 49-36, on opening night, the poor play of the defense wound up being the story, trumping the debut of Lane Kiffin on the sidelines. It wasn’t as if they lacked motivation because of NCAA sanctions or a tumultuous offseason. They just weren’t very good, which caught a lot of people by surprise. The Cavaliers took the opposite road on Saturday, raising a few eyebrows by avoiding the Richmond landmine and pulling away late for a 34-13 win in Mike London’s debut. Although a rare trip to the West Coast presents an entirely different set of challenges, it’ll also give Virginia a chance to measure itself against one of the country’s most prominent programs.
Why Virginia Might Win: The early-season play of the USC defense, which gave up 588 yards to Hawaii and tackled poorly, lends hope to the Cavalier attack. These guys performed surprisingly well versus a feisty Spider defense, getting 283 yards passing from Marc Verica and 114 yards rushing and four scores from physical RB Keith Payne. Plus, Verica was sacked just once, creating some cautious optimism about a patchwork O-line. Virginia has one of the ACC’s best defensive backfields, featuring next-level CB Ras-I Dowling, and will match up well with the Trojan passing game.
Why USC Might Win: While Dowling & Co. will make the Trojan receivers work for their receptions, it doesn’t mean QB Matt Barkley won’t have success Saturday night. Somewhat lost in Thursday’s mediocre team effort was the play of the sophomore, who threw five touchdown passes and is clearly on the same page as star WR Ronald Johnson. If Virginia can’t get a push up front, a problem a year ago, it’ll allow backs Marc Tyler and Allen Bradford to get to the second level untouched. The Cavalier O-line may have gotten a passing grade versus Richmond, but Jurrell Casey and the rest of the Troy linemen represent a completely different challenge for this group.
What To Watch Out For: Denied in the opener, USC fans get their first opportunity to witness the play of true freshman RB Dillon Baxter, the spring wunderkind. As if the Trojan offense needs more weapons, the rookie has already been drawing comparisons to … never mind. He’s going to get some opportunities, and if the blocking is there, has the hips and the blinding speed to electrify the Coliseum crowd.
What Will Happen: USC has more on-field issues than anyone anticipated just a few weeks ago. Still, will Virginia be able to capitalize? The Trojan D is a mess, but after being dressed down by the media and the coaches, don’t expect a repeat performance of last Thursday night; not by a questionable Cav offense. It’ll give a more inspired effort, combining with a couple of Barkley touchdown passes for a comfortable win.
CFN Prediction: USC 45 … Virginia 13 … Line: USC -19
Must See Rating: Boardwalk Empire – 5 … Going the Distance - 1 … 2.5
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