2006 ACC Preview

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(My Sportsbook) - The ACC has the best record (21-12) of any conference in bowl games over the last five years. The SEC comes close at 20-14, while the other four major conferences are either .500 or under. Last season, the ACC had five, top-25 teams, but only one (Virginia Tech, #7) was in the top 10. The second-highest ranked team was number 17. They've even had two clubs in the top 11 in each of the previous two years.

Only one of the top five teams from last year returns more than 12 starters (Clemson). In fact, eight of the 12 teams lose 10 starters or more, so the conference might be down a few notches.

Here is the 2006 ACC preview with odds to win the BCS Championship:

2006 ACC Preview - Atlantic Division

1) CLEMSON (66-1): This seasons sophomore class is all the rage, but the Tigers have the most senior starters (12) in the conference. Overall, 15 starters return, which is the second most in the ACC (Wake Forest). After allowing 26 ppg in the first five games, the "D" buckled down and gave up only 11 ppg the final seven. Freshman RB James Davis (879 yards) will gain 1,000 this year running behind a veteran offensive line, which should make the transition from QB Charlie Whitehurst to Will Proctor a little bit smoother.

ANALYSIS: The talent level is the highest its ever been under Coach Tommy Bowden. Even with games at Florida State and Virginia Tech, an 11-1 season is not out of the question. At 66-1, the Tigers are the best bet in the ACC.

2) FLORIDA STATE (28-1): The Seminoles opened last year with freshman Drew Weatherford at quarterback after Wyatt Sexton was lost for the season with Lyme disease. With only four returning offensive starters, FSU still averaged four points more than the year before. Thats because Weatherford broke Philip Rivers ACC record for passing yards by a freshman with 3,208. This season, the offensive line, which was crippled with injuries the past two years, should be better, so look for the Seminoles to be just as explosive, if not more. Defense was the problem in 05, allowing 22 points per game, the most since 01.

ANALYSIS: The Seminoles usually reload rather than rebuild and the schedule is light with eight home dates. If they beat Miami, FL, a 10-2 season could be in the cards. However, that wont cut it for a National Championship, especially at 28-1.

3) BOSTON COLLEGE (100-1): The Eagles have had two straight 9-3 seasons and have the horses for another one. Their offensive line rivals Clemson as the best in the conference, which bodes well for QB Matt Ryan. The junior replaced Quinton Porter as the starter last season and showed great poise down the stretch, winning his last three games. LB Brian Toal leads the defense that will survive the loss of All-America defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka.

ANALYSIS: Boston College doesnt have the depth to withstand any injuries and with trips to Miami-Florida and FSU, the Eagles have zero chance of winning it all.

4) MARYLAND (100-1): Ralph Friedgen came to College Park in 01 and instantly improved Maryland from 5-6 to 10-2. The Terps were 5-6 last season but could make a similar move, especially with 13 starters returning, including four on the offensive line. The pieces are also in place defensively for a significant improvement as the entire front four return, as well as Wesley Jefferson, who was simply the top LB coming out of high school in 03.

ANALYSIS: Watch for Maryland to give West Virginia all it can handle in week number three. If the Terps win in Morgantown, theres a good chance for a nine-win season.

5) WAKE FOREST (500-1 or higher): RB Micah Andrews has the dubious task of replacing Chris Barclay, who leaves Wake as the teams all-time rushing leader. Andrews is no slouch himself, as he rushed for 865 yards the past two years with a 5.7 average. Nineteen starters return, including junior MLB Jon Abbate, who simply has lead the team in tackles each of his first two seasons. After two consecutive years at 4-7, the Demon Deacons could be headed for just their third bowl appearance since 1992.

ANALYSIS: Talent-wise, this is the best Wake Forest team in years. Unfortunately, the Deacons play in the much tougher Atlantic Division, so their record may not reflect the improvement.

6) NC STATE (100-1): The Wolfpack finished under .500 only one time since 1996 and that was a 5-6 mark two years ago. They have a solid chance of duplicating that feat in 06. Highly-touted QB Marcus Stone started the final six games last season and NC State went 5-1, but the all-world defense carried the club as Stone completed less than 50% of his passes and the offense generated only 18 ppg.

ANALYSIS: With only two of its entire front seven returning, NC States "D" will struggle. The Wolfpack will be lucky to win five games.

2006 ACC Preview - Coastal Division

1) MIAMI, FL (16-1): Miami led the nation in passing defense, while finishing fourth in both scoring and total defense. Five starters from that side of the ball depart, but LB Tavares Gooden returns after missing almost the entire season. so the "D" will remain strong. QB Kyle Wright has a year under his belt and the Hurricanes are set at all the other skill positions. However, four-fifths of the offensive line must be replaced, which could hurt the Canes early in the season.

ANALYSIS: With RB Tyrone Moss and WR Ryan Moore suspended for the FSU game and a trip to Louisville the third week of the season, you can kiss the National Championship goodbye. Pass.

2) VIRGINIA TECH (30-1): Virginia Tech brings back five starters to a defense, which ranked first in the country in total defense and second in scoring "D". The offense will still be potent despite the loss of QB Marcus Vick, as head coach Frank Beamer loves the run and the combo of Brandon Ore and George Bell will be just as solid as Cedric Humes and Mike Imoh.

ANALYSIS: Virginia Techs toughest stretch of games comes in the middle of the season at BC, vs. Clemson and at Miami. With losses in the latter two, dont expect the Hokies to be drinking champagne on January 8.

3) GEORGIA TECH (100-1): Quarterback Reggie Ball has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns in each of his first three seasons, while completing under 50% of his passes the past two years. Nonetheless, seven other offensive starters return, which are the most the Yellow Jackets have had since 1999. Expect Ball to have his finest season, as Georgia Tech will score more points than it has in each of the past four years. However, it will be Techs annually strong defense that will give them problems. Five starters return on that side of the ball, including only one in the secondary.

ANALYSIS: I expect higher scoring games this year in Atlanta, so the OVER may be the way to go in most of the Yellow Jackets contests. A National Championship is a long way away as four conference defeats, plus games with Notre Dame and Georgia will prevent them from an above .500 season.

4) NORTH CAROLINA (500-1): Coach John Bunting has done a fabulous job bringing UNC back to respectability. Two new quarterbacks (redshirt freshman Cam Sexton and former Nebraska QB Joe Dailey) will vie to replace Matt Baker, but the biggest story in Chapel Hill is the improved defense. North Carolina allowed only 26 ppg last year, down six points from the season before. And if the 69 points the Tar Heels allowed vs. Louisville is removed, the "D" gave up just 22 points per contest.

ANALYSIS: North Carolina had the toughest schedule in the country last year and still managed to win five games. Six or seven may be the number this season.

5) VIRGINIA (200-1): Notre Dame transfer Chris Olsen (17-23 for 159 yds) could not beat out Marques Hagans the past two years, but gets his shot now with Hagans off to the NFL. Virginias offensive line loses star tackle DBrickashaw Ferguson, along with two other three-year starters, so the offense will suffer. Defensively, the Cavaliers allowed over 200 points in conference play for the first time since 01.

ANALYSIS: Virginia ends the season with FSU, Miami and Virginia Tech, so the club must get off to a decent start if they want to go bowling. Six wins is the max for the Cavs, who may even lose at East Carolina on October 7.

6) DUKE (500-1 or higher): The Blue Devils have failed to average 20 ppg since the 90s. This year will not be any different, especially after quarterback Zack Asack got dismissed from the team for plagiarism. Its a shame because Dukes defense was primed for a much-improved season.

ANALYSIS: A win over Richmond the opening week of the season is imperative. The Blue Devils may not win another game.

Click Below for More 2006 College Football Previews:

2006 Sun Belt Conference Preview
2006 Pac 10 Conference Preview
2006 ACC Conference Preview
2006 Big 12 Conference Preview
2006 Big 10 Conference Preview
2006 SEC Conference Preview

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