2005 ACC College Football Preview

2005 ACC Predictions

Today we bring you our third chapter of the 2005 NCAA College football preview. This week we are examining Atlantic Coast Conference and bringing you our ACC conference predictions. Below are the predictions for the Coast and Atlantic divisions including a little bit about each school. For a more in depth look at each football program, click on the team link which includes the football schedule and other information for the respected 2005 squad.

This season the ACC welcomes Boston College to complete the expansion announced of 2003. The Atlantic Coast Conference now has 12 teams in its conference, and gets the privilege to play a title game to determine the ACC champion. Nine of the twelve teams look to have a legitimate shot at getting to the inaugural game, with Va Tech, Miami, and Florida St. heading the field. We are predicting Virginia Tech will represent the Coastal Division, where they will meet the Atlantic Division champ Florida State. How ever it plays out, it should be another exciting year in the ACC.

Coastal Division

1) Virginia Tech - Loaded at skill positions, but Vicks off the field troubles is cause for alarm. Get Miami at home, and besides on the road against Virginia, schedule is fairly trouble-free.
Excellent shot at getting to the ACC title game as well as a BCS bowl game.
2005 Virginia Tech Preview

2) Miami - Probably more talented than the Hokies, but the Hurricanes have to play Virginia Tech in Blacksburg which is why we are calling for Miami to be the runner up in the Coastal Division. Tough game at Florida St. to open up the season but besides that game and the Virginia Tech game, rest of schedule is pretty effortless.
Miami Hurricanes 2005 preview

3) Georgia Tech - Starting QB Reggie Ball needs to be more consistent. Defensive line is very thin, but overall if they stay injury free one of the best units in the nation. 7 or 8 wins and a medium size bowl bid invitation is probable.
Preview for the Yellow Jackets

4) Virginia - Very good backfield overall, perhaps the best in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Lost 7 starters to the NFL draft and schedule is very demanding, but 7 wins and a bowl game is achievable.
2005 Virginia preview

5) North Carolina - 15 starters return, but one of the toughest schedules in the nation will keep the Tar heels in the 5th spot of the Coastal Division and out of the post season.
North Carolina 2005 football preview

6) Duke - No size, lack of talent, and being in a powerhouse conference with better teams should land Duke its 11 straight losing season.
2005 Duke College Preview

Atlantic Division

1) Florida St. - All of the preseason questions exist on the offensive side of the ball as FSU boasts a loaded defensive unit. Team will be tested early in the season against the Hurricanes but we see them emerging as the winner in that contest. Should win the Atlantic Division and play in the inaugural ACC title game.
Florida St preview and schedule

2) NC State - The Wolfpack caught a break not having to play Miami or Virginia from the coastal division. Running backs and defense are talented. Will certainly improve on last years 5-6 record and get to a bowl game.
NC State Wolfpack 2005 preview

3) Boston College - BC is a quality team returning 14 starters. Have the ability to finish second in the Atlantic if they can take care of business against NC State at home on November 12th. Unquestionably should get to their 7th straight bowl game.
BC 2005 College football preview

4) Maryland - Only 11 starters return from a 5-6 team. Defense is good enough to keep them in ball games but getting back to a bowl game will be unlikely due to the lack of talent the young team possesses.
Maryland 2005 football schedule and preview

5) Clemson - Very harsh first 6 games of the schedule could see the Tigers start out 1-5. New coordinators on both sides of the ball, a brutal conference and non conference schedule, will keep Clemson towards the bottom of the Atlantic Division and home this postseason.
2005 Clemson football preview

6) Wake Forest - 15 starters return from a 4-7 team, which is the most in the ACC. Defense as a whole is poor, while on the offensive side of the ball, the rushing game is above average; passing game is just run of the mill. Tough schedule and lack of talent will keep Wake Forest in the cellar of the Atlantic Division.
Wake Forest 2005 preview & schedule