Plyler's Blog:

I Could Be Wrong

We all have a bias and mine is more evident at times but I just don’t understand some of the hype around some of the players and programs out there. For example:

The Pre-Season ALL-ACC TeamJames Davis and C.J. Spiller did not make the pre-season All-ACC team. Now I understand that few things are less important than pre-season awards. Post-season awards are important but the pre-season versions mean absolutely nothing. But please tell me how both missed out this season.

I think Brandon Ore is very deserving of his spot but I don’t believe Tashard Choice is as good as Davis or Spiller. I have seen all four backs and Choice is the fourth best among this group.

I concede that Choice is the leading returning rusher in the conference from last season but that would not have happened if Ore was healthy or Davis and Spiller did not have to split carries. Choice had 297 carries last year while Ore had 203 carries, Davis had 203 carries and Spiller had just 129 carries. His 5.0 yards per carry mark is impressive but Davis averaged 5.8 yards per carry and Spiller averaged 7.3 yards per attempt.

Choice is solid but he is not Davis or Spiller. I am not sure who can watch all three and decide that Choice is the choice. Again, I know I am biased and I could be wrong but I will take my chances with Davis and Spiller.

The Coastal Division

Speaking of Tech, I have no idea how some think this is a top-20 type team in 2007. I know Reggie Ball is gone but that is the reason for optimism? Tyler Bennett played well in the gator Bowl but Calvin Johnson is also gone. On defense they return some good players but this is not a great defense. Offensively they have Choice and return most of the offensive line but I am not sold on replacing Johnson.

I am not buying the hype. Road games with Notre Dame, Virginia, Miami and Maryland are difficult. Home tilts with Boston College, Clemson, Virginia Tech and Georgia are also very tough. Can they split those eight games? If they do and take care of Duke, North Carolina, Samford and Army then they will go 8-4. I am not sure 8-4 is worth the hype Tech is currently receiving.

Virginia Tech is the most talented and best coached team in the division and it is not that close. A great running game, an outstanding defense and a solid kicking game have won a bunch of titles and I think this is exactly what the Hokies bring to the table in 2007.

Miami is intriguing in year one of Randy Shannon but the Canes are a couple of years away. Virginia is stale and North Carolina will not be ready to contend until a few more years of Butch Davis. Do I have to even mention Duke?

The Atlantic Division

I can understand the Boston College hype but I don’t believe it will turn out the way some do. I do believe that Boston College has the least amount of questions of any team in the Atlantic division. If Tom O’Brien had returned to Chestnut Hill I would pick the Eagles to win the division and maybe the conference but I have major concerns about the new staff. O’Brien was terrific at preparation and I think he will be missed.

The magazines do not give Wake Forest enough credit. I can see the Deacons repeating in the Atlantic division. I have concerns about the defense and having to replace John Abbate is extremely difficult but the offense should be terrific. Also consider the Deacons have the best kicker/punter in the ACC.

There is not a touchdown’s difference between the best team in the Atlantic and the worse team in the division. I can make a case for any of the six teams in the division and how they could win the division. Therefore I believe it will come down to things like schedule and injuries.

NC State can win it because of the new staff and an incredible set of running backs. Maryland is extremely well coached and has more weapons on offense this season. FSU thinks Jimbo Fisher can turn around this offense and Clemson has even talent to compete in this division.

On a neutral field, the top team in the division can be defeated by the worse. This makes predictions very difficult so schedules become a factor. Here is a look at the schedules:

FSU
Home-NCSU, Miami, Duke, Maryland
Away-Clemson, Wake Forest, Boston College, Virginia Tech

Boston College
Home-Wake Forest, NC State, Florida State, Miami
Away-Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Maryland, Clemson

Clemson
Home-Florida State, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Boston College
Away-NCSU, Georgia Tech, Maryland, Duke

Wake Forest
Home-Maryland, Florida State, North Carolina, NCSU
Away-Boston College, Duke, Virginia, Clemson

Maryland
Home-Georgia Tech, Virginia, Clemson, Boston College
Away-Wake Forest, North Carolina, Florida State, NCSU

N.C. State
Home-Clemson, Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland
Away-Boston College, Florida State, Miami, Wake Forest

Since all teams play every team within the division, I would look at the away games and who each team plays from the other division.

FSU plays Miami, Duke and at Virginia Tech from the Coastal division.
BC plays at Georgia Tech, at Virginia Tech and Miami.
Clemson plays at Georgia Tech, at Duke and Virginia Tech.
Wake Forest plays at Duke, North Carolina and at Virginia.
Maryland plays Georgia Tech, Virginia and at North Carolina.
NC State plays Virginia, at Miami and North Carolina.

In my opinion Wake Forest has the easiest schedule. Therefore, don’t be surprised if the Deacs repeat.