ACC preview: 'Canes could make title run if they can clear FSU
The ACC needs something new.
This expansion thing has been nice, but even it is getting old. The bigger, better league's first two champions have combined for eight losses.
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| Larry Coker has been feeling the heat after a stinker bowl game and rough offseason. (Getty Images) |
Hey, what about Miami? The 'Canes are always good for a headline or two.
You know about them (and their fans) being perturbed over consecutive 9-3 seasons. You know about Larry Coker and his 53-9 record being subject to message-board scrutiny.
Here's what's fresh: freshmen Javarris James and Sam Shields. They're part of a new wave of Hurricanes you'll likely see Labor Day night against Florida State.
This is where it gets old school for Miami: James is getting his shot because of a suspension to tailback Tyrone Moss -- and injuries to backups Charlie Jones and Derron Thomas. Shields will play because veteran receiver Ryan Moore is suspended for the first two games.
Both James and Shields can play, which might alter the ACC pecking order. Florida State is favored by most to defend its 2005 title. Miami, though, plays its best when it is angry.
In addition to the suspensions, linebacker Willie Williams blew off the program that took him in. Back in the real world, Williams is finding few takers for a transfer who can't play while lugging around 11 arrests.
Miami better be pissed. If all that wasn't enough, the sting of a 37-point Peach Bowl loss still lingers.
"It's been a tough offseason," Coker said.
James is the cousin of NFL star Edgerrin James. When Edgerrin set the school's single-game rushing record in 1998 (299 yards), 12-year old Javarris was on the sideline.
"He's been groomed since he was a kid and he's answered the bell on every level," Edgerrin James told the Associated Press. "He's a killer and now he's finally where he wants to be. I want him to outdo me. I feel like he should be able to. He has all the tools."
Shields, 18, is old Miami in that he makes plays -- seven touchdown catches in the first seven days of fall drills.
He's new school because he actually knows his place. After catching two touchdown passes in a recent scrimmage, Shields reminded coaches that he dropped a couple of potential touchdowns in seven-on-seven drills.
| ACC | |
| Predicted Finish | |
| Atlantic | |
| 1. Florida St. | |
| 2. Clemson | |
| 3. Boston College | |
| 4. Maryland | |
| 5. N.C. State | |
| 6. Wake Forest | |
| Coastal | |
| 1. Miami | |
| 2. Virginia Tech | |
| 3. Georgia Tech | |
| 4. North Carolina | |
| 5. Virginia | |
| 6. Duke | |
| Team to beat: | |
| Miami | |
| Sleeper team: | |
| Clemson | |
| Offensive MVP: | |
| Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech | |
| Defensive MVP: | |
| Gaines Adams, Clemson | |
| Coach of the year: | |
| Larry Coker, Miami | |
"The thing that people don't realize is the great kids we have in this program," receivers coach Marques Mosely said.
Mosely is new, too, one of six new coaches in the program. Much was made over Coker's wave of firings, but Mosely, 31, came from Northern Illinois after Curtis Johnson went to the Saints. The Hurricanes' fabled receiving legacy is now Mosely's.
The former Illinois and Illinois State receiver started his coaching career in 2002 at Army under current Miami quarterbacks coach Todd Berry.
"Miami always has receivers," Mosely said. "It's kind of a notion of what's expected here at the University of Miami. It's now time for some of these guys who haven't had a lot of experience to start leaving a receiving legacy."
That's where Shields comes in. At 6-feet, 177 pounds, he is catching everything. That's more than you can say about Moore, who remains in the doghouse. That also means junior Lance Leggett (32 career catches) and senior Darnell Jenkins (49 catches, two career starts) must step up.
Mosely would like to develop a reliable rotation of six receivers. That could be tough to accomplish by Labor Day. Those receivers will be only as good as an offensive line that must remove the embarrassment of allowing 36 sacks last season, nine of those on opening night against Florida State.
If change is good, Miami has to show it by beating FSU. That gives it an immediate advantage in the conference race and validates Coker's offseason moves. Mosely is part of group that includes new offensive coordinator Rich Olson and Berry.
Early on, the defense might have to carry the 'Canes. That's where the real swagger is for now. Safety Kenny Phillips, after watching Shields prance through the secondary, shouted out, "Superstar!"
"There's an expectation for so long, they expect to be good, they expect to be great," Mosely said. "We haven't done that for a couple of years now."
Atlantic Division
1. Florida State The offensive line is well. Lorenzo Booker is raring to go. The defense is solid. Even after an opening-night loss to Miami, the Seminoles should be able to make a return to the top five this season.
2. Clemson Plenty of weapons on both sides of ball. Will Proctor gets his chance to start as a senior. James Davis should surpass 1,000 yards -- easily. The biggest hurdle is consecutive roadies to Boston College and Florida State in Weeks 2 and 3.
3. Boston College For the last five seasons, BC has won either eight or nine games. Expect more of the same. Quarterback Matt Ryan is unbeaten as a starter. Both lines are loaded with 300-pound-plus monsters.
4. Maryland Fridge lost weight and hired himself as offensive coordinator. A return to a bowl would be even better.
5. N.C. State What, Chuck worry? Amato doesn't believe he is on the hot seat. So why don't the Pack win more with all that NFL-ready talent?
6. Wake Forest Jim Grobe's flexbone keeps defenses honest. The defense returns 10 starters. Expect an upset somewhere. Last year it was against Clemson.
Coastal Division
1. Miami The 'Canes are focused. The defense is one of the school's best. Kyle Wright looks like a budding star. This program can always find tailbacks and receivers. Plus, there is a revenge motive against FSU in the opener. If they get past the 'Noles, the 'Canes might not lose this season.
2. Virginia Tech No one is talking about the expanded ACC's most consistent team. The post-Vick era starts with Frank Beamer relying on defense and special teams. You are not surprised.
3. Georgia Tech Reggie Ball has completed 48.9 percent of his passes with 37 touchdowns and 41 interceptions. He will need to do better than that to get the Jackets off unlucky No. 7 (victories, four years in a row). The opener against Notre Dame is huge.
4. North Carolina John Bunting went 5-6 with the nation's toughest schedule (tied with Georgia Tech, according to SportsLine.com last year). Joe Dailey emerges from his transfer cave to bring a bit of the ol' Nebraska option to Carolina. First, he'll have to beat out redshirt freshman Cam Sexton.
5. Virginia The legend of Al Groh is, well, not legendary. Assistants fled town in the offseason. There's too much to replace here to expect anything but a minor bowl.
6. Duke When did Durham turn into Coral Gables? First the lacrosse team, then projected starting quarterback Zack Asack was suspended for plagiarism.
Offensive MVP
Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech, Jr. If Reggie Ball improves just a little bit, the Tech offense should be formidable. Along with TB Tashard Choice, they just might be able to keep defenses from doubling the best receiver in the country. Look for a 1,200-yard season and an early trip to the NFL.
Defensive MVP
Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson, Sr. A fearsome Dwight Freeney-like presence on the edge with 9½ sacks last season. Adams should be in the NFL, but his return gives the Tigers a puncher's chance at winning the ACC.
