College Football 2006: The ACC

The ACC appears headed for a transition year in 2006 with no clear-cut favorite and not a legitimate national championship contender in sight, (The AP and USA Today poll didn't rank an ACC team in the top ten).

The big three of Florida State, Miami and Virginia Tech have real question marks as the season begins leaving the way open for a potential darkhorse like Clemson to emerge from the pack and take the crown.

Even with the expected dropoff in the conference, the Seminoles and Hurricanes are still the preseason favorites, thanks to tradition and both programs incredibly strong recruiting base. The Hokies still have a strong defense, but must replace Marcus Vick and Cedric Humes on offense.

The Tigers have the talent to challenge the big three this season, thanks to a defense lead by All-American Gaines Adams and middle linebacker Anthony Waters. The big question mark for Clemson is replacing quarterback Charlie Whitehurst, who is now with the San Diego Chargers in the NFL.

The unpredictability of 2006 should make it an exciting season in the ACC. Look for the big three, along with Clemson and Georgia Tech, to challenge for the conference crown. Here's a look at the ACC for 2006.

ACC Standings:

Atlantic Division:
1. Florida State - Drew Weatherford returns as leader of the Seminole offense and despite some struggles last season (18 interceptions), Weatherford set an ACC record for passing yards by a freshman (3,220). Lorenzo Booker (552 yards) is back at tailback while Chris Davis is a solid receiver. Linebacker Lawrence Timmons leads the defense. Get BC and Clemson at home.

2. Clemson - Head coach Tommy Bowden returns a solid defense with Adams (9.5 sacks) and Waters (109 tackles) leading the way. There are questions in the secondary with Tye Hill off in the pros. The offense returns all five starters on the line and running back James Davis collected 879 yards last year as a freshman. The key to the Tigers' season is quarterback Will Proctor, who must replace the departed Whitehurst.

3. Boston College - Major losses on offense (T Jeremy Trublood; WR Will Blackmon; QB Quinton Porter) and the rebuilding of the defensive front seven, can you say Mathias Kiwanuka, spell problems for BC. The Eagles have enough talent to get to a minor bowl in 2006, but that's about it.

4. Maryland - Must try to replace the big loss of Vernon Davis and quarterback Sam Hollenbach must step up if the Terrapins hope to secure a bowl game in 2006. The defense lost D'Qwell Jackson, but may be a better unit this season. Tailback Lance Ball ran for 903 yards last season.

5. North Carolina State - The offense has improved and quarterback Marcus Stone and running backs Andre Brown and Toney Baker should be able to control the clock and eat up yardage. The problem, how do you replace Mario Williams, Manny Lawson and John McCargo on defense? All three were first round selections in the NFL Draft with Williams being the first overall pick. The answer? You don't.

6. Wake Forest - The Deacons are poised to move up with 10 starters returning on defense and nine back on offense. They can't afford to make mistakes and must play turnover free football, but this team could be a darkhorse in 2006.

Coastal Division:
1. Miami, Fla - The Hurricanes strength is on the defensive side of the ball. Despite the collapse against LSU in the Peach Bowl, the defense surrendered only 14 ppg. last season. Brandon Merriweather and Kenny Phillips are the best safety combo in the country, while Baraka Atkins is a preseason All-American at defensive end. Kyle Wright returns at quarterback after an inconsistent sophomore season, but he won't have to carry the load all by himself. Tyrone Moss and Charlie Jones are a solid 1-2 punch at running back, Greg Olsen is a favorite for the Mackey Award at tight end and Ryan Moore will look to replace Sinorce Moss as the Miami deep threat. A solid team that has the Seminoles at home.

2. Virginia Tech - A strong defense and another easy schedule should keep the Hokies in the title hunt for 2006. Xavier Adibi and Lance Hall are solid linebackers, while Victor Harris is the next big star in the Tech secondary. The key to the season will be at quarterback. Either Sean Glennon, Cory Holt or Ike Whitaker must emerge from this battle and lead the offense. If no one does, it could be a disappointing season for Hokie fans.

3. Georgia Tech - Could very easily bypass Virginia Tech in the standings and challenge the Hurricanes in the division. Reggie Ball (2,165 yards, 11 TDs, 381 yards rushing) is back at quarterback and will be throwing to his favorite target, Calvin Johnson, one of the best receivers in the nation. Johnson caught 54 passes last year for 888 yards and six touchdowns. The o-line returns four starters that will make Ball's job easier. The front seven on the defensive side is solid, but the secondary is a major concern. Only one starter returns and the rest are unproven. If the secondary emerges, look out for the Ramblin' Wreck.

4. North Carolina - The strength of the Tar Heels is on defense, where eight starters return from a unit that was the most improved in the ACC last season. Add to that juco transfer Kentwan Balmer at defensive end and it looks like UNC will be even stronger this season. The offense on the other hand was a disaster in 2005. This season the reigns will be handed to Nebraska transfer Joe Dailey. It's up to him or freshman Cam Sexton to lead the offense back to respectability.

5. Virginia - Major losses will have the Cavaliers in rebuilding mode under Al Groh. Gone are quarterback Marques Hagans, RB Wali Lundy, OT D'Brickshaw Ferguson, LB Ahmad Brooks and LB Kai Parham. Add to that the dismissal of starters Tony Franklin at safety and Vince Redd at defensive end and you can see serious problems ahead for Virginia in 2006.

6. Duke - The countdown to basketball season begins.

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