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Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Breaking down the ACC Atlantic
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For the next four days we’re going to break down each team in the ACC and SEC going into spring practice. Today: The ACC Atlantic.
BOSTON COLLEGE
Last season: 11-3, lost to Virginia Tech 30-16 in ACC championship game; beat Michigan State 24-21 in Champs Sports Bowl.
Starters returning: Offense 6, defense 7.
Top story lines: Job No. 1 in spring back is finding a quarterback to replace the great Matt Ryan. Chris Crane and JUCO transfer Codi Boek will lead the competition; Return of LB Brian Toal, who missed all of 2006 season with an injury.
CLEMSON
Last season: 9-4; lost to Auburn 23-20 (OT) in Chick-fil-A Bowl.
Starters returning: Offense 7, defense 8.
Top story lines: Running backs James Davis and C.J. Spiller return, but the Tigers have to find three new starters on the offensive line; two linebackers must step up to replace Nick Watkins and Tremaine Billie.
FLORIDA STATE
Last season: 7-6, lost to Kentucky 35-28 in Music City Bowl.
Starters returning: Offense 8, defense 7.
Top story lines: This will be the second year under offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher, who has been named the head coach in waiting; QB Drew Weatherford will be challenged for his starting job by Christian Ponder.
MARYLAND
Last season: 6-7, lost to Oregon State 24-21 in Emerald Bowl.
Starters returning: Offense 9, defense 5.
Top story lines: Head coach Ralph Friedgen has given up calling the plays and will turn the offense over to new coordinator James Franklin; The Terps lost six starters on defense who combined for 148 career starts.
N.C. STATE
Last season: 5-7.
Starters returning: Offense 6, defense 4.
Top story lines: This will be the second spring under coach Tom O’Brien; running back Toney Baker, who missed all but one game last season because of injury, is back and is expected to have a big year; QB Daniel Evans will be challenged for his job.
WAKE FOREST
Last season: 9-4, beat Connecticut 24-10 in Meinke Car Care Bowl.
Starters returning: Offense 6, defense 9.
Top story lines: There is some work to do on the offensive line as three starters plus the tight end are gone; Wake Forest must also find a big-play receiver to replace Kenneth Moore, who caught 98 passes (ACC record) last season.
Wednesday: The ACC Coastal.
