Finally, the college football previews are beginning on SnoTap. We are trying something new looking at divisions/conferences as a whole versus breaking down every team. We look at the power six conferences, Notre Dame and independents and mid-majors.
The Atlantic Coast Conference has not been represented in the National Championship game since 2000. While teams in their same region but different conferences have ultimate dominance in the sport, the ACC struggled to find footing with the powerhouses. This might be the first time in a long time where the ACC has three National Champion contenders, and it should not come as a surprise if we see one of those teams playing for the crystal ball.
The ACC Atlantic is first up in the SnoTap college football preview. It is a division filled with highlight reel players and intrigue on the height of some of the team's ceilings.
FIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH
QB Jameis Winston (Florida State) - One of the best freshmen (Redshirt but still) in the game right now. He has an
absolute cannon for an arm as he displayed during the College World Series and all the tools to be a great player for Florida State. He also seems to have a
way with words and people might get on his bandwagon quick. Helping Winston's transition into being a starter will be his very talented offensive line with Bryan Stork, Tre' Jackson and Josue Matias being one of the best inside trios in college football.
WR Sammy Watkins (Clemson) - If you believe in sophomore slumps, look no further than the wide receiver out of Clemson. Watkins missed three games and could not follow up his huge freshman campaign with another big year. He only had four total touchdowns and two games with over 100 yards of receiving and Clemson still won 11 games. Imagine if Watkins can duplicate the 2011 season, Clemson becomes instantly a better team and a true threat to make it to the big game. Also with him healthy again, I expect him to be more part of the rushing game.
WR Stefon Diggs (Maryland) - I cannot blame if you do not know who Mr. Diggs is because Maryland was not a good football team last year. Diggs dealt with having the scout team linebacker throw him passes at one point of the season and he still had nearly 1,900 all-purpose yards on the year, second-highest for a freshman in school's history. Diggs is one of the most dynamic playmakers in college football that no one really seems to talk about. Unlike Watkins, Diggs will have a huge second year with the Terrapins and actually make them look like a competent football team again.
CB LaMarcus Joyner (Florida State - One of the best playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. He is only 5'8 but he plays like a big corner out there. Joyner also makes up for his lack of height with blazing fast speed. If he jumps a route, there is a good chance Joyner will be seeing the endzone after picking it off. Terrence Brooks and him form an excellent duo in Florida State's secondary and with many teams passing the football more, the Seminoles should not have a problem stopping the pass.
QB Tajh Boyd (Clemson) - I would be remiss if I did not mention of my favorites in college football. Boyd is one of the favorites to win all of the awards come December. He progressed greatly as a quarterback under offensive coordinator Chad Morris and Boyd is poised to have another huge year. One thing to watch with Boyd is how he will do without having Andre Ellington in the backfield. While Clemson is pass-first, Ellington was a nice change of pace for the team.
FIVE GAMES TO WATCH
Saturday August 31st - Georgia at Clemson - My original hope we would have all ACC Atlantic matchups but let's be honest here, there are some juicy non-conference games with the teams in this division. Clemson looks to continue their run against SEC teams that started with them beating Auburn and LSU last season. This used to be a huge rivalry throughout the years and it is good to see the teams playing each other in their home stadiums. This should be a wild game.
Thursday September 19th - Clemson at NC State - This screams upset alert. The ACC will be hosting Thursday night games from now on ESPN and this could be one where we see SportsCenter open with fans charging the field after it. Boyd and Watkins will be ready for a Thursday night game in a hostile environment but the Tigers defense might not be there yet which could be a major problem. If the Tigers start off with two losses before we get to October, Dabo Sweeney's seat will start getting warm.
October 19th - Florida State at Clemson - For the sake of the article, let's say Clemson does not lose two games, this is the highlight of the ACC Atlantic division. It will probably decide who is playing in the ACC Championship game come December and the Noles will try to win Death Valley for the first time since 2001. Last year, Florida State scored 28 unanswered points in the third and fourth quarter winning 49-37 as the Tigers blew a 10-point lead.
November 30th - Maryland at NC State - Why should we care about this game you ask? Both of these teams might be fighting to try to get bowl eligible or it could be the last game in the Randy Edsall experience for the Terrapins. Either way, this game will mean something.
November 30th - Florida State at Florida - Imagine if the Seminoles get through the ACC season unscathed and then they have to win in The Swamp to complete a perfect season before heading to the ACC Championship game. It could be some sight. The Seminoles have won twice in the last 10 years when they visit Gainesville. Even if Florida State is not undefeated, these two teams tend to deliver a good game.
FIVE QUESTIONS TO PONDER
Could Clemson be in the National Championship? - While I love the Clemson offense, I am going to say probably not. Yes they get Florida State at home and that's a huge advantage to their schedule, but they have an untested defense facing Georgia in Week 1 and then facing NC State in a tough road game three weeks later. There is also the whole thing about the bottom falling out for Clemson in November and if that's happens again, it might start when they have back-to-back road games against Maryland and Virginia.
Could Florida State be in the National Championship? - Personally, I am really buying into the Noles chances. We will get to Winston in a second, we have not even mentioned the potential huge year for James Wilder Jr. and they have a strong defense again as well. For the first time in a long time, the game against Miami on November 2nd will hold a ton of meaning for not only the ACC but also the National Championship.
How much will we hear 'Jameis Winston is the next Johnny Manziel?' - Yes Mr. Winston made some comments saying "He did not want Johnny Manziel disease" which is a real stupid comment, but I digress. He will get compared to Manziel because he probably has an outside shot at winning the Heisman as a freshman and people will unfairly put him in with Manziel. Wintson is that good of a quarterback. Trust me, I know I am hyping him up throughout this post, but he will be one of the best players at the end of the year with people for the 2015 NFL Draft salivating.
After Florida State and Clemson, how bare is the ACC Atlantic cupboard? - It is bare as when a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model wears body paint. Sure it looks like there is something there, but in reality, she is not wearing anything. Boston College, Wake Forest and Syracuse is a truly weak bottom. Maryland and NC State both could be bowl teams but probably as 6-6 or 7-5 so not much hope there either. A couple upsets could happen but I do not think they are very deep.
How important are the ACC v. SEC games? - The first weekend of the season features Alabama-Virginia Tech, South Carolina-North Carolina and Georgia-Clemson, if the ACC somehow wins both games, people will probably freak out to epic proportions. But in the grand scheme of things, it might take some of the superhuman strength of the SEC and that's it. Until one of these teams beat them in the National Championship game, they are the kings of college football.
PROJECTED FINISH
1. Florida State
2. Clemson
3. NC State
4. Maryland
5. Boston College
6. Wake Forest
7. Syracuse
I am all aboard the Florida State bandwagon. I like Clemson, but I feel they will once again find themselves looking on the outside of the BCS bowls.
Charlie.
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