Amazingly and somewhat sadly we’ve already reached about the halfway point of the college football season. It really goes to fast doesn’t it? Well it’s time to hand out some mid-season ACC grades. The Coastal Division might need curve because this division has had some real disappointments.
Duke Blue Devils (5-1, 2-0) – A
David Cutcliffe has Duke in position to make a bowl game at 5-1. The Blue Devils only loss was at Stanford, which no one expected they’d win. That was the only game the Blue Devils didn’t score at least 34 points. I even saw the Blue Devils with some top 25 votes this week. Cutcliffe is the front runner for the ACC’s coach of the year.
Miami Hurricanes (4-2, 3-0) – B
The Hurricanes have a chance to win their first ACC Coastal Division. Sure the defense is terrible and they’ve gotten blown out by Notre Dame and Kansas St, but the fact remains Miami controls their own destiny. Offensively this is a strong unit, and Stephen Morris has played well this year at QB. Duke Johnson is a star in the making at RB. Prediction – If Miami beats UNC at home this week, they’ll end up in Charlotte.
North Carolina Tar Heels (4-2, 1-1) – B
The loss to Wake Forest is the only thing that is keeping the Tar Heels from an A. They nearly beat a good Louisville team, and are one the few ACC teams, that can play both offense and defense. Larry Fedora has kept the Heels focused. I like this squad, they are very underrated.
Virginia Tech (3-3, 1-1) – D
What a absolute disappointment the Hokies have been. Had they not been able to pull out a last second victory against Georgia Tech they would have gotten an F. The Hokies are 0-3 on the road and sit 3-3 after opening the season in the top 15. When was the last time a Virginia Tech defense was ranked 64th in the country? It is this year. The offense is even worse at 86th.
Georgia Tech (2-4, 1-3) – D
The Yellow Jackets can’t hold leads, they can’t play defense, and they can’t beat Middle Tennessee St. Paul Johnson’s future has been a hot topic of debate, but he isn’t going anywhere – this year. DC Al Groh on the other hand may not want to get too comfortable in Atlanta. There are going to be staff changes and he’ll be at the top of the list.
Virginia Cavaliers (2-4, 0-2) – D
Virginia beat Penn State which keeps them getting an F. The problem isn’t the Cavaliers are just losing. They are getting blown away. 3 of their 4 losses have been by more than 20 points. I didn’t expect the Cavs to contend for an ACC Title, but I thought they’d be competitive and they haven’t been. Phillip Sims has taken over at QB, but it will take some time before he’s comfortable starting.
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