{"id":3243,"date":"2012-08-14T19:00:13","date_gmt":"2012-08-14T23:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/allsportsdiscussion.com\/?p=3243"},"modified":"2012-08-14T21:21:55","modified_gmt":"2012-08-15T01:21:55","slug":"ask-a-blogger-%e2%80%93-acc-coastal-division-pre-season-roundtable-%e2%80%93-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/allsportsdiscussion.com\/2012\/08\/14\/ask-a-blogger-%e2%80%93-acc-coastal-division-pre-season-roundtable-%e2%80%93-part-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Ask a Blogger \u2013 ACC Coastal Division Pre-Season Roundtable \u2013 Part 2"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/allsportsdiscussion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/acc-logo1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"3235\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/allsportsdiscussion.com\/2012\/08\/13\/ask-a-blogger-acc-coastal-division-pre-season-roundtable-part-1\/acc-logo-8\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/allsportsdiscussion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/acc-logo1.jpg?fit=248%2C297&ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"248,297\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":""}\" data-image-title=\"acc-logo\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/allsportsdiscussion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/acc-logo1.jpg?fit=248%2C297&ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/allsportsdiscussion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/acc-logo1.jpg?fit=248%2C297&ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-3235\" title=\"acc-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/allsportsdiscussion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/acc-logo1.jpg?resize=204%2C245\" alt=\"\" width=\"204\" height=\"245\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a>Good evening from all of us at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.allsportsdiscussion.com\">All Sports Discussion<\/a>. \u00a0We\u2019re happy to have<a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/Category6UM\">@Category6UM<\/a>, \u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/younglefhander\">@younglefhander<\/a>, and<a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/WillsWorldMN\">@WillsWorldMN<\/a> give their thoughts on the upcoming 2012 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) football season.Please see their bios below:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/Category6UM\">@Category6UM<\/a>: Josh\/Jerry Writers\/Operators of<a href=\"http:\/\/category6um.com\/\"> Category6UM<\/a>. Based in Miami, Florida. Went to University of Miami for Undergrad. Let\u2019s go \u2018Canes\u2026<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/younglefhander\">@younglefhander<\/a>: \u00a0Adam Brand is a writer for<a href=\"http:\/\/www.thevictoryformation.com\/\"> The Victory Formation<\/a>. He is an Atlanta native who bleeds white and gold.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/WillsWorldMN\">@WillsWorldMN<\/a>: \u00a0Will Ojanen is a writer for<a href=\"http:\/\/www.scacchoops.com\/\"> SCACCHoops<\/a>. He is based in Eagan, Minnesota and is a huge UVA fan.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Now that we\u2019ve introduced you to our blogger panelists, let\u2019s get started with some of their thoughts in our second annual ACC Coastal Division preseason panel!!!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Which team will win the ACC Coastal Division?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/Category6UM\">@Category6UM<\/a>: While we certainly feel a very young Miami will surpise a few teams along the way, Virginia Tech has to be the pick here. They have the best QB in the Division in Logan Thomas, as well as the best defensive front 7.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/younglefhander\">@younglefhander<\/a>: \u00a0I think this comes down to Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech, yet again. \u00a0The Hokies have been slow starters in recent years, but can\u2019t afford to do that this season. \u00a0That first game on Labor Day night is critical for both teams as it pertains to the division race, but I think it takes on added importance for Georgia Tech. \u00a0A win on opening weekend puts the Jackets in position to potentially win 10 games, while a loss might cap their win total at 8. \u00a0My head says Virginia Tech wins on Labor Day and takes the division, while my heart obviously wants to believe otherwise. \u00a0Even though I\u2019m picking Virginia Tech, I don\u2019t expect it to be an easy road to Charlotte for them.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/WillsWorldMN\">@WillsWorldMN<\/a>: \u00a0I don\u2019t know if they are as talented as in years past, but until someone knocks them off the pedestal, I\u2019m picking Virginia Tech. \u00a0Granted, they don\u2019t have a lot back on offense, but they return most of the defense, and I think they\u2019ll use that defense to win more games this year. UNC would have a chance, but they\u2019re ineligible.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Who is the best player in the ACC Coastal Division?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/Category6UM\">@Category6UM<\/a>: This is a tough one. \u00a0QB Thomas of Virginia Tech would be the obvious choice, but we really like the abilities of RB Giovanni Bernard of UNC. He\u2019s got a little Ray Rice to him. We think he will improve on last year\u2019s totals of 1,253 yards rushing (over 1500 all purpose) yards and 14 TDs overall.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/younglefhander\">@younglefhander<\/a>: \u00a0This is always a question that will garner varied responses, as everyone\u2019s definition of \u201cbest\u201d is a bit different. \u00a0A Back Orwin Smith led the conference in yards per touch last year, and has the potential to have another stellar season this year. \u00a0Logan Thomas will shoulder more of the offensive burden this year, given the talent departures at other positions, so I\u2019d say he\u2019s the most important to his team. \u00a0I think Thomas will probably receive more accolades and attention, but Smith is a homerun threat every time he touches the ball. \u00a0For that reason, I\u2019m going with Orwin Smith.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/WillsWorldMN\">@WillsWorldMN<\/a> I love players who can do a little bit of everything. Perry Jones fits that description. He has to split to work with two other backs at Virginia, but he still found a way to have over 1400 yards between rushing and receiving on about 230 touches. He did return punts too.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Who is a dark horse team that could win the ACC Coastal Division?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/Category6UM\">@Category6UM<\/a>: Miami. The offensive line looks very stout. Seantrel Henderson is a former #1 overall recruit at tackle. G Brandon Linder and C Shane McDermott were also top tier recruits. QB Stephen Morris should be well protected by this group. Mike James looks to break out as a Senior RB, but 5 star freshman Randy \u201cDuke\u201d Johnson is already impressing many in his first practices as a collegiate. The key for UM will be whether they can stop the run on defense. Massive Darius Smith (down from 360 pounds to 320) is drawing raves at DT. He could make the difference this season with improved conditioning, \u00a0the likes we haven\u2019t seen since hoops star Reggie Johnson was a freshman.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/younglefhander\">@younglefhander<\/a>: \u00a0Since I picked Georgia Tech to battle it out with Virginia Tech for the division, the Jackets probably don\u2019t meet the definition of dark horse. \u00a0Mike London and his Virginia Cavaliers had a great season last year, and surprised some folks with their improvement, and that has carried over into this preseason, as the Cavaliers have become the chic team to \u201clook out for\u201d. \u00a0While I think things are moving in the right direction in Charlottesville, I think the team that hasn\u2019t gotten much ink that has a real shot at the division is Miami. \u00a0The roster is stocked with oodles of talent, and Al Golden has done a great job of keeping his team focused while rumors of NCAA violations have swirled around Coral Gables. If a dark horse is going to win this division, I think it\u2019s Miami.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/WillsWorldMN\">@WillsWorldMN<\/a> I look at Georgia Tech. They could easily run the table at home, and if they can sneak a win out on the road, they will be right there in contention.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Final thoughts on the ACC Coastal Division?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/Category6UM\">@Category6UM<\/a>: We think it will be wide open. Every team has their strengths and weaknesses. Virginia Tech for instance returns a lot of talent but has huge questions on its offensive line. We don\u2019t see the winner of this division losing less then 2 games. It should be a fun interesting season that comes down to a few big time head to head matchups.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/younglefhander\">@younglefhander<\/a>: \u00a0I think this continues to be a really solid division, not just in terms of the ACC, but college football in general. \u00a0Some out of conference struggles have taken some of the shine off of what is otherwise a good division, top to bottom. \u00a0The Atlantic Division will get the lion\u2019s share of the attention this year, with Clemson defending an ACC title, and Florida State being \u201cback\u201d yet again, but I doubt either would trade places with Duke to play a Coastal Division schedule.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/WillsWorldMN\">@WillsWorldMN<\/a> The division isn\u2019t as strong as in years past. \u00a0A lot of talent left, and there\u2019s a lot of inexperience at a lot of key positions for most of the teams. I think Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, and Virginia will make bowls this year. I\u2019m on the fence on Miami making a bowl. They have a really tough schedule.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Which team will win the ACC?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/Category6UM\">@Category6UM<\/a>: We\u2019re hoping Miami shocks the pundits, but realistically they are a year away. UM\u2019s two biggest ACC Rivals, FSU and Virginia Tech will square off in a very exciting contest. \u00a0The Seminoles finally live up to the hype and win the ACC in a tough one. \u00a0If FSU lets up, Clemson would be our very next choice.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\" dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/younglefhander\">@younglefhander<\/a>: \u00a0At this point, I think Florida State is the favorite. \u00a0Clemson should improve on offense in the second year of Chad Morris\u2019 stint as offensive coordinator, but their conference schedule includes the two toughest teams from the Coastal Division, so a repeat is a tall order. \u00a0I don\u2019t think any challenger from the Coastal has enough to best the Seminoles, so they\u2019re my pick.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/WillsWorldMN\">@WillsWorldMN<\/a>: I think Florida State has the best chance. That defense is so strong, especially against the run. Their offense won\u2019t be dynamic, but it will get the job done for them. If they falter, then Clemson will be nipping at their heels.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>We thank <a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/Category6UM\">@Category6UM<\/a>, \u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/younglefhander\">@younglefhander<\/a>, and<a href=\"http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/WillsWorldMN\">@WillsWorldMN<\/a> for their participation in this panel!!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Please<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/theacc\"> follow the ACC on Twitter<\/a> and<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/theACC\"> become a fan of the ACC on Facebook.<\/a><\/p>\n<br>\n<center>\n\n<script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n<!-- Bottom_Post -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n style=\"display:inline-block;width:468px;height:60px\"\n data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1227879969298088\"\n data-ad-slot=\"1445137322\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n<br>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\n<!-- Horizontal_6 -->\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\n style=\"display:inline-block;width:468px;height:60px\"\n data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1227879969298088\"\n data-ad-slot=\"4619304738\"><\/ins>\n<script>\n (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script>\n\n\n<\/center>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Good evening from all of us at All Sports Discussion. \u00a0We\u2019re happy to have@Category6UM, \u00a0@younglefhander, and@WillsWorldMN give their thoughts on the upcoming 2012 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) football season.Please see their bios below: @Category6UM: Josh\/Jerry Writers\/Operators of Category6UM. Based in Miami, Florida. Went to University of Miami for Undergrad. Let\u2019s go \u2018Canes\u2026 @younglefhander: \u00a0Adam Brand … <\/p>\n<p><a class=\"more-link block-button\" href=\"https:\/\/allsportsdiscussion.com\/2012\/08\/14\/ask-a-blogger-%e2%80%93-acc-coastal-division-pre-season-roundtable-%e2%80%93-part-2\/\">Continue reading »<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,6,12,8],"tags":[63,156,52,23,30,61,160,62,21,28,24,29,64],"class_list":["post-3243","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-acc","category-acc-football","category-college-football","category-general-college-football","tag-gatech","tag-acc","tag-atlantic-coast-conference","tag-canes","tag-cavaliers","tag-cavs","tag-college-football","tag-georgia-tech","tag-gt","tag-jackets","tag-miami","tag-uva","tag-virginia"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p1Ih8i-Qj","jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/allsportsdiscussion.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3243","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/allsportsdiscussion.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/allsportsdiscussion.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/allsportsdiscussion.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/allsportsdiscussion.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3243"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/allsportsdiscussion.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3243\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3309,"href":"https:\/\/allsportsdiscussion.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3243\/revisions\/3309"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/allsportsdiscussion.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3243"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/allsportsdiscussion.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3243"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/allsportsdiscussion.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3243"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}