1. #1
    Chance Harper
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    Clemson Tigers the best bets in ACC

    Clemson Tigers the best bets in ACC

    Once the conference's kings, both Florida State and Miami-FLA are now relegated to runner-ups in the ACC. Seminoles QB Drew Weatherford hopes to turn the offense around a bit for Bobby Bowden's Seminoles squad. Meanwhile Tommy Bowden and Clemson might have the best shot in the conference to come out of the scrum with a BCS berth as the Tigers return a healthy chunk of their 2007 roster.


    Time’s ticking on those “rebuilding” programs at Miami and FSU.

    After important coaching changes, the Hurricanes and Seminoles combined to go 9-15-1 against the spread last year. Miami didn’t even get to go bowling, while Florida State had to settle for another Music City Bowl and a loss to Kentucky. Realistically, their supporters shouldn’t have expected much more. Miami was in its first year under head coach Randy Shannon; the ‘Noles had just handed Jimbo Fisher the offensive co-ordinator reins. These things can take a while.

    The public is expecting better things from both sides in 2008, according to the betting odds. But the ACC title remains a stretch. Here are the win totals for all 12 ACC clubs.

    Virginia Tech Hokies (9½)
    The Hokies won the ACC last season and went to the Orange Bowl. They lost to Kansas and finished the year at 11-3 (7-6 ATS). There was a lot of turnover on both sides of the ball, and VT has five tough road games to worry about in 2008. It’ll be a challenge to win 10 games.

    Clemson Tigers (9)
    Clemson was ranked No. 11 in Fremeau efficiency last year. Virginia Tech was No. 12. The Tigers are mostly intact from 2007 and have an easier schedule than the Hokies. Clemson is the better pick for 10 victories.

    Florida State Seminoles (8½)
    Drew Weatherford has not proven he can be the man behind center for Fisher’s offense. He’s playing behind a young, inexperienced offensive line. It’s a recipe for mediocrity – the FSU defense will prevent the year from being a total disaster.

    Wake Forest Demon Deacons (8)
    It turns out we have to take Wake seriously after all. The Deacons followed up their surprise trip to the Orange Bowl with a 9-4 campaign, and their 9-4 ATS record led the conference. Coach Jim Grobe has enough of his starters back for another kick at the can.

    Boston College Eagles (7)
    The betting public is overreacting to the loss of QB Matt Ryan, now with the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons. Replacement Chris Crane is in his senior year; Crane’s looked good so far, and the B.C. defense will make sure he gets on the field a lot. At least eight wins for the Eagles.

    Maryland Terrapins (7)
    After an unsatisfactory 6-7 (4-8 ATS) season, head coach Ralph Friedgen turned over the offense to James Franklin. That and a soft schedule put Maryland into seven-win territory, but that’s about it.

    Miami-Florida Hurricanes (7)
    This is not good. The Hurricanes were ranked No. 60 in team efficiency last year with one of the worst offenses in the nation; now they’re starting freshman Robert Marve at quarterback. He probably needs a year to really get things going.

    North Carolina Tar Heels (6½)
    The Heels are getting a lot of attention as a breakout candidate in the ACC under coach Butch Davis. He was 4-8 (6-5 ATS) in his first season and should see a marked improvement in Year Two. But seven wins is too much to ask for with these tough non-con games (vs. Notre Dame, at Rutgers).

    North Carolina State Wolfpack (5½)
    Another second-year coach in Tom O’Brien who should get a better result than the 5-7 (5-6 ATS) record N.C. State posted in 2007. Staying healthy will help ensure the Pack goes bowling again.

    Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5½)
    Paul Johnson is bringing the flexbone offense over from Navy, where it was a huge success. Even with some growing pains and a tough schedule, Georgia Tech has the talent to reach 6-6.

    Virginia Cavaliers (4½)
    People are treating the Cavs like a bad rash. They were 9-4 (6-7 ATS) and No. 31 in efficiency last year; some drop-off can be expected after losing QB Jameel Sewell to academic concerns, but Virginia should still go bowling.

    Duke Blue Devils (3)
    Oh, Duke. You won a single game in 2007, and with the Blue Devils facing Northwestern and Navy in non-con action, it looks like another 1-11 year on the docket.

  2. #2
    seaborneq
    It's time to collect
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    I'll do you one better. With Clemson's schedule and the weakness/meekness of the conference, can you say BCS championship game? I am getting 25-1 odds and taking them on Clemson, and +260 on them winning the ACC. Better get on board.

  3. #3
    pags11
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    chance,

    you related to the clemson QB?....

  4. #4
    topcat
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    Quote Originally Posted by seaborneq View Post
    I'll do you one better. With Clemson's schedule and the weakness/meekness of the conference, can you say BCS championship game? I am getting 25-1 odds and taking them on Clemson, and +260 on them winning the ACC. Better get on board.
    i agree that they will make a strong arguement that they will contend.spiller,davis will set records in the acc this year.this year they have a team that is as good a s when danny ford won it all,eventhough his team was dominated by deffense.

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