This is the year the ACC finally grows a pair and wins some big games out of conference to bring some national respect to the conference. The ACC is in need of a few to change the perception around the country. Hopefully a team will emerge and still be in the race for a national championship when the season is nearing an end. That is the one thing that can help the conference as a whole. Virginia Tech, Miami, and Florida State have plenty of talent to be that team. Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Clemson, and Boston College could be dark horses for a conference championship. The rest, well, better luck next year! Here is how Chrisishokie and FSUTampaguy see the ACC shaking out this upcoming season.

ACC Atlantic

Florida State

 Projected Finish: 10-2 (7-1 ACC)

 Key Non-Conference Games: Florida, @ Oklahoma, BYU

 Key Conference Games: Clemson, @ Miami

Florida State will finally usher in a new era under the direction of Head Coach (no longer in waiting) Jimbo Fisher. Fisher has brought in some new tools with Defensive Coordinator Mark Stoops, and Linebackers Coach Greg Hudson to shore up the leaky and often big play susceptible FSU Defense. If Stoops can turn the sloppy play of an otherwise talent-capable squad, there is no reason FSU cannot improve on its 7-6 resume from 2009. But don’t bet the farm on FSU’s Defense. It will be FSU’s Offense that will be worth watching in 2010. Anchored by Christian Ponder and Rodney Hudson, FSU is loaded at the key positions on offensive line, and at receiver. Paired with a stable of capable running backs, FSU’s offense could be a top ten unit nationally.

Player to watch on Offense: Rodney Hudson, OG. Why: Hudson may end up as one of the most celebrated offensive lineman in FSU history—and until now; you didn’t even know his name.

Player to watch on Defense: Nigel Bradham, LB. Why: 2 years ago, FSU fans couldn’t stop gabbing about him, but his numbers have been less than spectacular ever since. With LB Coach Hudson in the fold, all indications from the defensive staff this spring were that Bradham is a freakishly talented player who only needed some coaching and development, and has quickly and vastly exceeded expectations.

Clemson

Projected Finish: 8-4 (6-2 ACC)

 Key Non-Conference Games: @ Auburn, South Carolina

 Key Conference Games: Georgia Tech, Miami, @ Florida State

With Dabo Swinney now firmly at the helm in Clemson, the Tigers boast one of the ACC’s and perhaps nation’s best defenses, anchored by Defensive Tackles Brandon Thomas and and Jarvis Jenkins, Clemson’s front-five will be a wrecking crew for opposing offenses—notably run-heavy programs. With the question of Kyle Parker’s future as the signal caller in Clemson unclear, the outlook of the Tigers’ future remains unclear. Should Parker return, Clemson will have an excellent shot at returning to the ACC Championship game, and could even be a favorite in that contest. If Parker leaves however, Tajh Boyd, a true-Freshmen, would take the snaps, and while his talent as a passer is uncertain, his talents as a leader are not nearly of the same caliber as Parker. Nonetheless, Clemson’s defense may just be talented enough to keep them in every contest this season regardless of the outcome of Parker’s future with the team.

Player to watch on Offense: Andre Ellington, RB. Why: Ellington’s average 7.2 yards per carry in 2009 bodes well for the back, and getting plenty of rest while splitting time with Jamie Harper should provide Ellington with fresh legs on crucial 3^rd down plays.

Player to watch on Defense: Jarvis Jenkins, DT. Why: As mentioned above, Jenkins is as skilled at DT as most players would dream of being, and could easily play Defensive End or even Inside Linebacker. His speediness, and elusiveness make him the ideal first-rounder that any NFL team could benefit from immediately.

Boston College

 Projected Finish: 8-4 (5-3)

 Key Non-Conference Games: Notre Dame

 Key Conference Games: Virginia Tech, Clemson

Scheduling is a word that should be fresh on everyone’s mind when looking at BC this season. More than Herzlich, more than the nearly 30-year-old incumbent QB Dave Shinskie, and certainly more than talented wide receivers that average over 15 yards per catch. Boston College’s schedule features only five road contests—three of which are against the likes of lowly Wake Forest, Duke, and Syracuse. If BC can earn at least a split in road games against FSU and NC State, they control their destiny to win the Atlantic outright. As ridiculous as it sounds, BC’s schedule offers tremendous upside, and with an upset over Virginia Tech or Clemson, they could easily rack up a 10 win season with little to no effort.

Player to watch on Offense: Colin Larmond Jr., wide receiver. Why: With Rich Gunnell graduating, Larmond will be the featured Wide Receiver in Chestnut Hill. This is a scary reality for opposing secondaries. Larmond averaged 20.6 yards per catch last season, and was often Dave Shinskie’s deep threat target. Look for more of the same in 2010.

Player to watch on Defense: Luke Kuechly, Linebacker. Why: Everyone knows Mark Herzlich will be the guy everyone’s watching. Meanwhile, Kuechly will quietly continue his record setting pace en-route to shattering BC’s school record for tackles. Last year as a freshman, he posted an astounding 158—which was good enough for 2^nd best in the country. He also had 13 tackles for loss, four pass breakups, a sack, an interception and a fumble recovery.

NC State

 Projected Finish: 4-8 (2-6 ACC)

 Key Non-Conference Games: Cincinnati, East Carolina

 Key Conference Games: @ Georgia Tech, @ UNC, @ Clemson

If Boston College has the easiest path to the ACC Championship Game, NC State would have a solid argument for having possibly the hardest path. With half of NC State’s games on the road against some of the ACC’s best, and home games featuring Florida State, Cincinnati, Virginia Tech and Boston College, Tom O’Brien will have his work cut out for him again this season. The Wolfpack have become possibly the third best team in the Tobacco Road area, and the daunting schedule could make for a third straight disappointing year.

Player to watch on Offense: Russell Wilson, QB. Why: Wilson could easily jump into the Heisman conversation this year if the ‘Pack can manage a nine to 10 win season. If it weren’t for this kid, they wouldn’t have much of a shot to win any games this year.

Player to watch on Defense: Nate Irving,  LB. Why: Irving, another comeback story in the ACC (see Herzlich) looks to return to crashing through offenses, rather than trees. After a car accident left Irving with a separated shoulder and a punctured lung, Irving now appears to be at full strength, on year later. With his size and natural ability, he is already recapturing the attention of his coaches. Sadly, he seems to be the lone bright spot on this defense worth mentioning.

Maryland

Projected Finish: 3-9 (1-7 ACC)

 Key Non-Conference Games: Navy, @ West Virginia

 Key Conference Games: Wake Forest, Duke

It would seem that Ralph Friedgen’s attempt at losing weight also translated into losing football games. Following an extremely disappointing 2009 campaign where the Terps lost all but two games, one of which was a rather strange upset of Atlantic Division Champion Clemson, and the other, against FCS opponent James Madison—these Terps are in desperate need of some new blood in order to turn the corner, and this year should play out no different, or perhaps worse than it did a season ago.

Player to watch on Offense: Torrey Smith, WR. Why: He’s a talent all his own, and could easily play in the NFL right now. The only problem is, with Chris Turner out of eligibility; Jamarr Robinson will be relied on to handle the snaps under center.

Player to watch on Defense: Alex Wujciak, LB. Already on a slew of watch lists including the Nagurski (Best Defensive Player) the Lott (Top Impact Defensive Player,) and Lombardi (Best Defensive Lineman,) Wujciak finished 8^th in the nation in total tackles, and has been recognized by several pre-season magazines as a potential All-American Defensive Lineman.

Wake Forest

Projected Finish: 2-10 (0-8 ACC)

 Key Non-Conference Games: @ Stanford, Navy, @ Vanderbilt

Key Conference Games: Duke

Riley Skinner is gone, and so is any shot of Wake Forest heading back to an ACC Championship game any time soon. Jim Grobe has already vocally stated that 2010 is a rebuilding year, and that the Demon Deacons are moving to an Option Offense much like that of Georgia Tech. The only problem is that a new offense presents new hurdles for new linemen. Look for mistakes aplenty, and schoolyard football to be somewhat comical this season for Wake.

Player to watch on Offense: Marshall Williams, WR. Why: Someone has to catch the ball, and Williams is playing his Senior season as the big man on campus. By all accounts, the talented receiver could in the very least, improve his draft stock should he have a solid final year.

Player to watch on Defense: Kenny Okoro, CB. Why: Through the final eight games last season, Okoro managed three interceptions as a true freshman, and also led the team with 11 pass break-ups. There is tremendous upside for Okoro in his second season, and with the Deacs likely digging their heels in on defense more often this year, Okoro should see plenty of opportunities to pad his stats.

ACC Coastal

Virginia Tech

Projected Finish: 11-1 (7-1 ACC)

Key Non-Conference Game: Boise State

Key Conference Games: @ Miami, @ UNC, Georgia Tech

The Hokies are considered by many to be national title contenders this year. The offense has a chance to be one of the best in school history with senior Tyrod Taylor leading the way. Taylor showed much improvement last year, and everyone in Blacksburg is expecting him to continue to build on that. Ryan Williams is returning as well, and his name has popped up in some preseason Heisman conversation. He, along with Evans, should provide much excitement in the backfield this year. If the Hokies want to make this a memorable season, it will be up to this young defense to grow up quickly. Virginia Tech lost seven starters from last year’s defense, so there will not be much experience on the field in the first game against Boise.  That is a cause for concern, but Bud Foster is one of the best in the business, and he will have those boys more than ready to play.

Player to Watch, Offense: Darren Evans, runningback. Why: Evans missed all of last season with a knee injury and sort of became forgotten with the season Ryan Williams had. In 2008, Evans rushed for over 1200 yards along with 12 touchdowns. The Hokies will be very happy to have Evans back, and they will be even more dangerous with him and Williams on the field at the same time.

Player to Watch, Defense: Rashad Carmichael, cornerback.  Why: He will now be the leader on defense with all that is gone from last season. Carmichael is the glue that will hold this unit together. He had 6 interceptions last season, and he will provide the experience this year as he started every game for the Hokies last year.

Miami

Projected Finish: 9-3 (6-2 ACC)

Key Non-Conference Games: @Ohio State, @ Pittsburgh, South Florida

Key Conference Games: Virginia Tech, @Clemson, @ Georgia Tech

Miami has improved every season so far under Randy Shannon. They are expecting that to continue this year, but a very tough schedule could prove to be a hindrance. Miami has three games in a row, all on the road, against Ohio State, Pittsburgh, and Clemson. That is a gauntlet right there. Not to mention games against Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, and South Florida to end the season. Jacory Harris has to do a lot of growing up if they want to make it through this season successfully. Miami has loads of talent all over the field and plenty of returning experience to make a run at an ACC title. Most Hurricane fans would probably say anything less would be a failure.

Player to Watch, Offense: Jacory Harris, quarterback.  Why: Harris had moments last year where he looked like one of the best quarterbacks in all of football. He also had moments that were awful and he wants to forget. Harris must continue to grow and mature as a player this year. He needs to cut down on the interceptions and mistakes. If he does that, Miami will be a contender for the whole season.

Player to Watch, Defense: Brandon Harris, cornerback. Why: Harris proved last year that he can fly all over the field. He was one of the tops in the country in pass breakups, and also had 85 tackles along with 3 interceptions. He will be one of the best, if not the best, defensive backs in the conference this year.

North Carolina

Projected Finish:  8-4 (5-3 ACC)

Key Non-Conference Games: LSU (neutral), @Rutgers, East Carolina

Key Conference Games: @ Miami, @Florida State, Virginia Tech

It seems every year people claim that “this is the year North Carolina breaks through to win the ACC”. The act has gotten tiring honestly, but the questions remains, is this really the year? The defense will be lights out for this Tar Heel squad. They have five maybe even six first round picks starting on defense. Quinn, Marvin Austin, Quan Sturdivant, Bruce Carter, Deunta Williams, and Kendric Burney all lead the vaunted D. But if UNC really wants to break through, it will all rest on the arm of senior quarterback TJ Yates. Yates obviously needs to have a better season than last, or it will be another dismal year of underachieving for the Tar Heels. He has a very talented receiver in Little, so it’s not like the cupboard is bare. Everyone knows the UNC defense is going to be one of the best in the country. That is a given. The uncertainty rests with the offense and whether or not they will be able to muster up enough points to win each week.

Player to Watch, Offense: Greg Little, wide receiver. Why: Little has the potential to be the best receiver in the ACC. Everyone got to see that talent in his final 2 games last year against NC State and Pittsburgh. UNC needs Little to build upon those two performances and help carry the load on offense. T.J. Yates needs Little to step up and be his go to guy all season, not just a game here or there.

Player to Watch, Defense: Robert Quinn, defensive end. Why: Quinn is one of the best defensive ends in all of college football and more than likely a first round pick in next year’s draft. He is a nightmare for offensive lineman and will be the anchor of a very strong North Carolina defense this year. He will face plenty of double and possibly some triple teams this year, so his sack total might go down from 11 last season, but his presence will be felt mightily.

Georgia Tech

Projected Finish: 8-4 (5-3 ACC)

Key Non-Conference Game: @ Kansas, @ Georgia

Key Conference Game: @UNC, @ VT, Miami, @Clemson

Georgia Tech lost a lot of star power to the draft last year, and many are considering this to be a rebuilding year for the Yellow Jackets. Still, they are returning one of the best field generals in the ACC in quarterback Josh Nesbitt. Nesbitt runs the Jacket’s triple option offense to perfection and causes headaches for so many opponents. He is very tough to bring down, and along with Anthony Allen, Georgia Tech should have one of the best rushing attacks in college football. Tech has hired former Virginia Head Coach, Al Groh, as their defensive coordinator. He is implementing the 3-4 defense, in hopes to improve a less than stellar unit from last season. The defending ACC Champs have their work cut out for them if they want to win back to back conference championships.

Player to Watch, Offense: Anthony Allen, running back. Why: Last season, Allen averaged about 10 yards per carry as the backup behind Jonathan Dwyer. With the starting job this year, Allen should take off and easily rush for over 1,000 yards. He is a very physical runner and the best Georgia Tech has to offer.

Player to Watch, Defense: Louis Young, cornerback. Why: Young is an incoming freshman who expects to get plenty of playing time this season. Tech is in need of secondary help, and Young will be able to provide that as he was one of the top recruits in the country. (Compliments Vespula)

Duke

Projected Finish: 4-8 (2-6 ACC)

Key Non -Conference Games: Alabama, @ Navy

Key Conference Games: @ VT, @ GT, UNC

The Blue Devils are a national power on the hardwood, but when it comes to football, they have been the laughingstock of the league for quite some time. Expect some of the same this season. They will be battling out with Virginia for the cellar in the Coastal Division this year. The lone bright spot for this team is Donovan Varner, a junior wide receiver who burst onto the scene last year. With Thaddeus Lewis gone, it is hard to believe Duke will be able to score as many points as a year ago.

Player to Watch, Offense: Donovan Varner, wide receiver. Why: Varner was the ACC’s leading receiver last season, and if Duke wants to make a bowl game this year, he will need to produce even more this time around. Varner is only a junior, and even with new quarterback Sean Renfree leading the offense, everyone can expect another 1,000 yard season and all conference selection.

Player to Watch, Defense: Damian Thornton, linebacker. Why: Last season, Thornton recorded his first double digit tackle game against Virginia Tech, and he continued to play well as the season progressed. He leads the Duke defense and could be a surprise player this year.

Virginia

Projected Finish: 4-8 (1-7)

Key Non-Conference Games: Southern California

Key Conference Games: Miami, @BC, @VT

Mike London has been brought in from the University of Richmond to replace Al Groh as the Cavailers head football coach this season. London had success at Richmond, which included a national championship. Virginia is hoping he can bring the same kind of success to their football program. Things look bleak in Charlottesville this season though. The Cavaliers are rebuilding, and they seem to be the doormat for the league this year. Expectations are not very high, but with time, London should be able to bring some stature back to UVA football.

Player to Watch, Offense: Marc Verica, quarterback. Why: Verica was the starter for the Cavaliers in 2008, and he will return to duty this year. He has struggled at times, but now that the job is fully his again, expect him to turn it around and have a steady season.

Player to Watch, Defense: Ras-I Dowling, cornerback. Why: On a team that is rebuilding, Dowling will have to provide the experience if Virginia wants to compete. (HA!) Dowling had three interceptions last year and eight in his career. He was a big reason for Virginia’s pass defense last season.